We love heading inland, whatever the weather – especially for a trek through the mountains. These are the best Gold Coast hikes to soak in the beautiful hinterland.
WOLLUMBIN/MT WARNING
South of the border, nestled in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales – home to the world’s oldest subtropical rainforests and mountains forged by volcanoes – Wollumbin towers at 1156m above sea level. Though the Summit Track is now closed, nearby walks offer views of Wollumbin itself. The 7.9-kilometre Brummies Lookout trail is popular amongst birdwatchers and hikers alike, but there is a slightly longer option (around 11 kilometres) if you’re feeling adventurous. With trails winding through subtropical rainforests and shrubland, this is a region you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again.
TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN
This is certainly the cushiest ‘hike’ of the bunch. Tamborine Mountain is actually an entire region in the Gold Coast hinterland, and doesn’t have peaks at all – it’s a plateau, formed by an eruption from Mt Warning some 22 million years ago. Drive up the mountain – stopping to admire the mysterious ‘piano rock’ on your way – for horse riding, bird watching, glow worm tours, thunder-egg fossicking, fishing, some window shopping along Gallery Walk and so much more. Oh, and there are a series of hikes (of varying difficulties) to find up there, too. Then, when you’re in need of a refuel, find Café Alpine in the Birchgrove Nursery, or opt for one of the many wineries, breweries and distilleries in the area. Finish the day with a bit of fudge (you’ve earned it).
MT COUGAL
Perched on the Queensland-New South Wales border, Mt Cougal is not for the faint of heart. But, considering you get two views for the price of one at Mt Cougal, we’d say it’s totally worth it. Getting to the twin summits involves a hard climb – lots of scrambling up rock faces, navigating rainforest pathways and even a narrow cave to squeeze through – but once you reach the first peak, it’s all worth it. Your trek is rewarded by panoramic views of the Tweed Valley not once, but twice, from the east and west peaks. Even on your way up, there are sights to see. Make sure you stop and admire the large tree in the large rainforest clearing that was marked by the surveyor Francis Roberts in the 1860s, and check out the Cougal Cascades in Currumbin Valley below for a refreshing post-hike dip.
