Each new year brings a new resolution and if exploring hidden gems, spending time among nature or increasing that step count was on the list for you this year, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or budding enthusiast, lace up those hiking boots and unwrap the adventurer within, with these breathtaking (see what we did there 😉) walking and hiking trails.
Turtle Trail - Bargara
We’re known for being the town the turtles call home, so of course we would have a trail dedicated to sharing with you the place these mum’s and bubs come to nest and hatch each year. This scenic trail dubbed the Turtle Trail, will have you journeying from the beautiful family friendly, Kellys Beach, to where river meets reef at Burnett heads, and through the largest turtle conservation rookery for loggerhead turtles in the Southern Hemisphere. With nothing but stretching views of pristine coastline and stunning natural surrounds to accompany you, choose to put on your helmet and bike ride or leisurely walk the shaded pathways. An experience that can be enjoyed by all, don’t forget to stop into the Beach Mill at Nielson’s Beach in Bargara on your way for a quick bite to eat before continuing.
Top tip: Cool off with a dip at Oaks beach on your way to Burnett Heads! This local haven is blessed with calm swimming waters and at low tide, you’ll find marine filled rock pools that make for the best tiny aquariums and epic I-Spy games.
Distance: Approx 15km return. If you would like to shorten your trip for the family, we suggest starting your journey from Nielson’s Beach.
Time: Approx 3 hours
Difficulty: Choose your level, you’ll find this trail includes both flat and sealed paths the entire way.
Banksia Track - Woodgate
Situated just a 45-min drive south of Bundaberg is outdoor enthusiast oasis, Woodgate Beach. Blessed with an untouched sandy beach stretching for more than 16km and surrounded by lush Burrum Coast National Park land, this slice of paradise has ample space for you to explore and get back to nature. After wandering the esplanade and soaking up some vitamin sea, make your way towards the iconic Banksia Track, where towering cabbage palms, calming tea-tree forestry and a kaleidoscope of wildflowers await. For the avid bird watchers of the group, keep your eyes peeled for the red-backed kingfisher and rare, Black-breasted buttonquail that have been spotted among the 300+ species of birds in the area. With the option to enjoy a short 400m board walk one way before turning back, those not yet ready to leave can continue exploring the dense banksia and eucalypt wetlands. With your cameras and water bottles at the ready, this easy and flat trail stretches from just 800m return to a 5.2km return walk, so be sure to pack all the necessary snacks and drinks for the trip!
Distance: Depending on what you would like to do, this trail varies from 400m to 5.4km return.
Time: If you’re planning to complete the full return trip, allow yourself approximately 2hrs.
Difficulty: This is a great walk for all! The beginning of the track has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk (800m return) which offers a tranquil escape among this bushland.
Getting there: At the Woodgate township, drive via Sixth Avenue then along Acacia Street to the start of the track.
Summit Walk – Mount Perry
Home to more than 1,920-hectares of lush fern clad hillsides, dry rainforest and woodlands as far as they eye can see, the Mount Perry Summit Walk is the regions newest and most exquisite walking trail yet. Featuring more than 200 species of plants and a breathtaking summit view overlooking the towns diverse landscape, leave the Wi-Fi behind on this trip and immerse yourself in nature where wallabies, echidnas and koalas can be spotted along the way. This track is very much about the journey, with the beautiful views at the end a bonus.
Getting there: Travel to Mount Perry and then follow the signs to the parking area on scrub road.
Distance: 6.9km return
Time: Allow 4-5hours
Difficulty: Grade 3 – Intermediate experience is recommended for this trail as there are some rough rocky and steep sections.
Summit Walk – Mount Walsh National Park
Our backyard is blessed with a number of hikes both great and small, and one that is most well-known for its challenging yet rewarding hikes, is Mount Walsh National Park. Overlooking the serene North Burnett, Mt Walsh is a favourite among locals and visitors alike with the Mount Walsh Summit route being one of the area’s most extreme trails to be conquered. If you’re an experienced hiker, this ones for you. Start your journey early morning before the heat of the day beats down on you, and navigate your way through thick hoop pine, eucalypt forest and up steep cliff faces that put your hand climbing skills to the test. Though the trip to the top can be gruelling, enjoy uninterrupted views of stunning colours and landscape that is unique to the North Burnett.
Time: Allow a minimum of 4hrs to complete.
Distance: Total climb height to the summit is 462m or 1,640 stairs in a 86 story building.
Difficulty: Following the advice of Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Services, those wanting to complete the summit route must be well-prepared climbers with a high level of fitness and bush navigation skills. Rock scrambling and climbing skills are essential to navigate the exposed, very steep rocky sections and is unsuitable for young children.
Getting There: You can access this route, from the Mount Walsh day-use area.
This hike is not suitable in wet weather. Please ensure you follow all Queensland National Parks alerts and guidelines before attempting this hike. For more information please visit. https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/mount-walsh
Waterfall Creek (Utopia Falls) – Mount Walsh National Park
If you’re a hiker with moderate experience, good fitness, and want to tick the mighty Mount Walsh National Park off your bucket list, try the Rock Pool Walk. This trek whilst still requires some level of agility to navigate over the rocky terrain, will have you exploring the picturesque flora and fauna of the area without the intense rock scrambling and fitness required for the Summit route. Best enjoyed after a refreshing and welcomed downpour of rain, a short walk through the rainforest will have you arriving at Waterfall Creek’s rockpools which are a site to behold as the rushing river caused from recent rain cascades over these water eroded granite rocks. With plenty of shade surrounding, take a seat and stretch out as you listen to the wildlife and nature surrounding before returning back the way you came.
Time: Allow 1hr to complete.
Distance: Approximately 3km return.
Difficulty: Grade 4 – this trail is recommended for those with intermediate hiking ability and good fitness. The trail does include slippery, loose rock and inclined terrain.
Getting There: You can access this route, from the Waterfall Creek section car park.
Please ensure you follow all Queensland National Parks alerts and guidelines before attempting this hike. For more information please visit. https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/mount-walsh
Auburn River National Park
About three hours west of Bundaberg lies the striking Auburn River National Park. A hidden gem of the North Burnett. Flowing through the steep terrain and over hundred-year-old water-sculpted granite boulders is the picturesque Auburn River, renowned for its sandy coloured riverbed and rugged gorge landscape. A site to behold, the national park offers a number of scenic tracks to be conquered for those of intermediate and experienced hiking ability. From marvelling at the impressive overlooking views of the ancient Auburn River gorge on the Gorge Lookout Walk (600m return, 15minute trek), to a more strenuous walk over rough tricky terrain and through dry eucalypt forest where spectacular views await, via the Gorge Top (3.2km return, 1.5hr Grade 3 trek) and Riverbed and Rockpool walks (1.5km return, 1hr Grade 4 trek). With an abundance of natural flora and fauna surrounding, be sure to take a break and soak up the symphony of sounds along the way!
If you’re wanting an escape from the hustle and bustle, turn this day trip into an overnight stay and pitch the tent (or park the van) among the approved camping area within the park, nestled just 50metres from the entrance. You’ll find a shaded picnic table area and a toilet to accommodate your stay.
Distance: The George Lookout Walk is a 600m return trail that will take approximately 15minutes to complete. The Riverbed and Rock Pool walk is a more skilled trail of 1.5km return, allow up to 1hr to complete. Lastly, Gorge Top Walk is a 3.2km return trail that requires approximately 1.5hrs.
Difficulty: Grade 3 and 4 treks – some hiking experience and navigating through national park landscapes is strongly recommended for these trails. Be sure to follow all Queensland Parks Alerts and guidelines if planning a trip to this beautiful part of our region.
Cania Gorge National Park
Imagine ancient sandstone cliffs that have been carved by natures harsh environment for more than 200 million years, overlooking a nature-filled haven, where sacred hand painted aboriginal artwork cover sculptured cliff walls. Welcome to the wonder of Cania Gorge National Park. This historical and cultural landscape offers visitors the most chance to experience Queenslands sandstone wilderness just a scenic 2-hr drive from Bundaberg. With so much to be discovered, you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared before venturing on one of the eight (8) walking tracks you can choose from. All with varying degrees of difficulty and with different sights on offer, each trail ranges from easy to moderate and hard with distances of 300meters to 22km return. Along the way, keep your eye out for the red ochre freehand painted art that line the rough sheltered sandstone walls, representative of aboriginal culture and country. Some of the parks not-to-be-missed walking tracks are Dripping Rock and The overhang, the Big Foot Walk, and our personal favourite, the Dragons and Bloodwood Cave trail.
Distance: Varies from 300 metres (Big Foot Walk) to 22km (Castle Mountain)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate and hard
Getting there: 225km west of Bundaberg and can be reached via Cania Road which branches off the Burnett Highway.