Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk: A Complete Guide
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is one of South East Queensland’s most rewarding long-distance trails—58.8 km of waterfalls, gorges, rainforest, open eucalypt forest and quiet moments on the Blackall Range. Just 1 hour 30 minutes north of Brisbane, this trail is a natural escape that gives you a real taste of the region’s wild beauty without needing to travel far.
I’ve hiked it several times, each of them discovering something new: the way the forest shifts from subtropical rainforest to tall, open eucalypt, the sound of hidden rock pools early in the morning and the feeling of being completely immersed in nature, even though civilisation is never too far away. If you’re planning your first multi-day hike in SEQ, this Great Walk is an ideal choice.
Where the Walk Starts & How the Route Works
If you’re completing the entire Great Walk, the recommended starting point is Lake Baroon. From here, you’ll follow the linear section until you reach the junction where the trail becomes a circuit. You can complete the loop clockwise or anti-clockwise—both work well, though the clockwise direction tends to spread out the harder climbs.
Your walk ends at Leafy Lane, where there’s a car park with enough room to leave your vehicle safely.
Transport: The Most Convenient Setup
If you’re doing the Great Walk with at least one car, this is the easiest, most efficient method:
- Park your car at Leafy Lane (which is also your finishing point).
- Book an Uber or taxi to Lake Baroon (your starting point).
- Begin your hike through the linear section.
- When you get to Leafy Lane, this is almost the start of the the loop. Here you can drop things you no longer need in your car and pick up extra food or supplies.
After doing the entire loop, you will end, again, at Leafy Lane, where you parked your vehicle.
Where to Stay: The Three Walker Camps
There are three remote walkers’ camps along the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. All must be booked in advance through the Queensland Parks website:
These campsites are accessible only on foot. Facilities are minimal but well maintained and include rainwater tanks (water must be treated or boiled), drop toilets, wooden tables and tent pads. Please be aware that no fires are allowed.
This is classic Great Walk setup—simple, clean, and focused on preserving the landscape. You’ll share the trail with more than 100 species of birds, around 70 reptile species, and more than 30 frog species, so mornings and evenings are especially magical.
What to Bring
This isn’t a heavy-pack adventure. The climbs are gentle but constant, and every gram counts over 3–4 days. Apart from your usual hiking gear, essentials include:
- Lightweight tent or hammock tent: Your back will thank you.
- Water filter: Critical for treating tank water at the walkers’ camps or from the creeks.
- Mosquito repellent: Bushman is my go-to—it also performs well against leeches.
- Lightweight cooking kit: Enough for simple meals without bulk.
For a comprehensive packing guide for a Great Walk, from hiking and camping gear to meal ideas, check my article What to Pack for a Great Walk.
When to Go & Weather Considerations
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk can be done year-round, but conditions vary significantly by season. The cooler months (April to October) are the most comfortable, with mild temperatures and lower humidity.
Summer hiking (November to March) brings high heat, humidity and frequent storms. Another key factor is water availability — the camps rely on rainwater tanks, and during long dry periods these can run low or empty. Creeks can also be dry after weeks without rainfall, so always plan extra water capacity and check recent conditions before you go.
Scenery & Natural Attractions
This Great Walk is all about diversity. Over its 58.8 km, you’ll pass through warm subtropical rainforest, towering open eucalypt forest, lush gullies, ridge-top viewpoints.
Look out for:
Waterfalls & Rock Pools
- Kondalilla Falls
- Gherulla Falls
- Mapleton Falls
- smaller unnamed cascades and waterholes perfect for a break
Lookouts & Forest Landscapes
- dramatic gorges carved into the Blackall Range
- sweeping views across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
- quiet fern valleys and palm groves
The terrain constantly shifts, keeping the walk interesting even after long days on your feet.
How Many Days Does It Really Take?
Queensland Parks recommends four days, but if you’re fit and comfortable with longer days, you can complete the Great Walk in three full days.
The key is pack weight: the lighter you go, the more enjoyable the mileage feels.
Why This Great Walk Belongs on Your SEQ Adventure List
For hikers who love multi-day trails but don’t want to travel far from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is unbeatable. It’s adventurous but accessible, wild yet well-maintained, and packed with natural beauty from start to finish.
You’ll come away with a deep appreciation of the Blackall Range—its wildlife, its forests, its hidden waterholes and viewpoints—and likely a desire to return. I certainly did.