Your guide to Queensland’s toughest hikes

This world-renowned trail crisscrosses through thick rainforest, misty mountain peaks, melaleuca swamps and the white sandy beaches of the ancient Hinchinbrook Island, the largest island in the Great Barrier Reef. This haven of biodiversity is home to 66 species of bird and 22 types of butterflies alongside natural wonders like Zoe Falls – think of it like mother nature’s own infinity pool.  

As beautiful as it is, it’s also one heck of a challenge one that calls for total self-sufficiency. Only 40 people can camp on the island at any time, which means two things: it’s totally secluded and extremely popular, so you’ll need to book well in advance. Here's how to do the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island.

Duration: 32 km. The hike should take around 4-5 days to complete.

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Best time of year: May to November

Mt Bartle Frere Trail Summit, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Starting and finishing at the picturesque Josephine Falls, the Mount Bartle Frere Trail Summit takes you to Queensland’s roof namely, the top of our tallest mountain, piercing 1,622 metres into the clouds. There, on top of the world, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across the Atherton Tablelands and out over the Coral Sea.  

This is a seriously hardcore hike so be prepared for rock scrambling, challenging gradients and enveloping fog (by some measures, this is one of the rainiest places on earth) as you hike through dense rainforest and rugged terrain in the heart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Duration: 15km. The hike should take around 2 days to complete.

Classification: Grade 5: Difficult

Best time of year: April to September

Walshs Pyramid Walking Track, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Think you need to go to Egypt to see the Pyramids? Think again. Tropical North Queensland’s Walshs Pyramid is also the world’s largest—a nearly perfectly shaped 922-metre-high granite core left standing after less resistant metamorphic rocks were eroded away over millions of years.

Conquer this one, and you’ll feel a real sense of achievement after trekking your way through 6-kilometres of steep and rocky terrain with exposed scrub. Your biggest challenge? Beating the weather—there isn’t much shade up here, so you’re exposed to the elements. Bring lots of water and climb between May and September when temperatures (and humidity) are a little friendlier.

Duration: 6 km return and approximately 4-5 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult to Grade 5: Extreme

Best time of year: May to September

Scenic Rim Trail, Brisbane

A Great Walks of Australia member, the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail combines a challenging multi-day hike through pre-historic Gondwana rainforest with a little bit of luxe—each night you’ll stay in one of Spicers’ exquisite eco-camps, where you’ll enjoy luxuries like gourmet dining, a glass of wine and a roaring fireplace.

But don’t be fooled—despite those comforts, this is no Sunday walk! Come the morning and you’ll be back on the trails, rock scrambling, bouldering and even climbing a 16-metre ‘rock ladder’ as you hike through a region that Lonely Planet has called one of the 10 ‘must visit’ regions on earth. Here's why the Scenic RIm trail is ticking all our boxes.

Duration: 60 km taking around 4 days

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Best time of year: April to September when it's cooler and less humid.

Flinders Peak, Brisbane

Looking for a real quad-burner in South-East Queensland? Dial the difficulty level up to high and challenge yourself by climbing up all 679 metres of Flinders Peak, a volcanic mountain in Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate. This is a proper tough slog – one that only gets harder the higher you climb, with steep inclines, cliff edges and rock scrambling to keep you on your toes. 

On your trek, you’ll be joined by some furry friends—notably the brush-tailed rock wallaby—while if you look up you might spot a peregrine falcon and wedge-tailed eagle flying overhead. Once you’re at the top, stop and enjoy the panoramic views out over the Scenic Rim, and as far away as Brisbane’s ever-growing skyline. 

Duration: 6 km return and approximately 6 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Best time of year: August - September

Mount Edwards Summit Trail, Brisbane

Get the heart pumping and climb to the top of Mount Edwards, a volcanic peak overlooking the serene blue waters of Lake Moogerah, a popular spot for boating, water skiing, jet skiing—and hiking. There are a few walks here, but the pick of the bunch is the Grade 5 Mt Edwards Summit Trail.

Start from the Lake Moogerah dam wall (keep an eye out for turtles as you cross this 219 metre-long and 38-metre-high wall) and push yourself with this 500-metre climb to the peak. As well as being a steep climb, the track is rough and unmarked in places, so you’ll need to be pretty self-reliant. 

Duration: 6 km taking 4 hours

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Best time of year: May to October

Carnarvon Great Walk, Queensland Country

The Carnarvon Great Walk is as hard as it is rewarding—nearly 90 km weaving through white sandstone cliffs, deep gorges (including the famous oasis-in-the-outback that is Carnarvon Gorge—where the walk starts and ends) and indigenous art stencilled by the local Bidjara and Karingbal people thousands of years ago. 

This is a rugged hike through remote terrain that requires you to be completely self-sufficient, so it’s best for those experienced with multi-night hikes. It can also get really hot—we recommend the cooler months between May and September (the walk is closed from November to February). Here's a guide to the best walks and hikes in Carnarvon Gorge.

Duration: 87 km taking around 6-7 days

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Best time of year: March - October

Whitsunday Peak Track, The Whitsundays

When you think of The Whitsundays, you probably think of its 74 islands—surrounded by azure waters and bejewelled with white silica sands—as being perfect for snorkelling and sailing. And while that’s absolutely true, the region is also home to some truly spectacular and challenging hikes.

Hikers looking for a challenge should head to Whitsunday Island and take on the Whitsunday Peak Track, and hike in paradise from Sawmill Beach to the top of this 437-metre peak. Traverse tropical rainforest gullies as you take in the breathtaking views out over the Great Barrier Reef.

Duration: 5 km taking around 4 hours

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Best time of year: June to September

Alligator Creek Falls, Townsville

This thigh-testing trek through Bowling Green Bay National Park offers diverse flora and scenic vistas alongside rejuvenating creeks and swimming holes. It all culminates at the stunning Alligator Falls, where mountain water cascades down over truly impressive granite ‘steps’.

This rugged trail will take approximately half a day—or you can make it a night and stay at the Alligator Creek Camping Area (you’ll need a permit, though). One word of warning though: while the three creek crossings are among the highlights, they can become raging torrents after heavy rainfall when the walk should be avoided.

Duration: 17 km taking around 5-6 hours

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Best time of year: March - October

Boobook Explore, Outback Queensland

Want to take the road less travelled? Hit up Boobook Explore, based in Roma, the ‘gateway to the outback’. These guys organise bespoke, guided walking tours that take in some of Queensland’s best-kept secrets—often on privately owned land that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Tours range from Grade 3 to 5 difficulty, but they all have one thing in common. Whether you’re traversing through the acacia-wooded grasslands of the Brigalow Belt, the cycad groves of Wallaroo Station, or the wildflowers of Gurulmundi, you’ll be guided by locals who know the trails like the back of their hands.

Duration: Various - choose one day or multiple days

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Best time of year: March - October