Beyond the beach: the best national parks near the Gold Coast

Let’s ease into it with Burleigh Head National Park—one of the most iconic national parks near the Gold Coast. Nestled between some of Queensland's best beaches, Burleigh Head National Park offers a slice of green set on rugged ancient volcanic columns. It’s also a great spot to whale watch during winter.

Explore as the locals do, and start your adventure on the Burleigh side with a coffee from The Kiosk by Burleigh Pavilion or one of the many cafes lining nearby James Street. Wander the Oceanview track which skirts the coastline, all the way to Tallebudgera Creek and cool off in its calm waters, or find a spot on the sand at Echo Beach. Return to Burleigh via the Rainforest circuit to soak up more views from Tumgun Lookout.

Another great way to experience this national park is by connecting with its Indigenous roots. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre offers guided tours through the park, exploring the rich Indigenous culture of the Gold Coast, the traditional practices of the Yugambeh people, and the Dreamtime stories surrounding the mountain.

Lamington National Park

When the sand gets too toasty for your toes, head to the cool hills of the hinterland. A network of expansive national parks can be found here, where adventure—and epic walking tracks—are around every corner.

Step into Lamington National Park and you’ll be walking through ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest that was here before the dinosaurs. Discover the stunning Elabana Falls, Chalahn Falls, or the raging drop of Larapinta Falls—where just standing nearby will soak you with mist.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Binna Burra Lodge are both popular places to escape in nature for a few days; whether you’re camping or kicking back at the lodge. But even if you only have the day, getting amongst the leaves on the Tree Top Walk is a must-do.

Springbrook National Park

Bumping shoulders with Lamington is another Gold Coast Hinterland gem, Springbrook National Park. Famous for its waterfalls hikes, from the 17km Warrie Circuit, to the impressive Twin Falls and family favourite Natural Bridge, whether you’re after a short scenic walk or a full day trek, you’ll find it here amongst the Gondwana Rainforest.

Looking for something off the beaten path? Try the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk which winds through 54km of trails in Springbrook and Lamington.

Read up on our guide to this park before you visit.  

Tamborine National Park

This Gold Coast national park serves up big views and sits right next to a string of wineries, breweries and restaurants serving up big local flavours. So if you’re looking for a national park escape that also fills your stomach, Tamborine is for you.

Locals flock here to swim in the natural waterslide at popular Cedar Creek Falls, though you’ll find plenty to keep you happily occupied. Curtis Falls is a great wander through the forest before reaching the calm cascades where you might spot turtles and platypus in the waters below, while Witches Falls makes the perfect spot to pull up for a picnic (visit its namesake winery afterwards for a tasting). Explore from the treetops to the canopy floor on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.

Main Range National Park

Tucked into Queensland Country, Main Range National Park is another national park near the Gold Coast born out of the Gondwana Rainforest. Come here for ridgeline walks, sweeping escarpment views and summit hikes that get your heart pumping. 

Depending on which section of the park you head to, you can take the short walk to Queen Mary Falls, a longer trek to Mt Cordeaux, or get your legs working on Mount Mitchell.

For a truly unforgettable trek, well-versed hikers should lace up their boots to tackle The Steamers. The iconic, protruding rock formations are even more spectacular come sunrise as the first rays of light hit the jagged granite, and it is well worth the sweat of a remote and rugged track to get there.

Mount Barney National Park

You can see the seven distinctive peaks of Mount Barney National Park long before you reach its foothills. The dormant mounts of Barney, Maroon, May, Lindesay, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie are the rugged remains of a volcanic eruption over 24 million years ago and have become a hiker’s playground.

Standing 1359m tall, Mt Barney is the second highest peak in South-East Queensland, and it’s one of the pinnacles for experienced hikers with good bush-navigation skills (Mount Barney Lodge offers guided summit hikes for guests).

For more moderate walks, climb Mount Maroon or try the Lower Portals Track which winds its way around the base for striking mountain views before arriving at a cool, clear pool at Mount Barney Creek. Whichever hike you choose, you’ll be walking through the World Heritage-listed rainforests of Gondwana.

Once you’ve explored these parks, try these national parks near Brisbane.