The best coastal walks in Queensland
List
By Kristie Lau-Adams
Brisbane | Gold Coast | Sunshine Coast | The Whitsundays | Southern Great Barrier Reef | Townsville | Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Whether you’re on a scavenger hunt to uncover hidden beaches and historical relics or craving some much-needed tranquillity, embarking on a coastal walk ignites every one of your senses, and Queensland is treated to some of the most picturesque water-facing trails on the planet.
Best coastal walks in Brisbane
North Gorge Walk, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)
North Gorge Walk, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Brisbane
Yet to explore Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)? Allow the wonderful Gorge Walk to shine a light on the island’s most spectacular sights. This family-friendly trail covers the Point Lookout headland which specialises in spectacular ocean views. If you’re visiting between June and November, look out for whales as this spot is renowned for its vantage point.
Duration: 1.2 km
Classification: Grade 1: Easy
Accessibility: Yes, however, small amounts of stairs mean visitors in need of mobility equipment will need assistance.
Wynnum to Manly Walk, Brisbane Bayside
A seaside trail that caters for everybody, this coastal walk along Brisbane’s Bayside is well-trodden due to its soothing vistas. Start at the always-calm Oyster Point and slowly wind your way towards the kid-friendly madness of Wynnum where playgrounds, netted beachfront, a water park and plenty of eateries dial up the energy.
Duration: 10 km
Classification: Grade 1: Easy
Accessibility: Yes. A shared path welcomes all modes of transport.
Sandgate to Shorncliffe Bayside Walk, Moreton Bay
One of the city’s most iconic strolls, this trail to Shorncliffe’s famed jetty from the historical suburb of Sandgate is packed on a sunny weekend. Expect to pass charming Victorian-era architecture and awesome classic Queenslanders, as well as playgrounds, grassy parks and of course, those signature still waters.
Best Gold Coast coastal walks
Oceanview Track, Burleigh Heads National Park
Burleigh Head National Park, Gold Coast
Soak up the allure of the Gold Coast’s southern end on this immersive ocean-view trail in Burleigh Heads National Park. You’ll journey along the banks of Tallebudgera Creek so bring your togs because swimming is non-negotiable. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is also a must-explore, located at the end of the track (if you’re coming from Burleigh Heads) right near the road bridge.
Duration: 1.2 km return with most people completing it in 45 minutes.
Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate, but it downgrades to Grade 2: Moderate if you remain on the Creekside route rather than tackling the circuit.
Accessibility: Yes, but some parts of the trail are unpaved.
Currumbin Scenic Circuit, Currumbin
You’ll savour even more of the southern end’s tranquillity while attacking this Currumbin trail which starts at the carpark on Duringan Street in the beachside locale. Beaches, parks and great lookouts will beckon as will the number of eateries and caffeine pitstops you’ll also encounter along the way.
Duration: 7.2 km return with most people completing it in two to three hours.
Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate
Accessibility: No. Some portions of the trail feature hilly terrain and stairs.
Gold Coast Oceanway
Did you know you can do the entire stretch of the Gold Coast in one consecutive sweep? A sun-drenched network of pathways connects The Spit at the northern end of the Gold Coast to Point Danger in the south, and while you’ll likely need several days to make the complete journey, it’s the ultimate way to take in everything the aesthetically blessed city has to offer.
Best coastal walks on the Sunshine Coast
Cooloola Great Walk, Great Sandy National Park
Cooloola Sandpatch, Sunshine Coast
Found within Great Sandy National Park, the Cooloola Great Walk features some of Mother Nature’s finest handiwork. Expect to see massive sand hills and trek through hidden rainforests while wildflowers pop up through spring and extraordinary flora and fauna varieties abound.
Duration: 102 km — a multi-day experience is recommended.
Classification: Grade 4: Difficult
Accessibility: No. Walking experience is recommended, and tracks may be long, rough and steep.
Noosa National Park Walk
Take in the best bits of Noosa National Park with a trail that offers endlessly sublime coastal vistas. You’ll make tracks along the headland to gaze deep within the ocean as rocky bays, enclosed beaches and local marine life (try and spot a dolphin) keep the eye candy rolling.
Duration: 10.8 km return, with most people completing it in four hours.
Classification: Grade 4: Difficult
Accessibility: No. Walking experience is recommended, and tracks may be long, rough and steep.
Mooloolaba River to Alexandra Headland Coastal Pathway
An easy and relaxed foreshore walk from the heart of Mooloolaba to Alexandra Headland, this trail clings to the coastline in spectacular fashion. Kick things off at the Mooloolaba River’s northern break wall and take your time as you indulge in all-too-tempting café, boutique, playground, beach and parkland pitstops.
Best coastal walks in The Whitsundays
Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitehaven Beach
Hill Inlet Lookout, The Whitsundays
Here to snap the iconic Whitehaven Beach? Nestled within the Whitsunday Islands National Park, this walk offers quality Whitehaven angles. Take the short uphill bushwalk from Hill Inlet or Tongue Bay and keep your eyes wide open for incredible lookouts before you even reach the jewel in its crown. Once you’re at the Hill Inlet Lookout, we guarantee turquoise waters and white, sweeping sands will leave you spellbound.
Duration: 1.3 km, with most people completing it in 45 minutes.
Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate
Accessibility: No. Several sets of stairs and a dirt path are clearly defined, however, wheelchair and pram access is not recommended.
South Molle Island trails, Whitsunday Islands
Time to get on your bike. There are two exceptional ways to tackle beautiful South Molle Island and both of them invite mountain biking. In fact, this is the only mountain biking location within The Whitsundays, so take advantage. Choose from the Sandy Bay to Spion Kop Lookout trail which features breathtaking scenery, or the Sandy Bay to Mount Jeffreys trail to discover the island’s highest point.
Duration: Sandy Bay return via Spion Kop: 8.4 km with most people completing two hours of walking and 30 minutes of riding; Sandy Bay return via Mount Jeffreys: 8 km return, with most people completing two hours of walking and 30 minutes of riding.
Classification: Both trails are Grade 3: Intermediate
Accessibility: No. While both follow a shared trail for mountain bikers and walkers, prams and wheelchairs are not recommended.
Cape Edgecumbe Trail, Bowen
Located in beautiful Bowen, this jam-packed trail takes in a string of memorable sights. Start your adventure at Horseshoe Bay, one of Queensland’s most iconic beaches, before ticking off the Rotary Lookout, the World War II Radar Site Lookout, the Mother Beddock Lookout, Murrays Bay and Rose Bay.
Duration: 2.5 km, with most people completing it in 1.5 hours.
Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate
Accessibility: No. While safety rails and wide trails are found, there are steps, so wheelchairs and prams are not recommended.
Best coastal walks around the Southern Great Barrier Reef
Capricorn Coast Scenic Trail — Yeppoon to Emu Park
Dip your toes in the laidback beach town of Yeppoon before pounding the pavement to soak up the entire stretch of the Capricorn Coast. This trail pops you through the Lammermoor Native Gardens and the Capricorn Coast Memorial Gardens and offers sweeping views across the region’s pristine beaches. Selfie (and snack) pitstops include the Yeppoon Lagoon, Keppel Bay Marina and Wreck Point Lookout – and don’t miss Emu Park’s Singing Ship monument and the village’s deeply moving ANZAC Memorial Walk.
Duration: 10 km return.
Classification: Grade 1: Easy
Accessibility: Yes. An expansive shared pathway seamlessly follows the coastline.
Great Keppel Island Mt Wyndham Circuit
One of the most jaw-dropping walks in the region, it’s worth every inch of the effort you’ll need to put in. Lace-up tight as you’ll be crisscrossing right across Great Keppel Island as you incline towards its highest point. Once you catch your breath, gaze across the ocean for spectacular views of the surrounding islands and beaches that lie beneath. Make your way back down slowly — there are similarly sensational vistas at every turn.
Duration: 10 km return. It can be challenging at times so allow for three to four hours in total.
Classification: Grade 4: Difficult, with some experience in bushwalking required. It’s best suited to those with good fitness levels and hiking experience.
Accessibility: No. While trails are often clearly marked at times, there’s a lot of rocky and steep parts that only experienced bushwalkers should attempt.
East Shores to Spinnaker Park, Callemondah
Pack a picnic because you’ll want to linger as long as possible once you reach Spinnaker Park in the coastal suburb of Callemondah. The trail hugs the ocean wall (so water views stream on tap) as it leads you to a soothing mecca of grassy areas and barbecues. You’ll journey through native wetlands, ponds and a beached cove, ideal for swimming, during the educational trail which was built to highlight just some of the region’s natural beauty.
Duration: 8.9 km, with most people completing it in just under two hours.
Classification: Grade 1: Easy, and you can do it in sections.
Accessibility: Yes. It welcomes people with access needs and prams.
Turtle Bay Bikeway, Tannum Sands
Grab your helmets and strap the team in. Turtle Bay Bikeway is a family-friendly coastal walk in Queensland that also invites two-wheelers to explore the charms of Tannum Sands and Boyne Island. You’ll glide seamlessly along the uninterrupted foreshore trail along the Boyne River but make pitstops at the excellent playgrounds and fitness stations along the way. The trail encompasses parks, public toilets, barbecues, cafes and picnic areas so put aside a full day to make the most of it.
Duration: 13.2 km return
Classification: Grade 2: Moderate, and you can do it in sections.
Accessibility: Yes. A shared path invites many modes of transport.
Red Rock Walking Trail, Agnes Water
Red Rock Walking Trail, Agnes Water, Southern Great Barrier Reef
Gear up for a few steep inclines and sandy patches (but also a whole lot of sturdy boardwalks) because this trail is worth the challenge. Located in Agnes Water, it’s a stellar choice for expansive water views, secluded swimming and even the occasional wildlife encounter as kangaroos and other creatures dot the way. Keep an eye out over the water too — dolphins and turtles frequent this neck of the woods.
Duration: 2.5 km return, with most people completing it in just under two hours.
Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate.
Accessibility: No. Wheelchairs and prams can’t undertake the trail’s stepping stones and uneven ground.
Discovery Trail, Agnes Water
Once you’re done stickybeaking the Agnes Water Museum on Springs Road, head to the carpark where you’ll spy the starting point of this hugely rewarding trail. You’ll wander through stunning bushland to seek out the magical Agnes Water Lookout and once you’re there, views of Agnes Water Beach and Workman’s Beach will leave you utterly gobsmacked.
Duration: 1 km return, with most people completing it in one hour.
Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate.
Accessibility: No. While the walk is clearly defined and there’s plenty of boardwalk, there are also unpaved sections.
Capricorn Coast National Park — Bluff and Double Head adventures
Choose your own adventure at Capricorn Coast National Park where the standout Bluff Point Circuit and the Fan Rock and Rosslyn Bay Lookout trails, better known as the Double Head track (it’s found in the Double Head section of the park), delight nature lovers. No matter your poison, you’ll be trekking volcanic headlands and keeping your eyes peeled for intriguing rock formations, scenic lookouts and fascinating marine life including the Bluff Point Circuit’s turtles. On the Double Head track, take your time at Fan Rock lookout — it’s the core of an old volcano and the views to Keppel Bay islands are intoxicating.
Duration: Bluff Point Circuit: 2.3 km return, with most people completing it in 1.5 hours; Fan Rock and Rosslyn Bay Lookout trail: 700 metres return, with most people completing it in 40 minutes.
Classification: Both trails are Grade 3: Intermediate
Accessibility: No. Both trails feature steep sections, so wheelchairs and prams are not recommended.
Best coastal walks in Townsville
Forts Walk, Magnetic Island
Forts Walk, Magnetic Island, Townsville
Marvel at the best bits of Townsville with 360-degree views across the region. This trail explores the island’s history and is a wonderful option for families. The best bit? If you’re feeling sluggish, you can also drive up to catch those astonishing views which also pan across Magnetic Island itself. Watch out for koalas and fascinating World War II relics.
Duration: 2 km return.
Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate
Accessibility: Unless you’re driving to the top, no. Steps and uneven surfaces make wheelchairs and prams impossible.
Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook National Park
Located within Hinchinbrook National Park, this exceptional trail demands four or more days of exploration. You’ll cover some of the state’s most iconic scenery and you won’t be surprised to learn it’s one of the top ten walks on earth. Think everything from pure white beaches and hypnotizing waterfalls to vast subtropical rainforest and mountainous panoramic vistas.
Best coastal walks in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Wangetti Trail, Palm Cove
Wangetti Trail, Palm Cove, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
The Wangetti Trail marks an exciting new chapter for Queensland's coastal walks, with the first stage now open to adventurers. This shared-use trail welcomes both mountain bikers and hikers to explore the stunning coastline - and when fully completed will connect Palm Cove and Port Douglas for multi-day expeditions.
What makes this trail truly special is its deep connection to Indigenous heritage, following the ancient trail used by the Djabuganydji, Yirrganydji, Nyagali, Buluwanydji and Guluy People for trade and cultural practices. As you journey along the path, you'll be treated to breathtaking ocean views, pristine beaches, and the chance to spot wildlife within the ancient rainforest that meets the sea.
Duration: 7.8km one way (allow 3hr hiking or 45min riding time). Once completed, the entire trail will span 94km from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.
Classification: Grade 3 - moderate difficulty
Accessibility: No
Discover more Queensland walks and hikes
