Looking for something affordable and adventurous to do with your love this Valentine’s Day?

As much as we love spending days skipping from the sand to the sea, there’s something equally as grounding about lacing up your sneakers and heading inland for a tree change. The incredible thing about the Gold Coast is that you can literally go from the beach to the bush in 25 minutes. If you’re keen to take a break from the sun and sand and get amongst nature, we’ve rounded up some of the best hikes around Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Are you ready, boots? Start walking!

Springbrook National Park

Just a hop, skip and a jump from Lamington National Park is Springbrook National Park, which is also your official invitation to ignore everything that TLC said and do go chasing waterfalls. With difficulty levels ranging from beginner through to advanced, the park offers up tracks and trails traversing breathtaking ancient forests and flowing waterfalls. For an easy stroll, make sure you visit Natural Bridge, the prize jewel of the Gold Coast hinterland, but for something a little longer, head towards Purling Brook Falls. The 4-km walking circuit will take most hikers around two hours, with a few steep ascents and a casual 256 steps thrown in along the way. Trust us when we say it is worth it, and your hard work will pay off when you come face-to-face with Purling Brook’s 300 feet plunge of cascading water into the gorge.

Currumbin Valley

For an easy entry into your new bushwalking pastime, let’s start close to home. The 1.6-km Currumbin Valley stroll is ideal because it’s suitable for all fitness levels and, although it feels a world away, it’s actually closer than you think. Just drive straight to the end of Currumbin Valley and keep going past Camp Eden through to the car park. From here, take a leisurely walk through the rainforest, and you’ll soon come across the popular Cougal Cascades and rock pools. If you keep following the track along the creek, you will stumble upon the remains of a 1940s sawmill – neat! Be sure to pack your swimmers for a post-walk dip.

Lamington National Park

Here’s a fun fact, Australian rainforests are said to be so old that they pre-dated the dinosaurs – think about that as you make your way through the lush rainforests and soak in the exceptional surroundings of Lamington National Park. The natural wonder is packed with a range of walks suitable for every type of hiker, from beginners to pros. Stretch your legs through the rainforest circuit or centenary track, or take your time traversing the Python Rock track. There are plenty more advanced trails that are accessible from both the Binna Burra section and Green Mountains section of the park, for the more dexterous amblers willing to take their time. If you’re keen for a multi-day adventure, The Lost World is the ideal place to rest in between walks. As part of the Gondwana Rainforest of Australia World Heritage Area, Lamington National Park is definitely one for the must-visit list.

D’Aguilar National Park

If you’re up for an adventure a little further afield, D’Aguilar National Park has plenty to see – remote gorges, green eucalypt woodland and spectacular views of the Moreton Bay region. Whether you’re a beginner when it comes to hiking or more of an advanced adventurer, there are a few different trails you can take, depending on your abilities and experience. We suggest the 1.9-km Rainforest Circuit for first-time visitors – it’s a real treat.

Tamborine Mountain

While you probably think of wineries and scenic drives when you think of Tamborine Mountain, there’s also a bunch of incredible rainforest walks to be found here. Find your feet at the Sandy Creek Circuit or Witches Falls, or try spot a platypus or two at the enchanting walk through Curtis Falls – wherever you choose, these picturesque hinterland trails are perfect for those looking to adopt a cruisy pace. Cooler temperatures, bountiful greenery and great lookouts promise any walkway on Tambo is worth the drive.

Mt Coot-tha

A little further north is where you will find the majestic Mt Coot-tha Reserve, which offers a variety of walking tracks. The most popular track is the iconic (and ‘gramable) Summit Track. Just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane CBD, this trail starts at the Mt Coot-tha lookout and traverses down to the JC Slaughter Falls picnic area. It sits amongst a beautiful eucalypt forest with crystal-clear creek beds and amazing views over the city from the summit. If you’re planning to make tracks here, we recommend timing your trip to catch the sunset – it’s arguably the best view in town. Psst … the 2.4-km Spotted Gum Trail linking the Mt Coot-tha summit to the Botanic Gardens at its base is also well worth the effort!

Mount Barney National Park

There’s a reason Mount Barney National Park is so popular with hiking enthusiasts. There are a number of walks around the base of the mountain that will guide you through the awe-inducing natural landscapes, as well as tracks leading to the sky-high summit. For serious hikers, Mount Barney also has some of the best remote bushwalking opportunities – just remember to check in with the Department of National Parks for tips and advice.

Source: https://theweekendedition.com.au/gold-coast/destination/best-hikes-gold-coast/