Queensland has more variety in overnight hiking terrain than most people realise. You can walk through tropical rainforest, traverse a remote island coastline, or climb to the summit of the state’s highest mountain, all within a few hours of the main tourist routes. These five multi-day walks cover a good spread of that terrain, from the Whitsundays down to the Wet Tropics.
Five overnight and multi-day hikes in Queensland
Conway Circuit, Conway National Park
27km | 2 days | Grade 4
Part of the Whitsunday Trails network, the Conway Circuit covers 27 kilometres through Conway National Park over two days. The trail is open to both hikers and mountain bikers, so expect to share the track. What you get in return is genuine tropical rainforest walking, with seasonal creek crossings, coastal views stretching out to the Whitsunday Islands, and a sense that you’ve earned the scenery. At Grade 4, it’s a solid two-day effort rather than a casual weekend stroll.
Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island National Park
32km | 3 days | Grade 5
The Thorsborne Trail is one of Australia’s genuine wilderness walks. The 32-kilometre route runs the length of Hinchinbrook Island, a remote and largely undeveloped island off the far north Queensland coast that sits within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The island’s terrain covers cloud-covered peaks rising to 1,000 metres, lush rainforest, eucalypt forest, mangrove-fringed channels, sweeping bays, and rocky headlands. Permit numbers are strictly limited, which helps the island retain its wild feel. Plan for three days, come well prepared, and treat this one seriously. It deserves the effort.
Wet Tropics Great Walk, Girringun National Park
37.5km | 2 days | Grade 3
This is the most accessible walk on this list in terms of grade, but don’t underestimate it. The Wet Tropics Great Walk, also known as the Buujan Quiinbiira walk, covers 37.5 kilometres one way through ancient palm-filled gullies, dense rainforest, and open forest. It starts at Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park and finishes at the Yamanie pick-up point, crossing the Herbert River along the way. The trail is point-to-point, so logistics require some planning. Mobile phone coverage is limited throughout, and the terrain is more demanding than the grade suggests in places. Bring the right gear, carry enough supplies, and leave your trip intentions with someone before you head out.
Misty Mountains – Koolmoon Creek Track, Atherton Tablelands
35.5km | 2 days | Grade 5
The Misty Mountains – Koolmoon Creek Track is one of four wilderness walking trails in the Misty Mountains network, a 130-kilometre system of tracks through pristine Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands. The Koolmoon Creek route covers 35.5 kilometres over two days at high altitude, with crystal clear creek crossings, waterfalls, and panoramic views through the canopy and beyond. Grade 5 reflects the terrain and the remoteness. This is a serious walk for experienced hikers who are comfortable in wet, rugged, off-track conditions.
Bartle Frere Trail (Josephine Falls), Atherton Tablelands
15km | 2 days | Grade 5
Bartle Frere is Queensland’s highest mountain at 1,622 metres, and the Bartle Frere Trail from Josephine Falls is the standard route to the summit. The trail rises from 100 metres at the trailhead to the summit, an average gradient of one in five across 15 kilometres through World Heritage-listed rainforest in the Bellenden Ker Range. From the summit you can return the way you came, or continue on to Junction Camp on the Atherton Tablelands. Both options are 15 kilometres and take two days. This is a Grade 5 walk, and the conditions on the upper mountain can change quickly. Experienced hikers in good condition who are properly equipped will find it a rewarding two days.
