The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, is a challenging 58km trek through Queensland's Blackall Range. This four-day adventure promises stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with nature.
The Great Walk winds through national parks and offering three designated bush campsites for overnight stays. Multiple access points allow you to choose shorter sections if a multi-day adventure isn't your preference.
Prepare to be immersed in the beauty of Queensland's natural landscapes. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk takes you past cascading waterfalls, pristine pockets of subtropical rainforest, and along scenic ridges boasting breathtaking views.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a challenging multi-day hike. Thorough planning is crucial for a safe and successful journey. Be sure to pack appropriate gear, inform others of your plans, and always check weather conditions before setting out.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk Section Overview
Section 1: Baroon Pocket Dam to Flaxton Walkers' Camp (16.1km one way, allow 7 hours)
- Baroon Pocket Dam to Baroon Lookout (2.2km): Your journey begins at Baroon Pocket Dam, following an open woodland track with glimpses of Obi Obi Creek and stunning views from Narrows Lookout.
- Baroon Lookout to Kondalilla National Park Day-use Area (9.2km): This challenging leg descends through valleys, offering encounters with Kondalilla Falls and pockets of rainforest. The track concludes at the day-use area, a potential pick-up point.
- Kondalilla National Park to Flaxton Walkers' Camp (4.7km): This section follows connecting roads before entering the Great Walk track, leading you to your first campsite for the night.
Section 2: Flaxton Walkers' Camp to Ubajee Walkers' Camp (13.1km one way, allow 7 hours)
- Flaxton Walkers' Camp to Mapleton Falls National Park (5.9km): Brace yourself for a steep descent into valleys adorned with piccabeen palms and vibrant epiphytes. Cross Baxter Creek via a suspension bridge before reaching Mapleton Falls National Park.
- Mapleton Falls National Park to Mapleton National Park (2.1km): Take the Wompoo circuit track and connect with the Great Walk track. Enjoy a short stretch on Daymar Road before entering Mapleton National Park's open sclerophyll forest.
- Mapleton National Park to Ubajee Walkers' Camp (5.1km): Follow the Linda Garrett track, encountering a multi-use track shared with mountain bikers and horse riders for a short distance. The Great Walk then diverges, leading you to Ubajee Walkers' Camp with scenic views of the Gheerulla Valley.
Section 3: Ubajee Walkers' Camp to Thilba Thalba Walkers' Camp (13.5km one way, allow 7 hours)
- Ubajee Walkers' Camp to Gheerulla Bluff (11.2km): Navigate several creek crossings and a gradual climb along an old logging road. The landscape transitions to drier woodland as you ascend. Prepare for a challenging ascent to Gheerulla Bluff, rewarded with panoramic views of the Mary Valley.
- Gheerulla Bluff to Thilba Thalba Walkers' Camp (2.3km): Follow the ridgeline through dry forest, offering sights of the Conondale Range and Cooloola sand blow. A spur track leads to Thilba Thalba viewpoint, showcasing the lower Gheerulla Valley. Your overnight destination, Thilba Thalba Walkers' Camp, awaits you further along the track.
Section 4: Thilba Thalba Walkers' Camp to Delicia Road Entrance (16.1km one way, allow 9-10 hours)
- Thilba Thalba Walkers' Camp to Gheerulla Falls (8.8km): This section offers scenic ridgeline walks and glimpses into valleys. Be aware of remnants of past logging activities. The track briefly follows Delicia Road before diverting onto a historical track known as the Hindu Track. Descend through forest to Gheerulla Creek, where a spur track leads to the cascading Gheerulla Falls.
- Gheerulla Falls to Delicia Road Entrance (7.3km): Ascend the ridge and head towards the exit point at Leafy Lane trailhead or Delicia Road entrance, marking the completion of your Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk adventure.
- Don't attempt to cross Gheerulla Creek during or after heavy rain as it is prone to flash flooding.
- Do not cross creeks during floods or after heavy rain. Continue your walk only when you can cross the creeks safely.
- Expect to get your footwear wet crossing the creeks, even in normal conditions.
- In extreme wet conditions, the walking track will be closed for your safety. Please observe all signs.
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Total distance: 53522 m
Max elevation: 478 m
Min elevation: 122 m
Total climbing: 2405 m
Total descent: -2216 m
Getting to the trailhead: Blackall Range.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk winds through the scenic Blackall Range, approximately 90km north of Brisbane. Travel on the Bruce Highway (M1) and take the Blackall Range tourist drive (23) turnoff. There are scenic views of mountains and valleys to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
To access the trailhead at Baroon Pocket, drive from Montville and follow the signs towards Baroon Pocket Dam via Western Avenue and Narrows Road. Turn right into the Great Walk (GW) entrance car park just before the Baroon Pocket Dam picnic area. You can begin the entire walk from the Baroon Pocket entrance (M1) and finish at the Delicia Road entrance (M4).
Closest towns to this walk: Flaxton, Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Witta
The Blackall Range, a mountain range dominating the Sunshine Coast hinterland west of Nambour, offers a scenic escape for locals and tourists alike.
The Blackall Range boasts a rich history. European exploration began with Ludwig Leichhardt, and the range was later named after Samuel Blackall, Queensland's second Governor. Nestled amidst the mountains are the charming townships of Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, and Flaxton. The Stanley River begins its journey on the southern slopes, while Baroon Pocket Dam serves as a reservoir on Obi Obi Creek, draining the northwestern slopes.
Mary Cairncross Reserve marks the location of the first settler's house, while natural wonders like Curramore Sanctuary, Mapleton Falls National Park, and Kondalilla National Park showcase the range's diverse ecosystems. Lookouts scattered throughout the range, like the one at Howells Knob (rising 561 meters above sea level), provide breathtaking coastal views.
With its stunning scenery, natural attractions, and established tourist infrastructure, the Blackall Range is a popular destination. Visitors can find a variety of accommodations, restaurants, art galleries, and specialty shops catering to all interests.
The area's rich timber resources initially attracted loggers in the 1860s, with the last logging operations happening in 1939. Notably, the Blackall Range, along with the Bunya Mountains, is one of only two natural habitats for the bunya pine tree species.
The Blackall Range offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxing escape.
Looking for more walks in or near Blackall Range? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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