Bush Walking
Active Holiday
If you desire an active holiday and enjoy experiencing nature in a personal and intimate way, there are meandering tracks throughout the 4000 acres of pristine bushland that makes up Gordon Country. Follow the tracks made by wildlife and cattle over the past 100 years to find all those secret spots that can only be found on foot by the avid explorer.
If you prefer to follow designated walking trails, you can also enjoy the stunning designated walks in the Main Range National Park which traverse through the centuries old, World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest.
There’s no better way to refresh and reconnect with nature than walking. Our walking tracks will lead you through diverse environments, ranging from pristine rainforest, untouched bushland and peaceful forested creeks. You’ll discover much more on foot than from the car window and find those secret gems well off the beaten track. Get up close to delicate ferns and centuries old cedar trees, glimpse flashes of colourful birds or gaze in wonder over the picture-perfect as you feel like the king or queen of the world on top of the Great Dividing Range.
Walking tracks are designed to be enjoyed by everyone, from families with small children through to serious hikers seeking more challenging walks. Our walking trails on Gordon Country can be as challenging or as easy as you choose – walk along and follow the beautiful creek flats or start your climb to find the lookouts.
Cattle tracks and four wheel drive tracks will guide you to all the best places! These are all pet friendly provided your pooch doesn’t chase or hunt the wildlife and livestock!
The designated walk in the Main Range National park are graded from easy to difficult, with the distance clearly signed for you so can be confident to find one to suit your preferences and abilities. Please keep in mind, pets are not allowed in the National Park.
Rugged mountain ranges, spectacular escarpments and rare wildlife feature in this prestigious Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area park. As you walk through you will enjoy a mosaic of vegetation types where Rainforests grow in moist or sheltered locations, with open eucalypt forest occurring on the drier ridges and valleys.
Featured Walks:
Class 4 walking track - Cascades circuit
Distance: 6.5km return
Allow about 3hr walking time
This circuit winds through sections of rainforest, featuring a series of cascades and rocky pools on the upper reaches of Dalrymple Creek. Look for signs of early timber logging.
Class 4 walking track - Araucaria Falls
Distance: 3.6km return
Allow about 1.5hr walking time
This track commences 3.8km along Lookout Road and leads to the base of a small but spectacular waterfall with a swimming hole surrounded by rainforest. While it is lovely walk, it is a steep climb back out.
Class 3 walking track - Mount Castle lookout
Distance: 960m return
Allow about 30min walking time
Mount Castle lookout is a natural viewpoint that offers views over the Laidley Valley and the Little Liverpool Range and has moderate to steep grades and passes through lush rainforest scattered with magnificent hoop pines.
Class 4 walking track - Ridge track
Distance: 5km return
Allow about 2.5hr walking time
This circuit track provides views down into Dalrymple Creek valley and takes you through sections of New England ash Eucalyptus campanulata. This walk contains moderate grades with some steeper sections.
Class 3 walking track - Sylvesters Lookout
Distance: 940m return
Allow about 30min walking time
Sylvesters lookout offers magnificent views over the coastal plains below, including the southern tip of Lake Moogerah and the rugged border ranges to the south. It includes a moderate climb.
Some briefs tips to enjoy a safe bushwalking experience:
- Carry a first aid kit and know your first aid;
- Ensure someone knows where you are going and when they should expect you back;
- Always carry water, protein bars and a warm jacket;
- Carry a two-way or UHF radio - Gordon Country operates on Channel 26.
