6 Family Friendly Queensland Hikes You Won't Forget

You'll never run out of things to do with the kids with this list of incredible Queensland hikes.

As the second-largest state in Australia, Queensland has a range of different landscapes perfect for hiking. With a land mass of 1.853 million square kilometres, it can be hard to put into perspective just how vast Queensland is. 

Home to islands, lakes, waterfalls and countless national parks, it’s no wonder that hiking is such a popular pastime in the sunshine state. If you’re planning a trip with the kids, here are the best family-friendly hikes in Queensland you won't forget!  

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Located on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a popular beach holiday destination for families. Nearby Noosa National Park, home to secret beaches, lush bush and wildlife, is a must-visit for hikers and photographers alike.  

The 10.8km return coastal walk is the most popular hiking trail in Noosa National Park and is suitable for all ages. The trail takes you around the coastline of Noosa Heads. The most popular direction is to start on Little Cove Beach and end the walk on Sunshine Beach (5.4km) or walk back the way you came (10.8km circuit).  

Along the way, you’ll walk past secluded beaches, jaw-dropping viewpoints and lush bush. However, since there are no facilities along the trail, pack lots of water and complete the hike early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.  

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Did you know there is so much more to the Gold Coast than its beaches? There’s plenty to be discovered inland as well. Our pick is heading to Springbrook National Park to complete the Warrie Circuit. While this is the longest day hike in Springbrook National Park, it is a great family-friendly hike for those who love nature.  

The hike takes around five hours to complete, but you should allow six hours if you plan to stop to swim and eat (which we recommend). Unlike other hikes in Springbrook National Park, there are no long and extremely steep sections on the hike, but you’ll need a good fitness level as there are a few rocky sections to climb over.  

So, what makes the Warrie Circuit one of the best hikes in Queensland? As you make your way through the trail, you’ll pass at least ten waterfalls that are just as beautiful as you’d expect within a lush rainforest.  

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Another of the best hikes in Queensland you have to do with kids if you’re staying on the Gold Coast is the fantastic Purling Brook Falls Circuit. Also located in Springbrook National Park, the Purling Brook Falls Circuit is the easiest hike in the national park, making it a popular one for families! 

Since this 4km hike is a circuit, you can walk it in any direction. However, hiking it clockwise means avoiding climbing a steep set of stairs. Along the way, you’ll walk deep into the valley, over creeks and bridges, and halfway through the hike, you’ll make it to the stunning 90m high Purling Brook Falls. 

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Located between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are the stunning Glass House Mountains, home to some of the best hiking trails in Queensland. The Glass House Mountains are a cluster of 13 peaks, with Mount Beerwah being the tallest at 556m.  

With hiking trails ranging in difficulty through this region, one of the best ones to do with kids is Mount Ngungun. It’s steep, but it’s all part of the fun as you have to climb and scramble over rocks to get to the top. Once at the summit, you’re rewarded with breath-taking views of the hinterland and ocean in the distance.  

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If you’re staying in Townsville and plan on heading to Magnetic Island for the day, the Forts Walk is one of the best things to do. When you arrive on the island, hop on the bus and hop off at the Forts Walk car park. The track will take you through the eucalypt forest, up hills and stairs, past sleeping koalas and stunning lookouts. 

You’ll know you’re at the top of the hike when you see the World War II ruins. You’ll be blown away by the stunning 360-degree views of the island and the surrounding ocean. After the hike, catch the bus back to the ferry terminal and get a delicious mango smoothie from Fruits ‘n’ Scoops! You can’t beat it! 

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If your kids love waterfalls, one of the best hikes to do in Queensland is the Kondalilla Falls circuit.  

Located near Montville in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the Kondalilla Falls circuit is a popular hike for families. However, there are over 300 stairs on the track, so you should be reasonably fit to complete this walk.  

Since the trail is a circuit, you can do it in either direction. However, most people do it anti-clockwise to take a dip in the swimming holes closer to the finish of the hike. The trail takes you deep into the valley with fantastic views of Kondalilla Falls (90m), through the lush bush and past swimming holes. If you do the hike after a few days of rain, the waterfall will be gushing, and the surrounding trees will be as green as green! 

After completing the hike, head back to Montville to grab a bite at Poets Cafe.  

Which one of these Queensland hikes will you tick off first?

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