Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Less than two hours’ drive from Brisbane (90km North) in the Blackall Range is the 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. If you’re looking for an overnighter hike near Brisbane, this should be your next trip.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

The 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is located close to Brisbane (within a two-hour drive). One of the best hikes in Queensland, it dishes up everything you want from a multi-day hike: interesting wildlife, great campsites, and views galore.

About the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

This might just be the best multi-day hike that’s close to Brisbane. Camping is cheap, you get to enjoy waterfalls and creeks in the wetter seasons, and you’ll create memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Lizard fans rejoice because there are a lot of them on this walk. Twitchers are also well catered for as there’s a very healthy bird population that provides a relaxing (albeit somewhat early!) soundtrack to your walk.

How To Get to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Head North towards Mapleton on the M1 (Bruce Highway) for 90km and park at Maroon Dam Pocket carpark. Make sure you have another car at Delicia Rd or arrange pickup there.

Skill Level

Beginner – Intermediate

Distance / Duration / Elevation Gain

58km / 3 – 5 days / 300m

There’s 58km of Class 3/Class 4 (moderate fitness required) tracks to cover. How long you take to do this is up to you. I took three days to complete this hike, but plenty of people take a few more days to savour the environment and take their time.

How you approach the track is up to you but I recommend planning your distances around the available campsites. The official itinerary recommends four days to complete the hike.

The greatest elevation change is 150m to 450m.

Essential Gear

• Sun protection
• Camping gear
• Food
• First aid kit
• Water + purification device for campsite tanks
• Salt for leeches
• Communication device and/or PLB (reception was available at all three campsites)

Read more: Leeches: How To Remove, Avoid, and Appreciate Them

What it’s Like to Hike the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

In the wetter seasons the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk traverses many creeks and past many waterfalls; in the summer it offers good bush walking and solitude.

State hike-in campsites are included along the trail for cheap camping (Flaxton, Ubajee, and Thilba Thalba) and can all be booked for about $6 a night). The walk even passes through the small townships of Flaxton and Mapleton.

In terms of wildlife, you’ll admire plenty of birds and lizards on your way. Most of the creeks and waterfalls were dry in March when I went, but the lookouts before and after Thilba Thalba campsite are spectacular, and swimming in the rock pools is refreshing and serene.

I started at Maroon Pocket Dam to Flaxton Walkers’ Camp (16km) on day one, then up to Thilba Thalba camp on the second day (26km, pretty long slog), and finally to the finishing point at Delicia Rd (16km).

The Walk follows a rough ‘P’ shape so you can choose to cut off the part below the circuit if you just have a weekend. If you have a full 4 days you can follow the walk according to the official itinerary.

The walk is very well marked along the multitude of day trails in the area, except perhaps near the rockpools (go up from the waterfall to the pools and then keep heading up the mountain).

You can purchase a map from the Visitor’s Centre in Mapleton (open from 10:00am weekdays) or at the newsagent in the town if you arrive earlier.

Tips For the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

• Be careful jumping into wild swimming holes. Always check for depth and be mindful that leeches are around
• Make sure to let someone know where you are going and when you are due back home
• Take a PLB or satellite phone just in case your phone dies
• Research the route before you leave so that you are prepared for areas of the track that are marked in ways that can be confusing
• Take a buddy! This is a great long weekend walk and you’ll make some amazing memories

FAQs Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

What are the highlights of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk?

From wild swimming opportunities to wildlife watching and just great bushwalking, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is overflowing with highlights. Peace and quiet is another one. Everyone has their own unique favourites but I haven’t met anyone who didn’t love the hike.

Where are the campsites on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk?

The available campsites on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk are at Flaxton, Ubajee, and Thilba Thalba.

Are there water tanks at the campsites on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk?

While there are water tanks provided at the campsites on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, it’s recommended that you begin your walk with at least 2L of water and ensure that you bring gear to treat or purify water from the tanks before consumption.

Are there leeches on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk?

Yep, and if you’re planning on swimming, you’ll probably get to meet a few! Leeches aren’t the end of the world and are actually pretty easy to deal with. Check out our handy guide before you go if you’re nervous or unfamiliar with them.

Will I need to refill my water from creeks on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk?

If you run out of water between campsites, you may also need to collect water from creeks and purify it before you drink or cook with it, yes.

What’s the best place to start the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk?

The best place to start the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is from the Mapleton day-use area alone Mapleton Forest Road. It has a fairly large area for parking and toilets (always good for those who get pre-hike jitters!)

Want more great Australian hikes?

• Hiking The Yuraygir Coastal Walk With A Boat On My Back (NSW)
• The Australian Alps Walking Track – The 680km Thru-Hike Across Our High Country
• Four Hidden Hiking Gems in Melbourne’s Outer-East
• 7 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Brisbane