Itineraries

Guide updated 13 Sept 2026 · verify Queensland Parks the morning you go

These plans are built for real Brisbane and Gold Coast days — winding roads, two sections, weather and energy included — not fantasy “do everything” checklists. Pick the plan that matches your group, then open it for a full timeline, packing notes and what to skip. Print from any plan page, or grab the free day-trip checklist (PDF / HTML) and the practical planner (PDF / HTML).

Every itinerary defers to Queensland Parks for track status and alerts. Hard walks only appear where the plan names them — and only when official status is open.

3–5 hours on the Green Mountains plateau (+ 2 hr class each way from Brisbane)

Short waterfall day — Moran’s, Python & Centenary

Best for: First visit, mixed ability, late-ish start, or Plan B when Toolona is too much weather

Green Mountains only: Centenary Track, Python Rock lookout and Moran’s Falls — named waterfall and escarpment views without a 6-hour creek circuit. Tree Top Walk only if it replaces a walk, not stacked on top.

Open plan →

Full daylight — ~7 hr walking + two winding drives + shuffle

Border Track one-way (car shuffle)

Best for: Fit walkers with two cars or a booked transfer who want the 21.4 km spine and nothing else

Green Mountains to Binna Burra (or reverse) on the Border Track: 21.4 km one way, about 7 hours, Grade 4. No ordinary through-road. Logistics first, rainforest second. Not stacked with Toolona or Tree Top Walk.

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~6 hours walking + Green Mountains access (early start from Brisbane or the Gold Coast)

Full-day Toolona Creek Circuit

Best for: Fit walkers whose whole day is one clockwise Grade 4 waterfall circuit

Green Mountains trailhead, Toolona Creek Circuit clockwise: 17.4 km, about 6 hours, Grade 4. Creek lines and falls. No Border Track, no vineyard, no Tree Top Walk prelude. Alerts first — flood and post-storm closures are real.

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Multi-day (54 km Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk) — not a day trip

Overnight on the Hinterland Great Walk (planning notes)

Best for: Experienced walkers with official remote-camp permits and a dry window outside 1 Dec–31 Jan

Overnight notes for the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk via Lamington’s Border Track: official permits, Dec–Jan remote-camp closure, private lodges booked separately, patchy phone coverage, and a post-storm check of alerts. Not a first Lamington visit.

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