By Adrienne Costin
Updated 29 August 2008

The Gold Coast’s most anticipated nature-based attraction, the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, is now officially open and ready for keen walkers looking for a challenge.

The 54km walk has taken three years to complete and links Lamington and Springbrook National Parks via the Numinbah Valley . It includes sections ideal for short and day walks as well as the overall walk which should take around three days to complete.

The trail incorporates an existing walk from O’Reilly’s in the Green Mountains to the Numinbah Valley via Binna Burra and Egg and Turtle Rock. The new part of the walk joins at the Numbinbah Forest Reserve and then passes through the Springbrook Conservation Area and upstream along Little Nerang Creek.

The walk has been planned to allow locals and visitors many opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the Gold Coast hinterland and follows the path walked by the Yugambeh Traditional Owners for thousands of years.

Both the Lamington and Springbrook National Park are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and are home to the largest subtropical rainforest remnant in the world and ancient Antarctic beech forests.

Waterfalls and stunning geological formations are other natural highlights to be found along the way. The wildlife includes rare and threatened animals like the Coxen’s fig-parrot, eastern bristlebird, Richmond birdwing butterfly and the plumed frogmouth.

Camping is available along the walk at Green Mountains , Woonoongoor and The Settlement at Springbrook and bookings are essential. Walkers are advised to obtain a detailed map before making the walk. These are available from David Fleay Wildlife Park , Queensland Parks and Wildlife, Binna Burra Lodge and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort.

The Gold Coast hinterland contains a great selection of accommodation options from exclusive rainforest retreats to family getaways and a delicious range of dining opportunities at restaurants and coffee shops.