Top five walking trails near Stockland Baringa.
Now that the temperature has dropped it’s the perfect time to rug up and get outdoors. Staying active is so important in the cooler months for your physical wellbeing and one of the easiest ways to get moving is by walking. Out amongst nature you can reset, recharge and reconnect and we've discovered the best walking tracks in and around Stockland Baringa for you to discover on your next outdoor adventure.
Glass House Mountains National Park – Read more here
Climb Mount Ngungun to view the taller mountains of the scenic Glass House Mountains range. It’s suitable for walkers and is easily accessible and manageable for young kids. If you only do one of the famous Glass House Mountains, choose this one. It’s the closest to the township and will give you the most bang for your buck.
The 2.8-kilometre return trek begins easily in open forest before starting to steepen with steps. About halfway up you will pass ‘Lovers Cave’, named after an indigenous legend. From there it gets trickier but before you know it you pop out next to a large leaning monolith with a long rocky ridgeline to explore.
At the peak, there are 360-degree panoramic views of the entire region. And best of all, there are no manmade incursions unlike some of the other Sunshine Coast peaks. Supervise kids carefully and remember to take your camera.
Distance: 2.8km return
Difficulty: Medium
Trailhead: Glass House Woodford Road
Kondalilla Falls – Read more here
Located within the Kondalilla National Park, you’ll find a breathtaking waterfall that drops 90 metres before meandering through the Obi Obi Valley.
The shortest walk is the Picnic Creek Circuit (1.7 kilometres) which winds through a eucalyptus forest and pristine rainforest en route to the natural rock pools at the top of Kondalilla Falls. This majestic swimming hole is surrounded by trees, native flora and rocks which is the perfect area for picturesque picnics. It’s also deep enough for a swim.
The Kondalilla Falls Circuit (4.7 kilometres) passes the rockpools and drops down to the base of the waterfall. The walk consists of 100 steps but the Instagram-worthy views make it all worth it.
Distance: 4.7km return
Difficulty: Medium
Trailhead: Kondalilla Falls Rd, Flaxton QLD 4560
Currimundi Lake ‘Loop the Lake’ Walk – Read more here
This is a great 3.8-kilometre circuit along both sides of Currimundi Lake and the beach. Anyone who loves sand and water will enjoy this 4-kilometre circuit. The majority of the track is lakeside with sections through coastal bushlands on the southern and northern sides of the lake. You cross over the lake via the pedestrian path on the bridge on the western end and walk across the beach on the eastern coast side where there is a beautiful open beach.
The great thing about this walk is that you can take your shoes off and get back to your car through a river crossing. Watch for wildlife and birds such as osprey. Vegetation varies throughout the catchment and includes melaleuca wetlands, eucalypt woodland and patches of littoral rainforest.
Distance: 3.8km return
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: There are numerous starting points east of Nicklin Way. On the southern side of the lake, you can park on Westaway Parade either near the surf beach or partway along near Frank McIvor Park or other side streets in between
Coastal Pathway: Bulcock Beach to Kings Beach – Read more here
Start your journey in Bulcock Beach where you can grab a coffee to go. As you start your walk or cycle along the coastal pathway you will see breathtaking views of the Pumicestone Passage and the Glass House Mountains to the south-west. Getting closer to the end of the beach you will find a boardwalk that connects Bulcock to Kings Beach. This part of the trail meanders along the cliffs edge offering expansive views of the passage entrance, Moreton Island and surfers catching waves. Finish the walk or cycle at Kings Beach where clear water and white sand makes this spot a perfect place for a swim.
Distance: 3.2km return
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Bulcock Beach Caloundra, park on or near The Esplanade
Wild Horse Mountain – Read more here
Head to Wild Horse Mountain for a short steep walk giving you uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Glass House Mountains to your west. Suitable for reasonably fit walkers or slower walkers wanting to take their time, the Wild Horse Mountain lookout is in Beerburrum State Forest, east of the Bruce Highway/M1. This walk starts at the southern end of the car park, heads up the cement road and up to the top, reaching approximately 700 metres each way.
You’ll walk past casuarinas, grass trees and eucalypts trees. On your way, you might even be lucky enough to see kookaburras, wagtails and dragonflies. While a reasonably steep climb of 123 metre elevation, there is shade at the top in the fire tower rotunda which is operated in partnership with the fire monitoring site on Mt Beerburrum.
From the tower, you can see Brisbane to the south, as well as Pumicestone Passage and Coochin Creek. There are coastal plains to take in, numerous pine forestry plantations and the various Glass House Mountains to the west. Northwards you can also spot Mount Coolum and Mount Cooroora.
Distance: 1.4km return
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Glass House Mountains Rd, Coochin Creek QLD 4519
How many walks have you ticked off? Stretch your legs and get a buddy on-board because walking with a friend is a social adventure! There is so much to see and do at each garden, reserve or park that your social calendar will be filled for weeks to come. Want to discover other activities to keep you busy while in isolation? Head straight to our Belong hub and get reading!
