Top five walking trails near Stockland Rockhampton
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 Rockhampton for you to discover on your next outdoor adventure.
1. Mount Archer National Park
Link to further information here
There are a number of walks that can be done while visiting Mount Archer National Park;
• Walking Track Circuit (Easy and Wheelchair accessible)
This circuit is 500m and requires roughly 20 minutes to complete. It features two lookouts; one is West over Rockhampton and the Fitzroy River and the other one is East towards the coast of Yeppoon.
• Bracken Fern Way (Easy)
See the three peaks of Mount Badger, Mount Sleipner and Mount Berserker with this walk. It’s a 1.4km return and allow for 45 minutes to complete.
• Sleipner Lookout Walk (Moderate)
See the distinct pointy peak of Mount Sleipner and its spectacular surrounds. The return walk is uphill and can be a challenge. This circuit is 2.4km return and requires 1 hour to complete.
• Zamia Walk (Difficult)
Witness the full glory of Mount Archer with this long descent from the top of the mountain, through the National Park to the park’s lower entrance. This walk is 14km one way and will take up to 5 hours to complete. It is suggested to walk this track from top to bottom and get picked up at the end.
2. Mount Etna Caves
Link to further information here
There are two main walks that can be done at Mt Etna;
• Cammoo Circuit (Easy)
This circuit is self-guided through remnant dry rainforest where you can uncover the secret and fragile ecosystem that is housed throughout the limestone karst. You can also read about the battle between the limestone miners and conservationists and how they resolved their dispute.
• Mount Etna Walk (Medium)
Enjoy expansive views of Limestone Ridge, the historic Pilkington Quarry and old mine workings feature strongly on this walk. The walk is recommended for relatively fit people due to the uphill track with many steps. This walk is not suitable for prams or strollers.
3. Kemp Hill
Link to further information here
Take a steep 600m walk to Turtle lookout to admire the flooded hill tops of the Keppel Bay Islands. Don’t forget to look down to see if you can spot any turtles swimming beneath you. Continue the walk to the top of the hill to enjoy panoramic views along the coast. When coming down the other side enjoy views of the hinterland and dense dry rainforest to complete the 2.3km circuit. This walk can take up to 1.5 hours, depending on your fitness levels and also the time spent stopped and sightseeing.
4. Kershaw Gardens
Link to further information here
This walk is perfect for people who enjoy an easy paced, flat walk. There’s plenty to see with the waterfall which lies in the northern section of the gardens, plus the People’s Forest, Grevillea Hill and the Wetlands to all be enjoyed whilst taking this leisurely walk.
5. Vince Lester Walk
Link to further information here
This walk is 2.6 km one way along Frenchville Road in North Rockhampton. Featuring outdoor gym equipment along the way to mix up the walk. This walk is recommended for all fitness levels, families and children.
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 garen, reserve or park that your social calendar will be filled for weeks to come.
