If you’re a fan of nature with a business trip booked to the Gold Coast, you’re in luck. Broadbeach is perfectly positioned between the Gold Coast’s world-renowned beaches and the lush landscapes of the Hinterland, making it easy to experience both during your stay.
Whether you’re extending a business trip by a day, fitting in some downtime between conference sessions, or simply looking to swap skyscrapers for ancient rainforests and cascading waterfalls, there are countless opportunities to explore beyond the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
From easy scenic strolls to rewarding waterfall circuits, these five Hinterland walks are all within easy reach of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (okay, maybe a little further!) and offer a truly magical way to experience another side of the Gold Coast.
What are the best Hinterland Walking Trails near the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre?
Twin Falls Circuit
Shining bright as the first pick on the list is Twin Falls Circuit in Springbrook National Park. Located around 50 minutes inland by car, this 4km circuit begins at either the Tallanbana picnic area or Canyon Lookout and forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
Give yourself roughly two hours to finish the walk, allowing plenty of time to stop and soak in the scenery along the way. You’ll be rewarded with refreshing waterfall views, lush rainforest and opportunities to spot native wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for the distinctive pink bark of the brush box trees that line the trail. Some trees in the area have been radiocarbon dated at around 1,500 years old, making them the oldest ever carbon dated trees found on mainland Australia. Now that’ll be a fun fact to share with the coworkers!
Tip: To get the steep stair-climb out of the way first, start at the Tallanbana picnic area.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 170m
Great for: The all-round experience
Travel time from GCCEC: Approximately 45 to 50 minutes
Purling Brook Falls Circuit
Sparkling waterfalls and breathtaking scenery aren’t far from your keynote with a visit to Purling Brook Falls. Less than an hour’s drive from the Centre, this 4km circuit takes around two hours to complete. Winding through ancient rainforest, towering eucalypts and dramatic cliff faces, the track eventually leads to the base of the spectacular Purling Brook Falls. Along the way you’ll cross a suspension bridge, encounter unique wildlife and discover plenty of photo opportunities.
While relatively short, the trail includes approximately 265 steps and more than 300m of elevation change, making it best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness. For those keen to extend the adventure, the Warringa Pool detour comes highly recommended, adding around 40 minutes to the walk. As always, check track conditions and park alerts before visiting, particularly after wet weather when surfaces can become slippery.
Tip: Walk the circuit clockwise so you can finish with a gentler climb back to the picnic area.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 300m
Great for: Waterfall views
Travel time from GCCEC: Approximately 50 minutes
Natural Bridge
For delegates with limited time, Natural Bridge is hard to beat. Located just under an hour from the Centre, it’s one of the Gold Coast Hinterland’s most accessible and unique natural attractions, making it an ideal escape if you only have a couple of hours to spare.
This easy 1km circuit takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and showcases an extraordinary natural rock arch sculpted over thousands of years by the waterfall flowing through the basalt cave below. The surrounding forest is equally impressive, home to colourful riflebirds and ancient hoop pines dating back around 180 million years.
It’s important to note that sections of Cave Creek are a Restricted Access Area to protect both visitors and the environment, so swimming within the cave and creek is prohibited.
Tip: For an extra special experience, book a guided evening tour to see the famous glow worm colony that calls the cave home.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 325m
Great for: Those with limited time
Travel time from GCCEC: Just under one hour
Morans Falls Track
For a deeper rainforest experience or those extending their Gold Coast stay, Morans Falls has well and truly earnt a spot on the itinerary. Located within Lamington National Park approximately 75 to 90 minutes from the Centre, this lush subtropical oasis delivers some of the Hinterland’s most impressive scenery.
This easy and picturesque walk leads to spectacular views over Morans Falls and the surrounding gorge, passing towering booyong trees and impressive strangler figs along the way. Plunging 80m below, Morans Falls changes dramatically with the seasons, transforming from a powerful surge after heavy rain to a gentler flow during drier periods.
Tip: Continue to the second lookout at the end of the track to see layers of ancient volcanic lava flows from one of Australia’s largest shield volcanoes, which erupted around 23 million years ago.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation: 910m
Great for: Nature lovers
Travel time from GCCEC: 75 to 90 minutes
Python Rock Track
Ready to fill your camera roll with ancient escarpments, panoramic views and dramatic Hinterland landscapes? Pencil in Python Rock Track for a pre-conference wander or an afternoon refresh before networking drinks.
Located within Lamington National Park, this rewarding walk offers sweeping views across Castle Crag, Mount Razorback and the surrounding valleys, showcasing millions of years of natural erosion that have shaped the landscape. The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and is renowned for its geological significance and biodiversity.
Along the way, keep an eye out for tree identification signs that reveal fascinating facts about the surrounding flora. If you’re visiting after rain, listen closely for the distinctive ‘popping’ call of the ancient masked mountain frog.
Tip: Visit on a clear morning or late afternoon. The lookout is fully exposed and cloud cover can significantly impact visibility, but on a good day, you’ll be rewarded with some of Lamington National Park’s best panoramic views.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation: 148m
Great for: Photo opportunities
Travel time from GCCEC: Approximately 75 minutes
If unwinding in nature after a fast-paced conference sounds like your cup of tea, adding a Hinterland adventure to your itinerary is a must. While the Gold Coast may be best known for its golden beaches and vibrant nightlife, its Hinterland offers an equally memorable experience, and one complete with crisp mountain air, ancient rainforests and moments of genuine tranquillity. So, build a little extra time into your itinerary for your next business event here and discover why the Gold Coast Hinterland is the perfect complement to your conference experience.
FAQ
How far is the Gold Coast Hinterland from GCCEC?
Most popular Hinterland walking trails are located in Springbrook and Lamington National Park, between 45 and 90 minutes from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. This makes them ideal for a half day or full day trip before or after a conference.
What should I pack for a Gold Coast Hinterland walk?
Fill a backpack with plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray, and some light snacks depending on how long you’re planning to walk. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and a thin jacket are also recommended. Weather conditions can change quickly in the Hinterland, especially after rain!
Can conference delegates visit the Hinterland as a day trip?
Absolutely. Many of the Gold Coast Hinterland’s most iconic attractions can be explored within a few hours, making them easy to incorporate into a business trip or an extended stay in Broadbeach.
Which Gold Coast Hinterland walk has the best waterfall views?
If waterfalls are your priority, Twin Falls Circuit and Purling Brook Falls Circuit are the top picks. Twin Falls offers an immersive rainforest experience, while Purling Brook Falls rewards walkers with a dramatic waterfall at the base of a cliff face.
Interested in a destination that goes further than the Centre? Chat to our team to find out more.