Sunshine Coast Council

For the most ambitious hikers, here is the pinnacle of the Sunshine Coast’s multi-day adventures.

SUITABILITY
Suitable for experienced walkers (and campers).

HIGHLIGHTS
The Conondale Range Great Walk takes place within Conondale National Park, an hour’s drive north-west of the Sunshine Coast and a two hours from Brisbane. It’s a full four-day 56 km circuit walk – some people have been known to run it in one day – but take your time to enjoy the remoteness, with three camps spots along the way and another two back at base. There are also half-day sections you can enjoy as well.

The first day is all up. You leave Booloumba Creek day-use Area and walk to the Gold Mine, Artists Cascades, Booloumba Falls and after 11km you reach Wongai Walkers Camp where most people make their first night camp.

Day 2 is a 17 km hike that takes you up to Mounts Gerald (800m), Ramadan (800m) and Langley (868m) then on a long plateau to Tallowwood Walkers’ Camp.

Day 3 is slightly shorter at 15.2 km with a few creek creek crossings and one road crossing, with your destination being the Summer Falls Walkers’ Camp.

The final day back to base is 12 km including a 1.5 km side trail up to Mt Allan Summit (593m) – well worth it to gaze over the countryside and your magnificent achievement.

At over 50km long this is a true multi-day challenge with Class 4 walking and remote camping – all in all a great adventure with serious kudos.

AFTERWARDS
You’ve earned yourself a long cold drink! And a shower!

There are other multi-day walks to be enjoyed in the region including the Cooloola Great Walk, that starts on the Noosa North Shore and ends up at Rainbow Beach via the Great Sandy National Park (and lots of sand dunes). There is also the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Follow the M1 / Bruce Highway north, and take the Kenilworth exit. Follow the signs for Kenilworth, travelling along the Eumundi-Kenilworth Road for about 28km. Go through Kenilworth and continue toward Maleny. The turn-off to Booloumba Creek day-use and camping areas is on your right about 7.5 km, just after Little Yabba Creek Park. Follow this road for another 7 km and you will get to the Booloumba Creek Day area.

NOTE: Queensland Parks advises: All park roads are gravel and at present suitable for high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles ONLY. Booloumba Creek Road includes three creek crossings. Many keen walkers park their cars on the side of the road before the first creek crossing and walk in.

The Conondale Range Great Walk starts from the Booloumba Creek Day use area – and ends there.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.