Warrie Circuit

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall

This hike has incredible views with multiple waterfalls. Some steep and rocky tracks, water crossings, parts can be muddy and slippery. Definitely worth the effort.

Food, water and fitness are a must. Good shoes are also a necessity. Get there early and take your time. This is a one of a kind hike.

Have you ever been to a lovely restaurant and done a tasting menu? This is the Gold Coast Hinterland version of that for hiking. It is a spectacular representation of what the local Hinterland has to offer. The trail is 14 kilometres long, with breathtaking views and multiple waterfalls. You'll want to take a lunch and start early as this one is well worth taking your time. It is also recommended that you begin the hike no later than 11:00 am as it takes 5-6 hours to complete.

There are two places to begin the hike. This route starts at the canyon lookout and proceeds counterclockwise. You can go either direction, but you'll find traveling the path clockwise significantly more challenging. There is a Twin Falls circuit that can be incorporated into the hike if you wish to do so. There are warning signs at both ends of the track stating if you are not experienced, you should attempt this track.

If you are well prepared and fit, you should have no problems. The first 7 kilometres are primarily decent, with some spectacular waterfalls and water crossings. In one spot, you hike under a boulder wedged between two giant rocks. It's an excellent spot for a photo. The water crossings are relatively easy unless there has been recent rain. I would recommend giving this one a miss if there has been recent heavy rain as it could be pretty dangerous. There is also some scrambling over slippery rocks.

At around 7 kilometres, you'll come to a beautiful creek with a place to soak your feet if you like. If you wish to stop and have lunch, this is a great spot, but you come to the "meeting of the waters" a little further up the track. This is the confluence of two creeks and an absolutely fantastic spot. Depending on the amount of water in the creeks, it may even be a spot for a swim.

You begin the ascent out of the canyon from the "meeting of the waters". It's not overly complicated, but you'll find some places with slippery rocks that require you to proceed cautiously. Interestingly the name of the canyon is "The Canyon". As you work your way up, you'll find a couple of signed offshoot trails that lead to waterfalls. Take them. It's well worth it. As you eventually work your way back to the starting point, there are a few fantastic lookouts along the way.

This route is highly recommended. Don't forget your camera. You'll find several places along the way with stairs made from rocks and some concrete. There are also places where stones have been stacked to build switchbacks. As you hike the trail, it's hard not to think about the tremendous work that makes this hike possible. We can be grateful to those who did it.

There are some who do this hike specifically to take pictures of the fungus that grow along the trail. There are multiple bird and plant species to see. You may even see a blue crayfish.

There is a camping and day use area nearby called "The Settlement" There is information about the aboriginal people and the first white settlers in the area available here.