Outdoor & Adventure

Adventures for Every Thrill Level and Interest

The Gympie Region’s diverse landscapes and pristine natural environments create exceptional opportunities for outdoor adventures ranging from gentle family activities to extreme challenges for experienced adventurers. 

The region’s combination of coastal access, mountain forests, river systems, and protected wilderness areas provides adventure seekers with an enormous variety of activities in spectacular natural settings. 

Tracks & Trails Adventures

Adventure out into the great outdoors and explore our backyard with us! The Gympie region is home to many tracks and trails suited to all ages and fitness levels. Whether you prefer biking or hiking, the Gympie Region has got you covered and here is just some of our favourites.

Heritage Trails

Travel back in time and walk through our region’s history. The heritage trails will take you on a walk, guiding you through a tour showcasing the historic sites across the Gympie Region. Stop, scan and read the plaques providing the stories of the past of that location, and you will even get to see some original buildings!

Follow the footsteps of pioneers and early settlers of Queensland, choose one of our 3 heritage trails;

River To Rail Trail
12.7km

River To Rail Trail

📍 Gympie Driving or Cycling
🎯 9 stops along the way

Scenic trail along the Mary River connecting historic landmarks, sports venues, and natural attractions in Gympie.

Highlights:

Heritage sites River views Sports facilities Gold fossicking
Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail
88km

Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail

📍 The West & South Burnett Driving
🎯 9 stops along the way

Journey through rural Queensland heritage connecting historic towns from Kilkivan to Kingaroy, the "Peanut Capital".

Highlights:

Gold mining history Pumpkin Festival Rural landscapes Historic towns
Mary Valley Rail Trail
4.3km

Mary Valley Rail Trail

📍 Mary Valley Walking, Cycling
🎯 2 stops along the way

Scenic cycling trail through the heart of Mary Valley, offering heritage sites, local arts, and stunning countryside.

Highlights:

Mary Valley Rattler Dairy farms Scenic landscapes Historic bridges
Gympie Town Centre Heritage Trail
10.4km

Gympie Town Centre Heritage Trail

📍 Gympie Walking, Cycling
🎯 22 stops along the way

Discover Gympie's gold rush heritage through historic buildings, churches, and landmarks in the town centre.

Highlights:

Gold rush history Heritage architecture Historic churches Town hall
The West Heritage Trail
196km

The West Heritage Trail

📍 The West Driving
🎯 6 stops along the way

Explore historic sites across The West region including bridges, homesteads, and war memorials.

Highlights:

Historic bridges War memorials Pastoral homesteads Mining heritage
Cooloola Coast Heritage Trail
60km

Cooloola Coast Heritage Trail

📍 Cooloola Coast Driving
🎯 3 stops along the way

Coastal heritage trail featuring the iconic lighthouse, historic jetty, and timber tramway along Rainbow Beach.

Highlights:

Lighthouse Sand mining history Timber tramway Coastal views
Mary Valley Heritage Trail
28.6km

Mary Valley Heritage Trail

📍 Mary Valley Driving, Cycling
🎯 3 stops along the way

Explore Mary Valley's railway heritage including historic cream sheds, bridges, and the relocated powder magazine.

Highlights:

Railway history Historic bridges Cream sheds Military heritage

River to Rail Trail

Stretching for 7.8km of sealed and unsealed pathways, the River to Rail Trail combines the natural landscapes of Mary River with urban history as you walk through the heart of Gympie. A large part of the trail follows the Mary River where you can picnic, fish, swim, canoe, kayak and come face to face with the Mary River Turtle. It’s the perfect trail for a family outing with all members of the family welcome, including our furry friends (on leash only). Whether it’s going for a walk, bike ride or exploring the Mary River in the kayak, this trail offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Download the River to Rail Trail Map >

Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail

Explore the scenery of our western region by following the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail along the historic railway line for 88km. The trail beckons to adventurous bushwalkers, bike riders, and horse riders, especially it’s unsealed section from Kilkivan to Murgon, where you’ll navigate through waterways and historic stock routes. As the trail passes through multiple towns, including Goomeri, Murgon, and Wondai, take advantage of the perfect opportunity to recharge at one of the cafes along the way, where you can grab a coffee and some lunch to gain some energy before continuing your journey.

Download the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail Map >

Mary Valley Rail Trail

Journey through the rolling hills of the Mary Valley and explore the 4.7km of historic stretch of the old Mary Valley Rail Line from Imbil to Brooloo. It’s the perfect place to get out amongst nature and our native animals, as the trails leads through the tranquillity of the rainforests, creeks and green pastures. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll, a mountain bike ride or a horseback ride, The Mary Valley Rail Trail promises a memorable experience of the Mary Valley.

Download Mary Valley Rail Trail Map >

Cooloola Great Walk

Step into the Cooloola Great Walk and take the 102km journey across five days and four nights from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach. With vast arrays of different scenery from the Noosa Everglades, The Cooloola Sandmass and the lush rainforest of the Great Sandy National Park, there’s a reason why it’s described as one of Australia’s most scenic hikes. It’s one you’ll definitely want to place on your bucket list.

Learn more about Cooloola Great Walk > 

Poona Lake Walk

Walk along the 2km track showcasing the rainforest growing out of the sand dune and discover the tea tree-coloured waters of Poona Lake. This walk is the perfect escape into nature, with every twist and turn providing a new landscape of the beauty of the paperbark trees and towering hoop pines. 

Learn More about Poona Lake Walk >

Amama Walking Track

Wander through the Amamoor State Forest and explore the walking tracks that’s surrounded by the lush rainforest landscape and see if you can spot the magnificent fig tree or the wild macadamia trees scattered throughout these walks. Stop and admire the cascading waterfall halfway along the trail or if you dare take the plunge and jump into the freezing cold water. 

Learn More about Amama Walk >

Victory Heights Recreational Trail

Adventure through the 60hectares of eucalypt forest at the Victory Trails! Offering 25km of mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels, there’s plenty of adventure to be had. Bring the kids, with a 2km kids track they’ll be sure to have a blast. Bushwalkers and trail runners have a choice of three trails: 2km, 3km, 5k, or alternatively you can combine all three for stroll of 17km in total. 

Download Victory Heights Recreational Trail Map >

Adventures

Water Based Adventures

Land Based Adventures

Fishing Adventures

Air Based Adventures

Freshwater Kayaking & Canoeing

The Mary River system and various dams provide excellent freshwater paddling opportunities through scenic countryside and natural environments.

  • Scenic Rural Landscapes: Paddling through farming country and natural areas
  • Wildlife Observation: Platypus, water birds, and riparian zone animals
  • Historical Connections: Following routes used by early explorers and settlers
  • Access Points: Multiple launch locations throughout the valley

View Canoe and Kayak Water Trail Information

Ocean Kayaking

The protected waters of Tin Can Bay and the more challenging conditions off Rainbow Beach provide kayaking opportunities for all skill levels.

  • Water Conditions: Perfect for beginners and families
  • Wildlife Encounters: Paddling alongside dolphins, rays, and diverse bird life
  • Mangrove Exploration: Guided tours through mangrove creek systems
  • Surf Launching: Challenging launches through surf conditions
  • Whale Watching: Seasonal opportunities to paddle near migrating whales
  • Coloured Cliff Perspectives: Unique views of the famous coloured sand formations

Lake Borumba Kayaking

Fringed by forested hills, the lake is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, water skiing, and boating.

  • Large Water Surface: Opportunities for long-distance paddling
  • Scenic Mountain Setting: Surrounded by forested hills and valleys
  • Wildlife Observation: Waterbirds and forest species along shorelines
  • Camping Combinations: Multi-day adventures combining paddling and camping

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

The region's calm water areas provide excellent SUP conditions for this increasingly popular activity throughout the freshwater water systems or ocean waters.

Four Wheel Driving

The region provides extensive 4WD opportunities ranging from easy tracks suitable for beginners to extreme challenges requiring advanced skills and recovery equipment.

  • Cooloola National Park 4WD: Beach Driving, Sand Driving Techniques, Remote Area Access, Camping Access, Recovery Situations
  • State Forest 4WD Tracks: Varied Difficulty Levels, Scenic Destinations, Technical Challenges, Group Adventures

Mountain Biking

The region's forests and rural areas provide excellent mountain biking opportunities with purpose-built trails and forest roads.

  • Imbil State Forest Trails: Purpose-Built Single Track, Cross-Country Routes, Downhill Sections, Family Trails
  • Trail Categories: Beginner Trails, Intermediate Trails, Advanced Trails, Epic Rides

Trail Running, Hiking & Bushwalking

Extensive trail networks provide opportunities for runners and hikers of all abilities.

  • Forest Trail Running: Single Track Trails, Fire Trail Networks, Scenic Loops, Event Participation
  • Bushwalking: Day Walks, Multi-Day Hikes, Interpretive Walks, Photography Walks

Beach & Surf Fishing

The region's extensive coastline provides excellent fishing opportunities for various species and skill levels.

  • Rainbow Beach Fishing: Beach Fishing for whiting, bream, flathead; Surf Fishing for tailor, jewfish; Rock Fishing access
  • Bay and Estuary Fishing: Tin Can Bay - whiting, bream, flathead, mangrove jack, barramundi (seasonal)

Freshwater Fishing

Dams, rivers, and creeks throughout the region provide diverse freshwater fishing opportunities.

  • Lake Borumba and Mary River: Australian Bass, Golden Perch, Fishing Tournaments, Boat Launching facilities

Creek & River Fishing

  • Native Species: Australian bass, sooty grunter, and other natives
  • Scenic Locations: Fishing in beautiful natural settings
  • Fly Fishing: Opportunities for this specialised fishing technique
  • Family Fishing: Easy access locations suitable for children
  • Professional Fishing Charters: Experienced operators provide guided fishing experiences

Rock Climbing & Abseiling

Natural rock formations throughout the region provide climbing opportunities for various skill levels.

  • Climbing Locations: Granite Outcrops, Creek Canyons, Artificial Walls, Guided Experiences with professional instruction

Aerial Adventures

Professional operators provide aerial perspectives of the region's diverse landscapes and coastline.

  • Scenic Flights: Coastal Tours, Hinterland Tours, Sunset Flights
  • Whale Watching Flights: Seasonal aerial whale observation
  • Hot Air Ballooning: Peaceful aerial experiences with spectacular views
  • Wildlife Spotting: Aerial views of kangaroos and other wildlife

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