Visiting Nerang safely

Emergency markers are located at shared-trail junctions throughout the park. Please take notice of these in case of an emergency. Knowing your exact or approximate location will save valuable time if you require assistance from emergency services.

Getting there and getting around

• Gold Coast and hinterland parks locality map (PDF, 565.6KB)
• Nerang National Park map (PDF, 1.6MB)
• Nerang National Park mountain bike trail map (PDF, 1.7MB)

Nerang National Park is on Nerang’s north-west outskirts, 12km from Surfers Paradise and 70km south of Brisbane. There are five main access points to the park. These can be found in the south-east corner of the park and on the western side of the park along Beaudesert–Nerang Road. Please see the park locality map (PDF, 1.6MB) for more information.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities in the park.

Staying safe

• Nerang National Park map (PDF, 1.6MB)

Emergency markers (unique alphanumeric codes) are located at the formalised park entrances and at each of the shared-trail junctions. In an emergency dial Triple Zero and if possible, recite the closest emergency marker code to assist emergency services in locating the emergency within the national park.

• Wear suitable walking shoes.
• Stick to tracks and trails and follow signs carefully to avoid getting lost.
• Aim to complete walks and rides before dark and inform somebody of your plans.
• Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Start longer walks and rides at cooler times of the day and carry plenty of drinking water.
• Avoid bites, stings and scratches. Wear protective clothing and insect repellent to help prevent tick and other insect bites or stings, and scratches. Detour around snakes; never provoke them.
• Take care of your property and personal safety. Thefts and assaults can occur in parks. Do not leave valuables in parked cars.
• Access the mountain bike trail map on your smart phone or device and take it with you on your ride. Look for the QR code that is featured on the entrance signs and at key entry points around the park.

Follow the give-way code

• Be careful and courteous—walkers, horseriders and cyclists share the same tracks.
  • Cyclists must give-way to walkers and horseriders, and alert them when approaching.
  • To safely alert horses and not spook them, slow down and talk—hearing a human voice can help horses stay calm when a bike suddenly appears.
  • Walkers must give-way to horses.
• Everyone must slow down and go around wildlife.

Horseriders and cyclists ride safely

• Always wear a helmet and the right safety gear.
• Plan ahead—ride within your ability and according to track and trail conditions.
• Avoid skidding and sliding around turns—collision and personal injury may result.
• Avoid riding on soft, wet, or muddy tracks and trails.
• Avoid riding in large groups.
• Access the mountain-bike trail map on your smart phone or device and take it with you on your ride. Look for the QR code that is featured on the entrance signs and at key entry points around the park.

In an emergency

In case of an accident or other emergency please:

• call Triple Zero (000)
• call 106 for a text-only message for deaf or speech or hearing impaired callers
• advise emergency services the nature of your emergency, your location* and stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

* Please refer to emergency markers located at shared trail junctions to assist with orientation during an emergency.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Sunscreen, insect repellent and protective clothing (including hats and shoes) to avoid bites, stings and sunburn.
• Drinking water and food for your visit
• Rubbish bags—no rubbish bins are provided so all rubbish must be taken home with you for appropriate disposal.
• Mobile phone and a well-equipped first-aid kit.

Opening hours

Nerang National Park is open 24 hours a day, but for your safety, visits are encouraged during daylight hours. Remember, there is no camping permitted in the national park.

Permits and fees

A permit is not required to recreate within the park or forest unless the activity is a commercial activity or organised event (including competitive or sporting events). All commercial and organised events require a permit.

Pets

During the summer months, temperatures can be higher than 30°C. February is usually the wettest month. Winter days are pleasant with maximum temperatures around 21°C.

Climate and weather

During the summer months temperatures can reach in excess of 30°C, with February being the wettest month. Winter days are pleasant with maximum temperatures around 21°C.

Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology. For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

The nearest fuel and supplies are available at Nerang.