Our paths and trails take you to the scenic route
Issued: 4 Jul

Digging out the hiking boots, gathering your trail mix, sandwiches and lollies, sun screening up, spritzing on the insect repellent and zipping up the backpack — we're going on an adventure.

Queensland's national parks and state forests are full of stunning trails, tracks and pathways into nature Queensland's national parks and state forests are full of stunning trails, tracks and pathways into nature Queensland's national parks and state forests are full of stunning trails, tracks and pathways into nature

It's likely you've put a bit of effort into prepping your supplies and even what you'll wear but the one thing Senior Ranger Sergio wants us all to put just as much thought and effort into before we set out is researching the tracks and parks themselves.

This time of year, the weather is cooler and the full day and multi-day hikes are warming up in their appeal; but with that comes an increase in risk for the everyday and the novice hikers.

To ensure your adventure doesn’t fall flat of your expectations or be more challenging than you expected, we recommend looking up your destination on our website and checking out the photos and other activities or nearby features you may be able to visit as well.

Our web pages are generally brutally honest with safety info and best tips for getting there and around too, not to mention, you might be able to learn about what makes the spot so special from the local Rangers and Traditional Owners.

As a Ranger on the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland, Senior Ranger Sergio is one such local and he has seen plenty of mishaps, misfortunes and misadventures of well-meaning but underprepared park adventurers and while it's easy to think it won't happen to you; it's ultimately why preparation is key.

'It's important to know where you're going and to source a map before you go and take it with you,' Senior Ranger Sergio said.

'There's a lot of beauty to see and the feeling of being out on a hike is special however it’s important that you do all you can to make sure it's the good things you remember and that you don't end up with injuries or worse to remember your experience by instead.'

If you're a regular visitor to our parks, you will have come across our restricted access area signs and know what they mean, but there's plenty of other on-park advice to take on board.

While we understand the appeal of heading off-track to find the places you've seen photos of online, it's always safer to stay on tracks, as they are designed to lead you to all the best picture-perfect moments.

'Take our signs as a sign to stay safe so you can make sure time in nature doesn't come at a cost.

Always stay on designated paths and trails because the potential for things to go wrong significantly increases the moment you wander from the walking track.'

Recent incidents and comments from those who have survived their own misadventures, also recommend taking a buddy so you can keep an eye on each other and potentially avoid getting into trouble in the first place.

So, before you head out on your next wonderful, nature-filled walk in the national park, take it from Senior Ranger Sergio:

• plan and prepare before setting off on your walk/hike – research your destination park and check Park Alerts
• wear appropriate clothing for your destination, to protect you from the weather and annoying insects
• be mindful of the time of day and the daylight hours you have to work with
• check the weather and take a raincheck if needed
• consider going with a friend or group
• know where you’re going (have a map) (and tell someone)
• most importantly, when on your walk, remain on designated walking tracks.

We want to hear about your magic moments on park, not search and rescue operations, so get to planning, stay safe and enjoy.