#10 - Goldfield Trail
Wooroonooran National ParkLength: 12.1 mi • Est. 6 h 2 m
This historic trail used to serve gold miners arriving on the coast as a means of getting to the gold mining region in the Goldsborough Valley. The trail could be walked from either end and terminates at the the Babinda Boulders day use area and campground in the south, and the Goldsborough Valley day use area and campground in the North, which both reside within National Parks.
From the north, the first 9km of the trail is a well maintained vehicle track, however a gate prevents vehicle access. This section is shared use for both mountain biking and hiking, and after 9km a basic campground exists with a fire pit and cleared area for tents. Bookings for this campground need to be made via the QLD National Parks website.
Just after the campsite is a long causeway that crosses the Mulgrave River and in the dry season is about mid-calf depth. The cement and aggregate causeway can be sharp on bare feet thus for comfort flip flops or sandals are recommended but not essential. Approximately 2km past the causeway the wide vehicle track meets a creek crossing and from this point becomes a single width footpad. There are 4 creek crossings over the next 1km at this point that all require boots off if you wish to keep them dry, thus it is recommended to wear flips flops / sandals. Water depth can be up to the knee.
After the fourth crossing the boots can be strapped back on as the trail tends to be rocky and slippery. There are some steep climbs in places although they are not long. Once through the pass (about 6km's from Babinda) the trail begins to descend toward the coast and the walking becomes easier and less rocky. The trail terminates behind the playground at the Babinda Boulders carpark and the nearby river offers a wonderful place for a refreshing swim after the hike. Just up the road from the carpark is a free campground with toilets and non-potable water, which allows this trail to be backpacked from either end with a hiking tent, allowing a return hike the following day.
Show more