Ships Stern Circuit is a 10.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Binna Burra, Queensland, Australia that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round.
One of the best in the Binna Burra section of Lamington, this long (and extendable) circuit has it all: waterfalls, rainforest, wildlife, and great views. From Binna Burra Road begin the circuit heading clockwise as outlined in the map (the circuit can be done anti-clockwise, but clockwise is recommended). Soon pass a few waterfalls along Chiminya Creek and take in the first of many spectacular viewpoints at Koolanbilba Lookout. The walk continues and descends into Nixon Creek and through Hidden Valley and open eucalypt forest. A side trip to the summit of Charraboomba Rock can be taken which adds just less than 1 kilometre to the walk and provides a great spot to have lunch and enjoy the views. Following the track north to the Ship Stern range proper you’ll see many side tracks that lead to prominent viewpoints and lookouts – all showcase the beauty of the range. As the circuit winds its way back towards Nixon Creek there is a side track (additional 2.6kms) that leads to Ballanjui Falls and Guraigumai Rock. Join the Daves Creek Circuit for a short distance until it merges with the Border Track and completes the circuit. Be sure to have enough water and food for a full day of hiking, the extra motivated can add in the complete Daves Creek Circuit to create a 23km walk through some of the best landscapes around Gold Coast.
March 28, 2021February 8, 2021Absolutely beautiful walk! The track takes you through lots of different country. Well marked trail and simple to follow.
February 7, 2021Such a beautiful walk. Sound of waterfalls, cicadas and funny birds along the way. Many places to stop and take in different views, there’s a cave which is nice to take a sit and relax at. Did the circuit in 3 hours but stopped a few times. Highly recommended, the lady at reception at binna burra lodge was also very helpful and caring if you wanted to stop by there before hand to get some tips.
February 5, 2021February 5, 2021January 28, 2021Late January, partly cloudy. Sections of the track are a little overgrown and there are a few fallen trees and branches to climb over. A couple of pademelons scurried across the path. A curious common tree snake wasn't in such a hurry. Overhead, I heard whip birds and cat birds calling out. The waterfalls and lookouts were all worth the short detour off the main track.
January 24, 2021The trail was very nice, beware of snakes on daves circuit. I saw two approximately 50cm brown/black in colour. Despite the fact that the lower Bellbird track is closed you can still complete the circuit via lower Bellbird instead of doing a massive return journey via ships stern covering the same trail. The other part of lower Bellbird is still closed. The trail was approximately 26km including detours to each of the sites.
January 18, 2021Some parts were difficult with fallen trees, but other than that it was the perfect day hike. One of my favourite hikes at binna burra https://youtu.be/3syQwFV_2DM
January 16, 2021Great trail with diverse landscape. From rainforest to waterfalls to rocky desert like terrain. Relatively easy to moderate trail. Breathtaking views & a few moderate climbs to lookouts.
January 15, 2021January 12, 2021Completed this hike today, great track with different terrain along the way. We diverted off the this route several times to see the lookouts and waterfalls. Total distance was 22km and we maintained a moderate pace and completed the hike in 5hr 6min. (4hr 26min moving time) We rate this hike very highly, A+
January 5, 2021Lookout down the valley, falls, rainforest, beautiful creek
January 2, 2021It was the most beautiful hike I’d done since leaving New Zealand and moving to Australia. Varied terrain and scenery from gum trees to jungle. Incredible water falls and swimming holes. Walking along the ridge for a lot of it with great look outs. I recommend taking vinegar in a spray bottle for the leeches. Had lunch at ships stern lookout which was a great halfway point.
December 28, 2020Awesome day out hiking. This trail offers creek crossings and lookouts. It's so worth checking out Charrboomba Rock (climb all the steps and go to the end)! Fantastic
December 28, 2020This is an absolute favourite of mine Since the trail is so long you get to experience so many different landscapes and see so many different things all in the one day!
December 26, 2020November 15, 2020Trail is great would love it after some rain but still a great hike
October 31, 2020October 17, 2020Awesome walk. Very dry. Would love to repeat after rain when the water is flowing more
October 6, 2020Absolutely terrific. So glad these are open again after the fires in 2019
September 28, 2020Great tracks
September 26, 2020September 17, 2020Trail is OPEN and AWESOME! So many lookouts, so little time! The views from this circuit are spectacular and plentiful. The climb up to Charraboomba Rock was a little challenging but worth it for the view. Don’t miss Kooloobano Point for an amazing lookout.
September 17, 2020Great to see Binna Burra back! This trail certainly isn't closed and well worth the day out.
June 8, 2020This track is CLOSED. Binna Burra Road access remains closed. All tracks in this area are not accessible. 08.06.2020 Looking forward to doing this as soon as it opens again!
September 2, 2019Great trail. Has good lookouts, a couple of waterfalls, and one very steep rock to climb. Took just over 5 hrs at a pretty solid pace with some small detours and breaks at view points. I would allow this time as absolute minimum. You’ll need to be reasonably fit as the track goes high and low, giving a good all round workout.
July 27, 2019Totally recommend this walk. My GPS showed 20k but I know there's a lot of noise in the recordings so maybe the 16.6 is not too far off
July 21, 2019This hike has it all. The lush forest, magnificent old growth trees, lookouts, cliffs, escarpments and stunning vistas. At 19km it's a workout for sure, but worth every step.
