The hike in Bally Mountain is a return trail that goes directly to the summit. On the mountain, there are many trails but some transverse private property, so make sure to stay on the City of Gold Coast signed trails.
Group Hiking South East Qld and More hiking Bally Mountain. Photo by Author.
The trail is classified 5, meaning the terrain is rugged, steep, with cliffs and scrambling is required. The trail is about 6 km return, allow about 3 hours. The maximum elevation is about 447 metres. It is a challenging hike because of the steepness and the scrambling part.
The hike starts at the carpark - continue walking after the gate until you reach the creek. Just before the creek is a sign with some information about the hike and the territory.
Photo by Author.
Cross the creek and continue walking until you have to cross another creek, walking on a bridge made up with a couple of logs.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
It is fun walking in a group, meeting new people and feeling energised.
Photo by Author.
The trail is rugged, with exposed roots and rocks. The trail must be walked with hiking boots.
Photo by Author.
Crows Nest Ferns or Birds Nest Ferns are common epiphytic, growing in shady parts of the forest.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
The Australian native violets adorn the trail in the forest.
Photo by Author.
Fungi are very common in the forest, especially on rainy days or in humid places.
Photo by Author.
Beautiful orchids on a tree hollow - Grassy Boat Lip Orchid.
Photo by Author.
There is a section where it is necessary to scramble up. It could be slippery, especially after some rain.
Photo by Author.
It is a steep section, you have to use your hands to help to pull yourself up.
Photo by Author.
The views from the lookout are beautiful.
Photo by Author.
There is another section where it is required to take care of and scramble on the smooth rock.
Photo by Author.
There is a grassy area just before the top of Bally Mountain. There are great views even on an overcast and cloudy day.
Photo by Author.
On the top, there is a sign warning the hiker about the end of the trail. After taking a break, the group started to descend from the summit and retrace its steps.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Lichens growing on a tree; lichens are an intimate association, or symbiosis, between two different and unrelated microorganisms, alga and fungus.
Photo by Author.
Purple flowers along the trail.
Photo by Author.
The gate is just three minutes before the bridge over the creek made of logs.
Photo by Author.
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Together with the Group Hiking South East Queensland and More, I hiked Bally Mountain on a misty morning in mid-spring. There were lots of clouds around and it was raining in some areas.
The sky stayed overcast for all the length of the hike, with just a drizzle when we were on top of Bally Mountain.
We could not do the old loop because a sign on the top of Bally Mountain indicated that the trail ended there. So we did a return hike of about 6 km.
It is possible to do
Bally Mountain as a circle. The hike includes the trail over beautiful ridges looking down deep cliffs. Bally Mountain Circuit is one of was my favourite hikes, with magnificent views all around.
All the hikers managed the scrambling part but it was a bit challenging, especially with the risk of slipping on the rocks.
After the hike, the group travelled to Mudgeeraba for coffee and refreshments at the
Oak Cafe Restaurant.
Bally Mountain Conservation Area in Bonogin is about 483 hectares. It was purchased by the Gold Coast City to add more land to the National Reserve System.
Bally Mountain is part of an important wildlife corridor that runs from Burleigh National Park through to Springbrook Mountain. The Reserve has interesting geological formations, diverse flora and supports a local, nomadic and migratory fauna.
Directions
From Brisbane, travel on the M1, take exit 82 at Robina and turn right onto Somerset Drive. Then turn left onto Bonogin Road. Stay on Bonogin Road until there is a gate and a grassy carpark.
To drive to The Oak Cafe and Restaurant, drive to Mudgeeraba town. The Oak Cafe and Restaurant is at 10/19 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba Qld 4213.
What to bring
Hiking gear: a hiking medium backpack, long trousers and shirt with long sleeves, light raincoat, recommended hiking ankle supportive boots, first aid kit, insect repellent (give preference to cream or roll-on that are more environmentally friendly than the spray), hat, sunscreen, gloves, walking poles (if you like to use them) and sock protectors or gaiters.
Consider packing some extra clothes and leaving them in the car. Pack some clean footwear and socks.
For this hike, consider carrying a map or downloading a good app on your smartphone that can help you to navigate in the bush.
Bring a medium day backpack with lots of water, especially if it's a hot day, 2.0 litres of water and snacks. During summer, you can bring electrolytes to dissolve in water to compensate for the loss through perspiration.
You may consider packing sandwiches, fresh fruit, dry fruit, energy bars and small meals.
Walk with family, friends or in a group. Never alone!
The days before the hike make sure to check:
www.bom.gov.au
qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
Reference
www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Things-to-do/Parks-gardens-reserves/Park-Finder/Bally-Mountain-Conservation-Area
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