Hiking on a razorback with cliffs underneath and great views of mountains all around. Take the time to take in all the surroundings and the vegetation in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The hike is about 6 km long, so allow three and a half hours. The elevation gain is about 450 metres. The hike is classified grade 5, due to the roughness of the trail, the scrambling and steep sections and for the lack of directional signs. The hike is for the most experienced bushwalkers with a certain amount of fitness and good orientation. Hiking boots are highly recommended.
Bally Mountain Circuit is a favourite hike of the Group Hiking South East Qld and More.
Behind the fence there is a sign with interesting information about Bonogin Conservation Area. Photo by Author.
The hike starts at the carpark at the end of Bonogin Road. Pass the gate and when you come across the first intersection, take the trail on the left and keep walking on the top of the hill.
At the intersection take the trail on the left. Photo by Author.
Then there is the first creek crossing. Generally, the level is quite low but after rain, the level of the water could be higher. Keep walking and then there is a second creek to pass.
Photo by Author.
The Group Hiking South East Qld and More on the trail of Bally Mountain. Photo by Author.
Second creek crossing. Photo by Author.
There are some section where you have to use the hands to scramble up. Photo by Author.
Bally Mountain has a very interesting trail with enough challenges. Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Disregard the signs that say the track on Bally Mountain is closed. The Gold Coast City Council tries to discourage hikers to walk on informal trails on the reserve that traverse private properties.
The trail starts to climb uphill and enters into a beautiful green area. There is a section of rocks where it is necessary to scramble up. There are staghorns growing on the rocks. From the top, there are stunning views all around to the mountain of Springbrook National Park, to the ocean and Gold Coast towns.
Staghorn on the trail. Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
There are exposed and very steep areas all along the ridge. Some sections require scrambling.
Views over the fantastic ridge of Bally Mountain. Photo by Author.
The Bally Mountain Conservation Reserve makes a great contribution to the land of the Gold Coast. The reserve connects Burleigh National Park to Springbrook forming a vital corridor for wildlife.
The reserve has interesting geological formations and ecosystems typical of the Gold Coast hinterland. There are specific types of flora on top of Bally Mountain and Mount Gannon. A large number of threatened and rare plants and animals live in the reserve.
Pink rock Orchid. Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
On top of Bally Mountain there are 360 degree views. It is possible to see Springbrook National Park, in particular Mount Cougal. Photo by Author.
The Group Hiking South East Qld and More on top of Bally Mountain. Photo by Author.
Views of the Springbrook National Park on top of Bally Mountain. Photo by Author.
Descending Bally Mountain. Photo by Author.
Scrambling down Bally Mountain. Photo by Author.
The Bally Mountain Circuit has been recently reopened to the hikers. It was closed until the Gold Coast City Council managed to define the trail to Bally Mountain summit by passing private properties.
Bally Mountain Circuit is a great hike comprising the challenges of creek crossings, steep sections, scrambling and walking on skinny ridges. The group Hiking South East Qld and More has morning tea on the summit, taking time to admire the mountains all around with breathtaking views over the ocean.
After hiking Bally Mountain, the group meets in the town of Mudgeeraba to have coffee and refreshments.
The Oak Cafe Restaurant is at 10/19 Railway St, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213. It has the Cat's Pyjama great coffee.
Mudgee Bah Espresso Cafe is a family-owned and operated coffee house located in the heart of Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast. Serving fresh coffee and made to order breakfast and lunches.
It is at 21/60 Railway St, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
Shack and Co has indoor and outdoor seating, ideal for big groups. It is in Shop 7/2 Bell Pl, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213.
The bridge crossing. Photo by Author.
.
From Brisbane drive on the Pacific MWY M3 and then on the M1. Take the exit 82 and turn onto Somerset Drive and enter into the town of Mudgeeraba. From Somerset Drive, turn left into Bonogin Rd. Keep following Bonogin Rd though the several roundabouts. When nearing the carpark at the end of Bonogin Rd, this road intersects with Fowler Ct; pay attention and keep travelling on Bonogin Rd. At the end of Bonogin Rd, there is enough room for parking your car.
References.
www.meetup.com/HikingInSEQLDandMore www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Things-to-do/Parks-gardens-reserves/Park-Finder/Bally-Mountain-Conservation-Area
More articles by the Author.
Pile Valley Walk on Fraser Island
www.weekendnotes.com/pile-valley-circuit-fraser-coast
Piper Comanche Wreck Hike on Mount Glorious
www.weekendnotes.com/piper-comanche-wreck/200362
Hike West Canungra Circuit in Lamington National Park
www.weekendnotes.com/west-canungra-creek-circuit-lamington-national-park/200307
Bushrangers Cave Hike
www.weekendnotes.com/bushrangers-cave-springbrook-national-park
Hike to Boyds Butte Springbrook National Park
www.weekendnotes.com/boyds-butte-springbrook-national-park
Araucaria Lookout Trail, Lamington National Park
www.weekendnotes.com/araucaria-lookout-track-lamington-national-park
Gold Creek Reservoir Hike
www.weekendnotes.com/hiking-gold-creek-reservoir/191314
Somerset Trail at Mount Mee
www.weekendnotes.com/somerset-trail-mount-mee/191360
Greenes Falls Hike, D'Aguilar National Park
www.weekendnotes.com/greenes-falls-circuit-mount-glorious/191522
Cypress Grove Circuit, D'Aguilar National Park
www.weekendnotes.com/cypress-grove-circuit-daguilar-national-park
Cafe in the Mountains, Mount Nebo
www.weekendnotes.com/cafe-in-the-mountains-mount-nebo
Piccabeen Circuit, D'Aguilar National Park, Mount Mee Section
www.weekendnotes.com/piccabeen-circuit-daguilar-national-park
Thylogale Walking Trail, Mount Nebo
www.weekendnotes.com/thylogale-track
Five Walks Near Brisbane Under 5 Kilometres
www.weekendnotes.com/six-walks-near-brisbane-under-5-kilometres
Walkabout Creek Café, Enoggera Reservoir
www.weekendnotes.com/walkabout-creek-wildlife-centre
Augie's Loop Hike D'Aguilar National Park
www.weekendnotes.com/augies-loop-daguilar-national-park/
Enoggera Reservoir Circuit Hike
www.weekendnotes.com/enoggera-reservoir/
A Walk in Magnetic Island, Balding Bay and Radical Bay Trails
www.weekendnotes.com/magnetic-island-balding-bay-an-radical-bay/
Mount Maroon Hike, Mount Barney National Park
www.weekendnotes.com/mount-maroon/195438
Easy Walks at Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve
www.weekendnotes.com/tinchi-tamba-wetlands-on-the-pine-river/196696
Manchester Lake Hike
www.weekendnotes.com/lake-manchester-hiking/196860
Coomera Circuit Hike - Binna Burra
www.weekendnotes.com/coomera-circuit-lamington-national-park
Hike in Mount Coot-tha Forest via Ghost Hole Track
www.weekendnotes.com/summit-walk-mt-coot-tha-2/200212
Morans Falls, Python Rock and Pat's Bluff Hike at O'Reilly
www.weekendnotes.com/phython-rock-pats-bluff/200472
