GRADE: 3.5 HIKE
The trail blazing gals, Cathy and Fiona, will guide us on a hike at Goomburra National Park, this weekend.
We have hikes the Cascades Circuit a few times, but it is currently closed, so this time we’ll head to Ridge Track. This track wanders through open forests of New England blackbutt and offers natural viewpoints to take in the sights of the Dalrymple Creek valley below.
Approximate distance is 6km and will take about 2 ½ hours with plenty of opportunities for rest breaks. There are a number of steep sections; this hike is not suitable for beginners. If you use hiking poles, it is recommended you bring them and solid hiking boots are a given.
Wear solid hiking boots, bring water and snacks/picnic, and pack sun protection.
There’s a cafe behind The Wheatsheaf Hotel at East Greenmount which is an option for a post hike coffee/cake/lunch, if you have the time.
Option to carpool 6:30am <cnr Ruthven & Spring Sts, Kearneys Spring>
OR,
Option to meet at 8.00am <Manna Gum Camping Area, Forestry Rd, Goomburra QLD 4362>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
Grade: 2-4 HIKE
A GREAT BEGINNER’S HIKE!
A Happy Hikers favourite with four options. Starting from the flagpole, we’ll walk down Firetail Track. From here we divide depending on your choice:
EASY OPTION: Return back up the Firetail loop coming out near Lions Park. approx 2.4km, 45mins
EASY/MODERATE OPTION: From Firetail head along the bridle trail to FanTail and head up to Tobruk Drive. From here you can walk up Tobruk Drive back to the flagpole 5km 1hr, 30mins
MODERATE OPTION: Instead of walking up Tobruk Drive, walk along the Pardalote Trail back to the flagpole, approx 5.5km 1hr 40mins
CHALLENGING OPTION: You can head up our favourite steep part of South Street to make you know you are alive. If you can do that without your heart pounding out of your chest, you are superhuman!
CHOOSE ON THE DAY WHICH ONE YOU’D LIKE TO DO, WE STOP AT EACH DECISION POINT AND EXPLAIN WHAT’S COMING UP.
Then comes the best bit (optional) – join us for coffee & ice cream at Picnic Point Cafe afterwards (own expense)
Meet at the <Picnic Point Flagpole, Tourist Drive, Rangeville>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 3 HIKE
Join Kerri Seccombe, Adventure Whiz at ICON Adventures, the local expert leading the way on this 9km hike with a few gentle inclines and declines. Allow 2.5 hours with breaks.
This is always a really popular hike, it’s super-friendly with wide open tracks making chatting easy and it’s a really supportive hike – no one ever gets left behind. We’ll take regular breaks to catch our breath, enjoy the views, and snap a few photos along the way.
Wear comfy clothes, a hat and supportive shoes. Bring a water bottle & a good sense of humour!
Afterwards, you’re welcome to grab an optional coffee—maybe head to Crows Nest or relax in the shady gardens at Wild Honey in Cabarlah (own expense). A perfect way to wrap up a great morning.
Meet at 7.30am <Gus Beutel Lookout, National Park Rd, Palmtree>
OR,
Option to car pool: Meet 6.45am <Northpoint Shopping Centre, near Zarraffa’s, cnr Ruthven & North Sts, Toowoomba>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 2 HIKE
Join Gillian on this new hike to Happy Hikers Toowoomba.
For those here for the scenery, Allora Mountain Flora and Fauna Reserve, just off the New England Highway is an underrated natural beauty waiting to be explored.
You’ll be treated to exquisite native wildflowers, dominating the eucalyptus forest, as you make your way up paths perfectly lined with long grass towards unparalleled views of the small town famous as the birthplace of PL Travers, author of the much-loved Mary Poppins books.
You’ll likely make a few new friends on your journey too, with koalas, nesting wedgetail eagles and wallabies calling this Reserve home.
Join us for optional coffee, cake or brunch (own expense) at a local Allora Cafe – we love to support the locals, and the locals appreciate our support!
Option to carpool 6:15am <cnr Ruthven & Spring Sts, Kearneys Spring>
OR,
Option to meet at 7.00am <Allora Mountain Flora & Fauna Reserve, Burge Rd, Allora>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 3.5 HIKE
Meet at the flag pole for this grade 3.5 hike. We have done this hike the anti-clockwise, but an executive decision has been made that clockwise is the better option to appreciate the changing views of Table Top as we approach.
This, of course, means walking back up South Street, but with support and encouragement from your fellow hikers, this is a great hike to take part in.
This trail starts at the end flagpole and we’ll head down to the Stevenson Street Trail, where you will find a white metal gate. The trail runs on an unformed road that follows the boundary between Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley.
The Road Reserve Trail gives you the opportunity to take in amazing views of different angles of Table Top Mountain, which has two humps with a saddle in the middle. This trail provides views of the mountain that cannot be seen from anywhere else in Toowoomba.
From the base of Table Top we head back towards Picnic Point along Table Top Drive (South St)
Of course we have the reward of Picnic Point Cafe at the end if you have time to stay.
Meet at: <Picnic Point Flagpole, Tourist Drive, Rangeville>
TIME: Allow 2.5hours
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 1 HIKE
Even if you have never been on a hike before, this one is a great one to meet new friends.
Meet at the carpark at 58 Kuhls Road, Highfields. We’ll have a gentle walk around the beautiful parkland followed by a shared picnic afternoon tea. Bring something to share, we’ll whip out a table cloth and make a shared smorgasbord.
Meet at: <Peacehaven Botanic Park, Kuhls Road, Highfields>
TIME: Allow 2.5hours
PRICE: FREE, just bring a snack to share
If you’re a hiking fanatic, a curious newbie, or just looking for an excuse to escape the couch and explore the great outdoors with some friendly trail-loving folks—welcome!
Happy Hikers Toowoomba is a community of outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life (yep, we went there). We hit the trails regularly, embracing everything from leisurely strolls to heart-pumping hikes, so no matter your fitness level, you’ll fit right in.
We’re a laid-back bunch who love swapping adventure stories, soaking up nature, and, most importantly, having a great time.
So lace up those boots and come join us—we promise great company, scenic views, and maybe even a post-hike snack or two! 🍃🥾
If you join us on a hike we charge $10/person/hike. This money goes some way to pay the cost of running the hikes, but more importantly, it also goes to nature-based charities, so future generations can enjoy what we, sometimes, take for granted.
Australian Conservation Foundation – $1,000
Friends of the Escarpment- $250
Wildlife Queensland – $500
Queensland Trust for Nature – $1,000
Australian Koala Foundation – $250
Grade 1 – Flat, well-formed track, no steps, 5 km or less. Clearly signposted. Suitable for wheelchairs with assistance.
Grade 2 – Formed track. May have gentle hills and some steps. Clearly signposted. No experience required.
Grade 3 – Formed track, some obstacles, 20 km or less. May have short steep hills and many steps. Some experience recommended.
Grade 4 – Rough track. May be long and very steep with few directional signs. For experienced bushwalkers.
Grade 5 – Unformed track. Likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. For very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills.
GRADE: 3.5 HIKE
Join the amazing Anita as she leads you on this popular hike across two parks.
We have not put a team together for Hike for the Homeless this year, so this is going to be our own H4H. The cost will be $20/person and ALL money will be donated from this hike to the local charity.
Meet at the flag pole at Picnic Point and walk down to the Firetail Track to Stevenson Street. We will cross the range to Redwood Park and hike back up to Bridge St Quarry. We’ll then walk back along the quiet suburban streets to the start.
This is a moderate/challenging walk with a couple of (really) steep inclines, anyone reasonably fit will be fine. Not for complete beginners. It’s about 11km long and will take approx 3.5 hours.
Are you looking for a shorter option? Arrange to get picked up at Bridge Street Quarry, this will reduce the hike by about 4km. Making it a doable 6km hike, the 6km part has the biggest hills though!
Join us for optional coffee, cake or brunch (own expense) at a cafe (TBA) afterwards.
Meet at the <Picnic Point Flagpole, Tourist Drive, Rangeville>
PRICE: $20/person ALL MONEY WILL GO TO HIKE FOR THE HOMELESS
Ready for a different kind of day out? Join us for a one-day e-bike ride along the beautiful Brisbane Valley Rail Trail!
We’ll cruise from Wulkuraka to Fernvale, 23 km (with a coffee/cake stop, at your own expense) and return (with the added option to carry on to Lowood, 8km). Then we’ll roll back to Wulkuraka with a new zest for life and a feeling of full accomplishment.
This ride is perfect for all experience levels – whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned spinner.
You can get a free transfer from Toowoomba (corner of Mackenzie St and Scott St) at 8.00am or meet us at Bikeline Ipswich (174 Grace Street, Wulkuraka) at 9.00am.
If you have your own e-bike, meet us as Bikeline Ipswich at 9.00am (no charge).
Spots are limited (just 11 bikes) grab yours and come ride with us!
PRICE: $90 – $100 this includes transfer from/to Ipswich from Toowoomba, e-bike and helmet hire, and fully guided.
Grade: 2-3 HIKE
Join us as we hike to Hell Hole and back. There is a turnaround point where we take a rest at the very bottom near the waterfall (trickle). Bring a snack, to enjoy in the cool shade before heading back up to the top again.
All hikers will start together, just choose on the day which option you’ll take.
Meet at <cnr McStay & Dippel Sts>
OPTION 1 – MODERATE HIKE
7.00am – this is a 2 – 2.5hr, level 3 hike with a few steady inclines and declines. This hike will take us all the way down to the Hell Hole Waterfall and back up again. We’ll be finished by 9.300am (depending on how long we spend at the bottom).
OPTION 2 – EASY HIKE
7.00am – this option is a one-hour, level 2 hike with a couple of steady inclines and declines. When the Option 1 hikers head down to Hell Hole you loop back to the start. You’ll be finished by 8.00am
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 2-3 HIKE
If you have been watching Happy Hikers for a while and are interested in giving hiking a go this is an ideal opportunity to jump (or hike) on in. Feel free to come with a friend/family or come alone, there will be others there flying solo, so you won’t feel like the odd one out. Trust me!
You don’t need to be super fit, you don’t need special hiking gear, just wear comfortable clothes and sand shoes. However, you should be able to walk for up to an hour with breaks (to take in the views that go for miles) and there will be a couple of inclines and declines.
We’ve got two options for this hike a one-hour easy hike or two-hour moderate option. Just pick your option and join in. Simples!
OPTION 1 – MODERATE HIKE
Meet at <Burraway Court, Middle Ridge>
7.30am – Meet at the end of Burraway Court, Middle Ridge, this option is a two hour, level 3 hike with a couple of steady inclines and declines. We’ll be finished by 10.00am.
OPTION 2 – BEGINNERS HIKE
Meet at <cnr McStay & Dippel Sts>
Dippel St, Middle Ridge 8.00 am – Meet at the corner of McStay & Dippel St. The Option 1 hikers walk past this corner and we’ll all hike together. This option is a 45min, level 2 hike with one steady incline.
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
Grade: 2.5 HIKE
The great thing about Mount Peel is, we have never done the same walk twice! It’s a rabbit warren of walks and we will make it up as we go. There will be hills, there will be flat walks, we just work it out as we go. None of it will be too hard and when we get to a tricky section we can give options to make it easier.
The hike up both peaks would be challenging to some as it is quite steep in places, but if you’re up for a bit of a challenge then this hike is for you. The reward of the views at the top is worth the effort to get there. A good one for you if you are at least moderately fit and used to walking.
WEAR: Comfortable active wear, hiking gear, and some sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots. Hat and sunscreen
BRING: A picnic for smoko/brunch to enjoy while soaking in the view atop Mount Peel North Summit, before the last (small descent) to the carpark.
Meet at <Far end of Westminster St, Drayton (NOT in the car park on the corner)>
TIME: Allow 2 hours.
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 3 HIKE
Join us for a relaxed Sunday morning stroll through one of our local gems—Crows Nest National Park. We’ll meet at 8:00am in the main carpark and head off on the 4.5km return walk to Crows Nest Falls and Koonin Lookout. This trail offers some lovely escarpment views, including the dramatic Valley of the Diamonds, and takes us through classic dry eucalypt forest, past rocky outcrops and (with a bit of luck) a flowing waterfall or two.
It’s a relatively easy track, perfect for those looking for a more gentle outing with time to slow down and enjoy the surrounds. Keep your eyes peeled for rock wallabies and birdlife along the way!
Afterwards, there’s plenty of time to enjoy a coffee or breakfast at one of Crows Nest’s cosy cafes, and perhaps a wander through the village’s quirky collection of local shops. A great way to start the day and stretch your legs in good company.
Meet at the <Crows Nest National Park car park>
Option to car pool 7am <Northpoint Shopping Centre, near Zarraffa’s, cnr Ruthven & North Sts, Toowoomba>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 2.5 HIKE
Looking for a week day hike? Need a midweek nature boost to power you through to the weekend? Join Anita for a Thursday morning hike at Picnic Point with 2 time options. The 6:00am hike will take an hour, enabling hikers to head to work afterwards. The 7:30am hike will be at a more relaxed pace with the option of coffee and cake/brekky afterwards (own expense).
If you have been watching Happy Hikers for a while and are interested in giving hiking a go, this is an ideal opportunity for you to step on in. Hiking is just like walking, one step at a time, but with a better view! Feel free to come with a friend/family or come alone, there will be others flying solo, so you wont feel like the odd one out. Trust us!
Waterproof walking shoes are recommended to help prevent soggy toes from the early morning dew.
Meet at <Picnic Point Flagpole, Tourist Drive, Rangeville>
PRICE: $10/person, $50/6 hikes (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 3.5 HIKE
Want to come on an adventure? There’s a new track that starts at Picnic Point, and it’s a corker!
It’s about 8 km long and should not take more than 2.5 hours. I’d class it as a 3.5 level of difficulty. There are some fairly significant hills as we are right on the edge of the escarpment, but nothing we can’t handle with a few breaks and team support.
We’ll meet at the flag pole at 8:00am and go from there.
Then comes the best bit (optional) – join us for coffee & cake or breakfast at Picnic Point Cafe afterwards (own expense)
Meet at the <Picnic Point Flagpole, Tourist Drive, Rangeville>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
We’re going deep into Redwood Park, descending to the base and climbing our way back up through some of Toowoomba’s most beautiful bushland. Expect a mix of forest tracks, steep sections, and a few “take-your-time” inclines. It’s about 6–7 km (allowing for the occasional wrong turn), and as always, we’ll move at our own pace—speedy ones can pause and enjoy the birdsong while the rest catch up.
Redwood’s trail network weaves through dry rainforest, open eucalypt, and escarpment edges with stunning Lockyer Valley views. Whether it’s a steady climb or a shady downhill, it’s all part of the adventure.
Finish your morning of trekking with an optional breakfast (own expense) at Wendlands on Bridge Street—something good, wholesome, and well-deserved.
Meet at <Redwood Park, Bridge St Trailhead, Bridge St, Prince Henry Heights>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
Grade: 5 HIKE
If you’ve never climbed Tabletop before or it’s been a wee while between hikes, it can be tricky, but we will take our time, support each other and make it to the top. (This is where you read the words challenging but fun all in the one sentence!) Think scramble over hike – it’s a hands and feet kind of climb. NOT A BEGINNER LEVEL HIKE.
Bring a hat and water bottle and maybe a snack to enjoy at the top.
Description from Trail Hiking website:
The walk starts at the base of the first hill which is comprised of a lot of large stone steps. This section is quite steep for about 150m. The down section of the first hill is less demanding, but you have to climb over medium sized rocks. The face of Tabletop is mostly large loose gravel and exposed rocks towards the summit. There is a circuit at the summit of the mountain that takes you all the way around the mountain top showing off an exceptional view
After the summit climb, you have the option to join us at the Picnic Point Cafe for a cuppa and cake (own expense). Hey, you’ve just conquered the summit, you deserve a li’l treat.
Meet at <Table Top Mountain Carpark, eastern end of Tabletop Drive, Blanchview>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
Grade: 3-4 HIKE
Join Bob for a trek along the Baraba Creek Track; following the creek until we reach a tree where the water flows through its base—that’s our turnaround point.
The 7km track is mostly gentle with steady inclines and declines. Allow 2.5 hours. This is a welcoming, no-pressure hike. We take regular breaks —no one gets left behind.
Expect muddy sections, especially after rain (& some friendly leaches)—sturdy hiking footwear is essential (no runners). Bring a hat, water bottle, snack and your sense of adventure.
We’ll pause for a snack at the picnic tables about 2.8 km from the end, before the uphill stretch back to the carpark.
Optional post-Hike Treat – BYO morning tea to enjoy in the park, or there’s plenty of local cafés (own expense) to stop at on your way home for a well-earned cuppa and debrief with your new-found hiking pals.
Meet at <Ravensbourne National Park, Blackbean day-use area, National Park Rd, Ravensbourne>
Option to carpool from <17 Bradys Rd, Highfields>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 4 HIKE
Join us for a popular and rewarding 9.5 km loop hike starting and ending at the stunning Preston Peak Chapel, 330 Preston Boundary Road, Top Camp.
This Grade 4 trail includes some steep climbs and descents—definitely a challenge, but not as tough as Jubilee! Expect a mix of bush trails, old bullock dray tracks carved into sandstone, and a bit of road walking too.
Plenty of opportunity along the walk to pause, catch our breath and soak in the scenery.
We’ll be tracing part of Queensland’s first official road—originally an Indigenous pathway and later marked by Lt. Gorman in 1840—so there’s a solid slice of history beneath your boots.
Allow 3 hours. Good walking shoes/boots are a must. Poles recommended if you use them. Let’s hike through history with a view!
Meet at <Preston Manor & Village Chapel, 330 Preston Boundary Rd, Top Camp>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 4 HIKE
The trail blazing Bob will guide us on the Mount Cordeaux hike, 12.4 km round trip to Bare Rock and Morgans walk in Main Range National Park.
We’ll be climbing gently through rainforest to a stunning lookout over the Fassifern Valley and Mount Mitchell.
It’s challenging but doable—no scrambling needed. You’re amongst friends here, no one will be left behind and we will pause regularly to take it all in!
Wear solid hiking boots, bring water and snacks, and pack sun protection. Poles help on the steeper descent.
The trail ends near cliff edges, so stay on track! This one’s a sweet mix of rainforest calm and mountain drama—without the leg-breaking climbs.
Meet at <Trail head, Mount Cordeaux, Cunningham Hwy, Tarome>
Option to carpool 6:45am <cnr Ruthven & Spring Sts, Kearneys Spring>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
GRADE: 4-5 HIKE
Join Bob on this 6km off-track along the high ridge to the north-east of the Pyramids. We will carefully trek the steepish climb of 250m. There’s short patches of “bush-bashing” and some long rock slabs. We get to the largest cave in Girraween, and go to one of the best views, looking down on the pyramids, and across to all the high points in the area; Bald Rock, South Bald Rock, Mt. Castle etc.
Car pool 6:30am <cnr Ruthven & Spring Sts, Kearney Springs>
Meet at 8:15am <McDonald’s Stanthorpe, 25784 New England Hwy>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)
Join Kerri Seccombe, Adventure Whiz at ICON Adventures, the local expert leading the way on this 9km hike with a few gentle inclines and declines. Allow 2 hours with breaks.
This is a super-friendly and supportive hike—no one gets left behind. We’ll take regular breaks to catch our breath, enjoy the views, and snap a few photos along the way.
Wear comfy clothes, a hat and supportive shoes. Bring a water bottle & a good sense of humour! Afterwards, you’re welcome to grab an optional coffee—maybe head to Crows Nest or relax on the verandah at D’Becas Café in Cabarlah (own expense). A perfect way to wrap up a great morning.
Meet at <Gus Beutel Lookout, National Park Rd, Palmtree>
Option to car pool <Northpoint Shopping Centre, near Zarraffa’s, cnr Ruthven & North Sts, Toowoomba>
PRICE: $10/person (FREE – if you’re booked on ICON Adventures Tour)