The best walks and hikes in Maria Creek National Park
4.1
(12)
121
hikers
5
hikes
Hiking in Maria Creek National Park offers a diverse range of trails through coastal landscapes, nature refuges, and creek-side environments. The region is characterized by its proximity to the ocean, featuring coastal walks and paths through natural bushland. Hikers can explore areas like Brooks Beach Nature Refuge and Djiru National Park, which include creek systems and local trails. The park features 6 hiking trails, with 4 easy and 2 moderate options available.
Best hiking trails in Maria Creek National Park
…Last updated: October 26, 2026
4.0
(1)
7
hikers
9.91km
02:36
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(9)
78
hikers
3.94km
01:14
140m
140m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
13
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.0
(1)
11
hikers
7.57km
01:56
30m
30m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
11
hikers
4.35km
01:07
20m
20m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
About 500 metres into the walk, the track opens up to this lookout with a great bench and sweeping views over Bingil Bay and north toward Garners Beach. It’s an easy early payoff reached well before the harder climbing begins, and a good spot to catch your breath before the trail splits into two route options just beyond it. On a clear day, you can see all the way past the bay to the coastline and islands in the distance.
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This lookout at the summit is reached via a short side track near the top of the climb, opening up to breathtaking mainland and island views. It’s the same summit the Djiru Aboriginal people traditionally used as a lookout, and later where the Cutten brothers, the area’s first permanent European residents, kept watch for ships, naming their property ‘Bicton’ after a town in Devon, England. From here, the circuit continues around and back down, meeting the original track to descend the way you came up.
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Bicton Hill circuit track traverses along a relatively steep hill through tropical lowland rainforest, one of the few remaining undisturbed patches of this forest type left in North Queensland. The track begins on the exposed eastern side of the hill among sturdy brush box and swamp mahogany, then climbs and circles to the sheltered western side where the remnant rainforest grows. If you’re quiet, you might get a chance to spot the elusive cassowary along the way. **Due to a major landslip, the track is temporarily closed and isn’t expected to reopen before the end of September 2026. You can check current QPWS park alerts here: https://parks.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/26052
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Very worth seeing, you have to see it
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Very worth seeing, you have to see it
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Very worth seeing, you have to see it
0
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Very worth seeing, you have to see it
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Maria Creek National Park?
Maria Creek National Park offers 6 distinct hiking trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 4 designated as easy and 2 as moderate.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Maria Creek National Park?
Yes, Maria Creek National Park is very welcoming for beginners, with 4 easy trails. A great option is the Hiking loop from Brooks Beach Nature Refuge, which is 2.5 miles (3.9 km) long and explores the natural surroundings of the refuge.
What is the best time of year to hike in Maria Creek National Park?
The region generally experiences a tropical climate. Hiking is often most pleasant during the drier, cooler months, typically from May to October, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower. However, trails are accessible year-round.
Are there any circular walks in Maria Creek National Park?
Yes, many of the trails in Maria Creek National Park are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. For example, the Mission Beach Coastal Walk loop from Brooks Beach Nature Refuge is a popular moderate option, and the Creek in Djiru National Park – Dreaming Trail, Lacey Creek loop from Djiru provides an easy circular experience through creek environments.
Are the trails in Maria Creek National Park suitable for families with children?
Yes, Maria Creek National Park has several family-friendly options, particularly its 4 easy trails. The Mission Beach Coastal Walk loop from Mission Beach is an easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) route that offers pleasant coastal views suitable for most families.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking in Maria Creek National Park?
Given the park's coastal landscapes, nature refuges, and creek systems, you might encounter a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for coastal birds, and potentially some of the unique species found in the natural bushland and creek environments of areas like Brooks Beach Nature Refuge and Djiru National Park.
Is there parking available at the trailheads in Maria Creek National Park?
Parking facilities are generally available at key access points and trailheads within Maria Creek National Park, such as near Brooks Beach Nature Refuge and Mission Beach. It is advisable to check specific trailhead information for detailed parking instructions before your visit.
What should I bring for a hike in Maria Creek National Park?
For hiking in Maria Creek National Park, it's recommended to bring plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), insect repellent, comfortable hiking shoes, and a first-aid kit. Depending on the season, lightweight rain gear might also be useful. Always carry a map or use a navigation app like komoot.
Are there any multi-day hiking opportunities in Maria Creek National Park?
Maria Creek National Park primarily features shorter trails suitable for day hikes. While there are no designated multi-day routes within the park itself, the network of trails allows for combining shorter segments for longer excursions if desired, though overnight camping facilities directly on the trails are not typically available.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Maria Creek National Park?
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in Maria Creek National Park, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse coastal paths, the tranquility of the nature refuges, and the scenic creek trails, highlighting the variety of landscapes packed into accessible routes.
Are there any trails that lead to scenic lookouts in Maria Creek National Park?
Yes, you can find trails that offer rewarding views. The Clump Point Lookout – Mission Beach loop from Mission Beach is an easy 4.7-mile (7.5 km) route that includes the scenic Clump Point Lookout, providing panoramic vistas of the coastline.
Most popular routes in Maria Creek National Park
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