Best Hiking Tips for Solo Female Travellers in Gold Coast
Touring Australia is definitely not a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or at least it shouldn’t be. Such an expansive country rich with cultural heritage and laden with enthralling natural gems deserves not one, but many visits if you are to experience everything the Land Down Under has to offer. So naturally, it’s best to explore its riches region by region, starting with Gold Coast.
Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most beloved travel destinations, and it’s synonymous with fun and adventure. From its gorgeous canals and waterways, all the way to its thriving surfing scene and a number of family-friendly water parks, Gold Coast seems to have it all. But what about the solo female travellers among you, should you head out on a Gold Coast adventure? Most certainly, and one of the first things you should do is to explore the hiking trails that surround the city.
Here are the best hiking tips for solo female travellers exploring the Gold Coast.
Safety first
The primary concern of many a solo female traveller is personal safety. Yes, travelling alone as a member of the fairer sex can seem daunting at times, but luckily, Gold Coast and its hiking trails are kept safe by the local authorities. But what about the wildlife and the various “dangerous” critters that are roaming about in the bushes? Is there a chance that something might charge at you as you’re hiking over to Purling Brook Falls, for example?
Well, so long as you stick to the beaten path and follow the instructions of your tour guide, you should be fine. During my solo travels, I’ve found that Australians are amazing at making the local natural reserves and camping spots safe for hikers and travellers in general, and I never felt like something could go awry. Nonetheless, always research the destination beforehand and stick to the rules of the hike.
Stay sun-safe
Your greatest enemy is not the spider that’s minding his own business, it’s the Sun. By far, Australia has some of the harshest summers on the planet, and if you’re exploring the Gold Coast hikes between December and March, you need to be prepared. Sunblock is absolutely essential, yes, but it’s not enough.
Remember, you’re not wining and dining in a chill restaurant overlooking the marina, you’re hiking up a trail that may not have any shade for several kilometres, so make sure you have a sun hat, and don’t forget to cover the back of your neck with a scarf.
Nourish your body
By far the most important prerequisite for an enjoyable and memorable hike in the Gold Coast is total-body nourishment. Here, the hiking trails are long and expansive, and even though some trails such as the ones at Burleigh Head National Park or Mount Tamborine Skywalk are completely adapted to the average traveller, there is no denying that hiking in the Gold Coast can be quite fatiguing.
To stay energised throughout the day, you need to hydrate, and you need to supplement with magnesium. There is a reason why professional endurance athletes eat magnesium-rich foods, and why quality magnesium supplements in Australia are readily available, as the mineral will help keep your body in prime condition during prolonged hikes. Magnesium aids muscle contraction, it helps with sustained energy production and stalls off fatigue. Most importantly, it will help you recover afterwards so that you can hit another trail the next day feeling refreshed.
Explore the best trails
So, what are some of the best trails every solo female traveller should explore? Among the many choices, you should visit Tamborine Mountain, the Natural Bridge in Springbrook, the Purling Brook Falls, and the Lip Falls in Beechmont. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to climb Mount Warning for some spectacular views as well.
Tech up your hikes
You might feel a deep need to detach yourself from modern life, leave your gadgets to experience tech-free excursion. As idyllic and appealing as that sounds, it might not be the best idea.
It’s important to bring your smartphone with you, not just to snap some amazing photos of the surrounding nature, but to help you stay safe on your hike. Should you go on a solo hike, you need a way to phone in for emergencies. Bring your phone, turn your GPS on, and have a safe hike.
Over to you
Gold Coast has some incredible experiences to offer, and hiking is definitely up there with the most exciting adventures. As a solo female traveller, use these tips to stay safe, and have the time of your life.
Written by Lauren Laporte – Wellness Writer
