The Wild Earth Coastal High 50 is an epic event located in the iconic and spectacularly picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland. Running on trails contained within the pristine Lamington and Springbrook National Parks, the Wild Earth Coastal High 50 includes the best trails that South-East Queensland has to offer.

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The Wild Earth Coastal High 50 sees runners traverse spectacular trails through sub-tropical rainforest, open forest, and along cliff tops within Lamington National Park, before descending down into the Numinbah Valley and then climbing up (then down, then up!) to finish adjacent to the magnificent Purlingbrook Falls in Springbrook National Park.

The course has changed over the years and for 2025; the course is a blend of old and new! For the 50k; the course commences with a similar start to recent years with the Daves Ck and Shipsterns Circuit and then we go retro, with a return to the recently re-furbished Lower Bellbird Circuit with Checkpoint 1 returning to Rankin's Paddock (bypassing the return to Binna Burra Lodge and Caves Circuit).
Runners then follow the Hinterland Great Walk route; descending into Numinbah Valley and along Nerang Murwillumbah Road to Checkpoint 2 at the Raw Challenge property. Here's where we mix things up in 2025, with runners then heading out to Chesters Road, turning LEFT and down the road to Red Hill break, running up and over to Waterfall Circuit and turning RIGHT, back to the Great Walk (essentially the reverse of our 'In the Raw' course).
From there, normal service (for the veterans) resumes; up the trail to Woonoongoora Campground before the famed Apple Tress Stairs. From there, its the deep dive down to Little Nerang Creek, past Waringa Pool and onwards to the base of Purlingbrook Falls! Of course from there, the only way is up to the finish at Settlement Day Use Area!
The new course map and links to Strava and GPX files are below and as always; we will work with National Parks and the relevant Councils adjusting to the conditions and keep you aware of any changes!

In terms of training; please note that the Shipsterns Circuit is currently CLOSED and unlikely to open until late in race week itself, meaning training on that section of the course will not be possible. 

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With regards to Mandatory Items, it is a requirement to carry a version of the map on your person. The options to do so include:
* Loading GPX on smartwatch and storing in routes/courses for easy access
* On the MAPS.ME app on a phone (note this app allows for offline use, necessary given the lack of service for many large sections of the Coastal High courses)
* A hard copy version

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The Stats

 

Distance

50.1km (Strava Measurement)

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Elevation

1969m Elevation

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Location

Gold Coast Hinterland
QLD, Australia

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Course Profile -
CH50 Elevation Profile