Virtual Palm Grove Circuit Walk for Treadmills

The Palm Grove Circuit winds through dense subtropical rainforest on Tamborine Mountain, with compact dirt, exposed roots, rocks and uneven ground beneath the trees. This 72-minute walking video follows the track as it descends into the forest, passing steps, small creek crossings and a few rougher sections along the way.

The palm grove is the highlight of the walk. Tall piccabeen palms grow in dense groups beneath the larger rainforest canopy, while huge strangler figs and buttressed yellow carabeen trees rise above them. Ferns, fungi and thick green vegetation cover much of the forest floor, and the track stays cool and shaded for much of the walk.

The Palm Grove Circuit is a 2.7-kilometre Grade 4 track that takes around an hour to walk in real time. The terrain isn't particularly steep, but it is uneven, with an initial descent followed by rolling sections and some short climbs. Steps, roots and other natural obstacles make the walking more varied than the relatively gentle gradients suggest.

There is plenty of wildlife around the palm groves too. Pademelons can sometimes be seen in the area, while birds such as topknot pigeons and wompoo fruit-doves feed on the bright red palm fruits when they are in season. Most of the walk, though, is about the rainforest itself and the constantly changing vegetation around the track.

For the treadmill version, the pace is set at around 5 km/h with a 1% incline. This gives the walk a mild hiking feel without making it too demanding. A 0% incline would also work well if you want an easier session, as the actual track is already quite varied underfoot. The treadmill can't reproduce the steps, roots and uneven surfaces, so the incline is really just a way of adding a little of the overall effort.

At 72 minutes, this virtual walk is longer than the actual circuit and gives you plenty of time to settle into a steady indoor walking rhythm. The tall palms, enormous rainforest trees and thick green undergrowth keep the scenery interesting throughout, with the track continually disappearing deeper into the forest.

Trail Information

  • Location: Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, Australia

  • Trail: Palm Grove Circuit

  • Walk Duration: 72 Minutes

  • Terrain: Subtropical Rainforest Trail

  • Suggested Treadmill Incline: 1%

  • Walking Pace: Easy to Moderate