Best Brisbane Walks To Explore The Great Outdoors

Soak up that year-round sunshine and legendary vistas along the greatest Brisbane walks.

Lush parklands, Zen-inducing trails and one heck of an inner-city river—the best Brisbane walks showcase the city’s prettiest characteristics. From sweeping views of the water-fronting CBD to secret strolls through incredible native bushland, there’s a tailored expedition for every pace. Grab your sunscreen and lace up tight as we share the city’s well-trodden standouts.

1. The Brisbane Riverwalk

strolling along the Brisbane Riverwalk in the New Farm section — The Brisbane Riverwalk stretches from New Farm to Howard Smith Wharves.

A floating pedestrian (and cycle-friendly) footbridge right over the Brisbane River, the Brisbane Riverwalk is a man-made marvel. Stretching 870 metres from New Farm to Howard Smith Wharves, it’s split into a people and a bike lane, making for seamless scooting, whatever your movement mode.

Expect uninterrupted views of Story Bridge and smooth terrain from start to finish, and don’t forget your hat. Jutting far beyond the riverbank’s trees, this glorious Brisbane walk isn’t sheltered.

Address: Enter at Riverview Court in New Farm or at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane City

2. Mount Coot-tha Summit Circuit

a family admiring views from Mount Coot-tha Lookout — Be rewarded with breathtaking views from Mount Coot-tha Lookout. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Get your sweat on at the Mount Coot-tha Summit Circuit. A sealed trail that rewards guests with extraordinary views from Mount Coot-tha Lookout, the Brisbane walk is challenging so you’ll need to be reasonably fit to get involved.

A 12-kilometre loop that’s largely uphill with one particularly steep and seemingly never-ending incline, you’ll be marching alongside a stream of exercisers and bikers.

Address: Enter via the JC Slaughter Falls carpark at the Mount Coot-tha Reserve, 200 Mount Coot-tha Road, Mount Coot-tha.

3. West End River Walk

the West End River Walk in Brisbane — Be hypnotised by tranquil waters along the West End River Walk. (Image: Brisbane Marketing)

Be hypnotised by tranquil waters along the West End River Walk. A Brisbane walk that’s popular with families, it’s dotted with several playgrounds as it extends four kilometres to the gallery-speckled cultural precinct of South Bank.

There are also picnic areas and plenty of grassy expanses to seize, as well as an off-leash dog park. And while the footpath is flat and easy to navigate (with one portion split into cycling and pedestrian lanes), you’ll be tempted to halt your adventure when you spy the sloped picnic benches that angle out towards the river.

Address: Enter via the Orleigh Park ferry terminal, corner Orleigh and Hoogley Streets, West End

4. Brisbane City Loop

people tackling the Brisbane City Loop — The Brisbane City Loop includes walking over the Victoria Bridge from the CBD to South Bank.

An always-bustling trail, the Brisbane City Loop stretches over the Victoria Bridge from the CBD to South Bank, providing great views of the cultural precinct and easy access to the famous, brightly hued BRISBANE sign out the front of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Wander along the river at South Bank, past Streets Beach, one of the best kid-friendly things to experience in Brisbane, and along the Goodwill Bridge before returning to the CBD at Gardens Point Road.

Address: Enter via the Victoria Bridge at William Street, Brisbane City

5. Banks Street Reserve

For a total bushland immersion, head towards the Bank Street Reserve, a 30-odd-hectare forest that flows with beautiful flora and fauna. Wander the cooling oasis’ zigzagging pathways as the natural playground sings with diverse wildlife, including owls, rosellas, water dragons and kingfishers. Spotted gums run rife, as do big open grass patches perfect for kicking a ball or spreading a picnic across. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.

Address: Enter via Banks Street, Alderley

6. Shorncliffe Walk

the Shorncliffe Pier in Brisbane — Stretch your legs all the way up to the Shorncliffe Pier. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Strapped for time? The 2.5-kilometre-return Shorncliffe Walk in Sandgate packs a punch for such a little stretch, boasting spectacular Moreton Bay views and proximity to coastal cafe culture. You’ll hug the Moreton Bay foreshore as it wraps around to Shorncliffe Parade and then Park Parade, home to a string of eateries and great coffee, before stretching your legs all the way up to the Shorncliffe Pier for even more sensational views.

Address: Enter where Sinbad Street turns into Allpass Parade, Sandgate

7. Submariners’ Walk Heritage Trail

Paying tribute to the Aussie and American submariners who were based in Teneriffe during World War II, the Submariners’ Walk Heritage Trail is a lovely river-fronting Brisbane walk steeped in history. While the water views are instantly soothing, there are also a handful of plaques and seating in the shape of navy vessels to take in. Cyclists are also welcome.

Address: Enter at the Teneriffe ferry terminal on Commercial Road, Newstead

8. Kangaroo Point River Walk

biking along the Kangaroo Point River Walk — Pedal your way along the scenic Kangaroo Point River Walk. (Image: Martin K Jacobsen)

Sheltered by overhanging trees, the Kangaroo Point River Walk is a scenic path to Brisbane’s CBD from one of the city’s most prestigious locales and best lookout spots.

You’ll wrap the Brisbane River all the way down as views of the Goodwill Bridge, South Bank, and the city skyline glisten from afar. This Brisbane walk is further beautified by a scattering of thought-provoking sculptures and a picnic area with a public barbecue.

Address: Enter at the Queensland Maritime Museum, 412 Stanley Street, South Brisbane

9. Boondall Wetlands’ Tabbil-ban dhagun Boardwalk

Be transported to another world inside the Boondall Wetlands in the city’s north-east, filled with mangroves, tidal flats, grasslands, eucalypt forest and salt marshes. There are several walking trails to choose but we love the Tabbil-ban dhagun Boardwalk for its deep immersion into mangrove central as it winds around Moreton Bay and Nudgee Creek. Bird life is strong in this sanctuary, so keep your eyes peeled for varieties in trees and stalking the tidal flats for their next meal.

Address: 31 Paperbark Drive, Boondall

10. Rocks Riverside Park Promenade

Located about 25 minutes from the CBD, Rocks Riverside Park is a hidden gem with one beautifully positioned promenade. Stretching out about 800 metres in length, the serene Brisbane walk provides glistening water views amid natural splendour, and once you’re done, there’s a water play area and barbecue facilities to help you lose complete track of time.

Address: 531 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks

11. Daisy Hill Conservation Park’s Discovery Trail

a woman touching a koala at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre — Daisy Hill Conservation Park’s Discovery Trail protects the habitat of koalas.

A short but sweet Brisbane walk, the Discovery Trail in Daisy Hill Conservation Park snakes through a eucalypt forest to provide instant natural cooling on a hot day.

But best of all, you’ll bump into the Daisy Hill Koala Centre on the way, home to a handful of koalas and plenty of educational displays to remind you how timid and special our little bears truly are.

Address: Enter Daisy Hill Conservation Park’s Car Park 4, Daisy Hill Road, Daisy Hill

12. Gateway Bridge Walk

the Eat Street Northshore during the day — The Gateway Bridge Walk includes a stop at the buzzy entertainment precinct, Eat Street Northshore. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

You mightn’t think anything of the Gateway Bridge in Hamilton, a suburb famed for housing the buzzy entertainment precinct Eat Street Northshore, but if you venture out there one day, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind Brisbane walk.

A five-kilometre return stretch that’s best tackled if you’re quite fit, it features a steep incline dressed with mountainous views before returning you to ground level. If you’re pushing a pram, give this one a miss (or stay put at Queensport Rocks Park where the walk begins); however, cyclists tend to adore it.

Address: Enter at Queensport Rocks Park, at the end of Administration Road, Murarrie

Discover the best things to do in Brisbane.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

Notch up steps in style on the 12 best Brisbane walks