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.

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

Notch up steps in style on the 12 best Brisbane walks