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.

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.

Notch up steps in style on the 12 best Brisbane walks