The Best Trails For Hiking In Brisbane

Get those legs moving all while exploring more of Queensland’s natural beauty.

Brisbane is full of incredible restaurants, a bustling cafe scene and ample things to do, but sometimes a break from the chaos of city life is needed and your body craves an escape to nature. And what better way to do that than hiking in and around Brisbane?

Well, put those walking shoes on because we’ve found all the best hikes near Brisbane for any skill level.

1. Summit Track, Mt Coot-tha

People standing at Mount Coot-tha Lookout at sunset hike in Brisbane — With views that go on for days, this walk is well worth it. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Friends, lovers, families, dogs – everyone in Brissie knows this iconic peak for its cracking views of the city.

Mt Coot-tha Lookout has sweeping views of Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, and around to the Tweed Volcano, Main Range and Mount Barney and Flinders Peak.

This track leads from the JC Slaughter Falls picnic area to the lookout and is just a 15-minute drive from the CBD.

Difficulty: Easy-moderate.
Terrain: Hilly.
Distance: 1.9 kilometres one way.
What to bring: Water, camera, sun protection.

2. North Gorge Walk, North Stradbroke Island

Kangaroo on North Gorge Walk — You’ll spot some wildlife on land. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

One of the must-dos on North Stradbroke Island, the North Gorge Walk follows the headland of Point Lookout all while showing off breathtaking ocean views.

If you do it between June and November, you might even get to see migrating humpback whales, as the Gorge Walk is the best vantage point.

Difficulty: Easy-moderate.
Terrain: Boardwalk.
Distance: 1.2 kilometres.
What to bring: Water, camera, sun protection.

3. Natural Bridge circuit, Springbrook National Park

Waterfall coming from natural bridge above in Springbrook National Park — Glow worms and a waterfall? Yes, please. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Natural Bridge circuit walk is a sealed circuit track that takes you through the forest, across Cave Creek and into the arched cave to witness the waterfall plunging from above.

Not only that, but at night you’ll be blessed with the tiny green lights of thousands of nocturnal glow worms! Glow worms are visible year-round; however, their display is significantly reduced during the winter months.

Be careful walking at night and make sure you bring sufficient lighting. There are also some restricted access areas to keep in mind when planning your hike.

Difficulty: Easy-moderate.
Terrain: Asphalt track, but due to long sets of stairs, it is easier to walk this track in a clockwise direction.
Distance: One kilometre.
What to bring: Mosquito repellent, drinking water, torch.

4. Tamborine Mountain

Woman standing in front of Curtis Falls — Stop at the beautiful Curtis Falls on your way. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Walking tracks are provided in six sections of Tamborine National Park . Most of them are short and relatively easy, although some have short, steep sections.

The hiking trails range from grade 1 to grade 4, so you can choose the track you want to take based on your fitness capabilities.

Difficulty: Easy-moderate.
Terrain: Some steep sections.
Distance: Ranging from 400 metres to 4.8 kilometres.
What to bring: Water, sun protection.

5. Northbrook Gorges, D’Aguilar National Park

Ferns in Northbrook Gorges near Brisbane — This hike is suited for more experienced hikers. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Bring your swimmers for this next hike! You’ll have to swim through two freshwater gorges as part of this trail.

You’ll come across rock pools along the journey, with the longest measuring about 15 to 20 metres.

But the highlight of the Northbrook Gorges hike is the large, almost crystal clear, rock swimming pool, complete with a short waterfall, found in the second gorge.

The majority of the hike will take you over rocks, boulders, and rough and slippery terrain, making it best suited for fit and experienced hikers.

Difficulty: Moderate.
Terrain: Wet!
Distance: Six kilometres.
What to bring: Swimmers, drinking water, sun protection.

6. Kondalilla Falls circuit

Bottom of Kondalilla Falls hike near Brisbane — Take a dip at Kondalilla Falls on your hike. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Located on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the Kondalilla Falls circuit is a stunning hike surrounded by lush rainforest.

You’ll follow the Picnic Creek circuit down the escarpment, go past rock pools and a lookout with views of Kondalilla Falls, all the way down to the base of the waterfall and continue back up the ridge.

But bear in mind there are over 300 stairs on the Kondalilla Falls circuit, so you need to be reasonably fit. Always come prepared , and allow enough time to finish your walk in daylight hours.

Difficulty: Moderate.
Terrain: Stairs.
Distance: 4.7 kilometres.
What to bring: Water, sun protection, camera, swimmers.

7. Araucaria track, D’Aguilar National Park

Turtle sitting on log at Araucaria track near Brisbane — Spot turtles, among other wildlife. (Image: Matthew Taylor/Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Araucaria track is a delightful trail that meanders through open eucalypt forest, winding along the forested shores of picturesque Enoggera Reservoir, before looping back around one of the reservoir’s peninsulas.

Head out early because the trail gets quite busy later in the day, and keep an eye out for brown snakes, and dress accordingly – long pants, good shoes, etc.

Difficulty: Moderate.
Terrain: Hilly.
Distance: Five kilometres.
What to bring: Swimmers, drinking water, sun protection, camera, binoculars.

8. Mount Ngungun, Glass House Mountains

Standing at the top of Mount Ngungun at sunrise near Brisbane after hike — The views from the top of Mount Ngungun are well worth the tough hike. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you prefer your hikes a little more rugged, up the ante at Mount Ngungun .

Located in the iconic Glass House Mountains, this short trail begins in an open forest and has some unbelievable views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah from the summit.

You should be moderately fit to do this grade 4 hike, and it passes close to cliff edges so be careful.

Difficulty: Moderate-hard.
Terrain: Steep.
Distance: 2.8 kilometres.
What to bring: Water, sun protection, supportive shoes.

9. Mount Maroon

Man standing at the top of Mount Maroon after doing hike — You’ll be feeling Mount Maroon in your legs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Mount Maroon is a great warm-up climb if you’ve ever wanted to tackle the neighbouring Mount Barney.

It’s steep from the get-go, and the hike will test those leg muscles on a number of occasions. But even though it’s an intense track, the views are well worth it. But only if you are an experienced hiker.

Offline navigation is strongly recommended for this one. And as always, let someone know where you are and when you plan to finish the hike.

Difficulty: Moderate-hard.
Terrain: Steep.
Distance: Six kilometres.
What to bring: Lots of drinking water, sun protection and a personal locator beacon (PLB) is recommended.

10. Mount Barney

Two men at the top of Mount Barney after hike in Brisbane — Mount Barney is not for the faint-hearted. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The mother of all Brisbane hikes really takes it up a notch at Mount Barney – South East Queensland’s second-highest peak.

There are four walking tracks at Mount Barney, all classified as grade 4, but varying in length. Yellow Pinch, Lower Portals, Cronan Creek and Upper Portals.

Remember to stay safe at all times , only choose activities that suit the skills, experience and fitness of your group, never walk alone and make sure someone knows where you are, and what time you plan to finish hiking the trail.

Difficulty: Moderate-hard.
Terrain: Rugged.
Distance: Two kilometres return (Yellow Pinch), 7.4 kilometres return (Lower Portals), eight kilometres return (Upper Portals) and 12 kilometres return (Cronan Creek Falls).
What to bring: Lots of water, chemical tablets to treat water, a raincoat, a PLB is recommended, bushwalking equipment and all your sun protection goodies.

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.

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10 best trails for hiking in Brisbane (no matter your skill level)