Into the wild: the best national parks near Brisbane

No need to prepare for a road trip to reach one of the most popular national parks near Brisbane. D’Aguilar National Park starts just 10km from the CBD, and covering 36,000 hectares of pure nature, it’s got endless walking trails and activities for adventurers. Here in the hills, you step into scenes that seem like they're from a storybook, filled with remote gorges, subtropical rainforest, and eucalypt woodland.

Start your park visit at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, before driving into the cooler forests of Southern D'Aguilar to enjoy walking tracks, shady picnic areas, and scenic lookouts (Jolly’s Lookout is a standout).

To get out hiking, try the 6km return Morelia Track to Mt Nebo lookout, or the lush trail to Greenes Falls. On this walk you can dip into refreshing swimming holes fed by rainforest streams, score views of Lake Wivenhoe and Brisbane, and then powerwalk back up the rainforest circuit on the Maiala track. This is a great national park to explore via 4WD too.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Lamington National Park

Nestled in the Scenic Rim, Lamington National Park makes up the Queensland contingent of the world-heritage Gondwana Rainforest alongside three other national parks. And it’s an easy day trip from Brisbane.

The geology here dates back more than 225 million years when the land was joined with Antarctica. Today, dense rainforests, ancient trees, flowing waterfalls and views across the ranges and valleys set the scene for your walk.

How should you explore? Some of the best walks in this national park begin in O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (which also has fantastic accommodation including a lodge and campgrounds). Climb into the canopy on the Tree Top walk, take the 4.6km return walk to Moran Falls, see the sights on Box Forest Circuit or tackle the challenging Border Track.

If you want to see it all, the 54km Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk passes right through the best sights. 

Use this guide to plan your visit.

St Helena Island National Park

Even most locals don’t know about this tiny island national park near Brisbane, just off the coast in Moreton Bay. But it’s one steeped in history: St Helena Island was the site of Queensland’s first penal settlement.

Accessible by boat from Manly or New Farm, you can take a guided tour to explore the stone ruins of the prison stockade and hear stories of the island’s past. Or set out on the short walking tracks to several historic sites at the southern end of the island, which are accessible without a tour guide.

Glass House Mountains National Park

The Glass House Mountains tower over the skyline from north of Brisbane all the way to the Sunshine Coast. But there’s plenty of opportunity to see it up close too, from viewpoints at Glass House Mountains Lookout, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Wild Horse Mountain. Or heading out on a walking trail.

You’re on sacred lands here: Aboriginal Dreaming tells the story of the tumultuous family relationship between father (Tibrogargan), mother (Beerwah) and their many children, which you can learn about as you explore the area.

The hike to the summit of Mt Ngungun offers the best views-to-effort ratio, and locals love the short walk to soak in the sunset over the peaks. 

Use this guide to plan your visit. 

Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park

Board the ferry in Brisbane to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and you'll arrive at the world’s third-largest sand island just 75 minutes later.

Moreton Island is a beloved Brisbane treasure, and it’s no wonder: 98% of the island is a protected national park. With no sealed roads, 4WD is the only mode of transport - or you can explore on a day tour. Discover miles of beautiful, deserted beaches, marine life and sights that will make your jaw drop.

Looking for a calm spot to take a dip? Tucked away inland is the freshwater Blue Lagoon; while further north you’ll find the sparkling Champagne Pools. The views at the top of Mt Tempest are worth the climb too.

This national park island is packed with adventure, from sandboarding to snorkelling sunken shipwrecks.

Springbrook National Park

Sister to Lamington National Park, Springbrook is equally stunning with tumbling waterfalls, quiet rainforest, and the chance to stand at the top of one of Australia’s dormant volcanoes.  

If you’re after big views on short walks, try Twin Falls Circuit, Purling Brook Falls, and Natural Bridge, where clear, cool water flows into a cave. Or, spend a full day chasing waterfalls on the 17km Warrie Circuit which links the major sites of the park in a six-hour adventure. Take your time to really appreciate the beauty of the canyon and its cliffs of cascading waterfalls.

Use this guide to plan your visit. 

Tamborine National Park

Another natural beauty tucked into the hinterland south of Brisbane, the temperature dips as you climb into the cool hills. Tamborine delivers on big sights and country charm as you’ll find quaint mountain villages filled with cafes, wineries and boutiques tucked into the mountainside.  

The Witches Falls section of this park was declared in 1908, making it Queensland’s first national park. Today, this huge park is made up of 14 sections that offer views from the Pacific Ocean to Lamington National Park.

Take the enchanting walk to Curtis Falls to immerse yourself in wet eucalyptus forest, strangler figs and rainforest. Keep an eye out for basking turtles on fallen logs, fish and eels in the rock pools, and rare local platypus. If you’re here as night falls, the sparkle of glow worms is magical.

Here with the kids? Thunderbird Park and the Treetop Challenge offer plenty more fun once you’ve explored the hiking trails.

Here’s a guide on things to do while you’re here, and tips to make a weekend of it.  

Main Range National Park

A popular spot for bushwalking, Main Range National Park is just 110km south-west of Brisbane. It’s home to walking trails worth pulling your boots on for, where the scenery – and the elevation gains – will take your breath away.

For an easy walk, you can’t beat the 40-minute track to the bottom of Queen Mary Falls: best done after a little rain when it cascades dramatically over the clifftop. For something a little longer, set off on the Mt Cordeaux walk and be treated to huge views over Cunningham’s Gap.

Up for a real workout? Try the Mount Superbus Trail or climb Mount Mitchell where you'll feel on top of the world looking out over neighbouring summits Maroon, Lindesay, Barney and Ballow.

Naree Budjong Djara National Park, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

The Quandamooka people call North Stradbroke Island Minjerribah which means my mother earth. And this sand island really is nature at its finest.

Naree Budjong Djara National Park makes up about half of the island, comprising freshwater lakes, sand dunes, wetlands and endangered heathlands, as well as two walking tracks open to the public. Walk to Neembeeba lookout (6km return) for views over the southern part of the island, the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast. 

The island can be accessed from the mainland at Cleveland via a 50-minute vehicle ferry or 25-minute water taxi. Whether you’re up for a fast-paced day trip, a camping getaway or a longer escape, read up on everything you can do here. 

Looking for more hikes? There are endless trails to explore beyond the national parks near Brisbane - discover them here.