A guide to the best day hikes near Brisbane

GUIDE

By Danielle Reckless

Brisbane might be known for its river views and city vibes, but just beyond the skyscrapers lies a hiker's playground waiting to be conquered. With national parks and protected forests all within easy reach, the best day hikes near Brisbane offer that perfect combo of cardio, connection, and "can't believe this is just outside the city" moments.

Whether you're a sunrise summit chaser or more of a leisurely forest stroller, there's a track with your name on it. Here are the best day hikes near Brisbane – all within a couple of hours of the CBD – that deserve a spot on your weekend calendar.

Hikes in North Brisbane

Group walking on a bush walking track near Esk — Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Brisbane

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Australia's longest recreational rail trail isn't messing around – stretching 161 kilometres from Wulkuraka to Yarraman. Following the historical railway line, this trail serves up rural landscapes, creek crossings, and enough "wow" moments to fill your Insta feed. With sections ranging from 7km to 24km, it's one of those best day hikes near Brisbane that lets you choose your own adventure.

Keperra Bushland Reserve

Hidden in plain sight, this 150-hectare bush oasis packs a punch with its paved walking paths and summit lookouts. Up for a challenge? The 3.4km Keperra Saddle Circuit will have your calves screaming thanks to some seriously steep hills. But those city views? Worth every bead of sweat.

D’Aguilar National Park

Just 30 minutes from your city coffee fix is D'Aguilar National Park – where remote gorges, eucalypt woodland, and Moreton Bay panoramas come standard. First-timers should ease in with the 1.9km Rainforest Circuit, but there's plenty here for seasoned hikers too. One of the most accessible best day hikes near Brisbane for nature lovers of all levels. Use this guide to plan your visit.

The Araucaria Track, Enoggera Reservoir

The Gap's best-kept secret might be this 11km loop around Enoggera Reservoir. Mostly gentle with just enough hills to remind you it's exercise, this two-hour jaunt delivers canopied forest, water glimpses, and the occasional curious wildlife encounter. Pack a sandwich – you'll want to linger.

Hikes in West Brisbane

Family watching the sun rise over Brisbane City from Mount Coot-Tha Lookout — Mount Coot-Tha Lookout, Brisbane

Mt Coot-tha

Just 7km from the CBD sits Brisbane's favourite urban wilderness escape. The iconic Summit Track from JC Slaughter Falls rewards your uphill effort with the city's most spectacular panoramic views – stretching from skyscrapers all the way to Moreton Bay. Refuel with a coffee or ice cream at the summit café.

Been there, conquered that? Try the Spotted Gum Trail – a 2.4km journey from Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens featuring 250+ concrete steps and an eight-metre bridge. After soaking in those summit views, descend for a well-earned picnic among the botanical beauties below. This is among the best day hikes near Brisbane for those short on time but big on views.

White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate

Just 35 minutes from the city hustle awaits Spring Mountain's distinctive rocky sculptures. From quick 200m jaunts to challenging 19km adventures, there's a trail for every timeframe. The moderate 6.5km round-trip to White Rock's base delivers serious bang for your three-hour hiking buck.

Hikes in South Brisbane

Toohey Forest Park

Where else can you spot koalas, echidnas and 75+ bird species this close to a city centre? Local favourites include the Nathan Ridge Track and Summit Track, which wind from Gertrude Petty Place to Mount Gravatt Lookout. The reward? Spectacular Brisbane vistas that stretch to Moreton Bay islands, D'Aguilar Ranges and the Glasshouse Mountains on clear days. Bonus points: there's a restaurant and playground at the top.

Springwood Conservation Park

Don't let the size fool you – this compact park delivers big on ferns, gorge views, and local wildlife (hello, sugar gliders!). The 1km Gorge Discovery Circuit sounds like a breeze until you hit the infamous 132-step challenge locals dramatically call "The Stairs of Death." Consider the gauntlet thrown.

Venmans Bushland National Park

Mount Cotton's 415-hectare eucalypt haven ranks among the largest remaining coastal lowland forests near Brisbane. The 7.6km Venman Track loop showcases varied bushland – ideal for taking it slow and nature spotting (photographers love it too).

Day island hikes near Brisbane

three friends walk along coastal boardwalk — Minjerribah Panorama Coastal Walk, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Brisbane

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

Island hiking hits different – especially on Minjerribah where the 2.2km Mt Vane Walking Track delivers 360-degree Moreton Bay blues.

Designed and constructed by the Quandamooka people, the island's Traditional Owners, this track connects two existing walks (Kaboora – Blue Lake Walk and Neembeeba – Blue Lake Lookout) for an epic 10km trail network. Summit one of Straddie's highest peaks then find your slice of tranquillity lakeside. Ferry ride + hiking = perfect day trip.

Day hikes in the Scenic Rim

Mt Cordeaux

Ninety minutes from Brisbane, standing guard at Cunningham's Gap, Mount Cordeaux offers a 6.8km family-friendly challenge. Not too steep, not too easy – it's the Goldilocks of the best day hikes near Brisbane when you've got energetic kids to entertain.

Mt Edwards

Overlooking the mirror-like waters of Lake Moogerah, Mt Edwards promises a heart-pumping workout just an hour from the city. The 6km return summit trail earns its ‘Grade 5: Difficult’ rating with some seriously steep sections. Your quads might protest, but those lake views silence all complaints.

Day hikes on the Sunshine Coast

Mount Ngungun

This 2.8km Grade 4 summit walk delivers the ultimate Glass House Mountains photo op – with Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah all posing for your panoramic pleasure. Two hours return makes it perfect for morning missions before beach time.

Mount Coolum

Sunrise chasers, this one's for you. The Mount Coolum Summit Track, 90 minutes north of Brisbane, has earned its reputation as the Sunshine Coast's most popular trek. Sure, it's a challenging climb with its share of stairs. But those dawn hinterland panoramas? Absolutely worth the early alarm.

Conondale National Park

Two hours from Brisbane lies the rugged Conondale Range. The 5km Great Walk showcases ancient rainforest, waterfalls, crystal creeks, and massive trees with enough wow-factor to fill your phone storage. Day trippers can sample the magic on shorter 3-11km sections.

Good to know: you’ll want a 4WD to access this national park.

Day hikes on the Gold Coast

Group hiking through the forest on the waterfall circuit — Twin Falls, Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast

Springbrook National Park

Less than 100km from Brisbane awaits a slice of ancient Gondwana. This is UNESCO World Heritage rainforest territory. Springbrook National Park delivers spectacular waterfalls, ancient trees, and ecology nerds' dream day out. When ranking the best day hikes near Brisbane with international bragging rights, this one's tough to beat. Head here for all the details on short walks and longer hikes.

Lamington National Park

Nature dialled everything up to 11 at Lamington National Park. Another section of Queensland’s Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, beginners can start with the easy Rainforest Circuit or Centenary Track before graduating to the longer Python Rock Track. Families love the 2km Bellbird Lookout Walk in Binna Burra with its multiple vantage points.

Waterfall chasers shouldn't miss the 4.4km Morans Falls Circuit, winding through rainforest down to the stunning falls and one of the park’s best lookout points.

Ready for the big leagues? The 14km West Canungra Creek Circuit in the Green Mountains section features creeks, cascades, and pristine pools with just enough rough bits to make it thrilling.

Burleigh Head National Park

South East Queensland's coastal crown jewel combines ancient eucalypt forests and pandanus groves with Pacific Ocean blues that'll keep you staring. Time it right (August-November) and add whale watching to your hike checklist. This gem might just be the most scenic of all the best day hikes near Brisbane – and you can end your walk with a dip at Tallebudgera Creek’s Echo Beach.

Ready to hit the trails? Check out even more beautiful national parks near Brisbane for your next outdoor adventure.