The best day hikes in Queensland

Enriched with Mother Nature’s finest handiwork, Queensland flows with outdoor delights. And while the state’s famed sand and surf often steal the spotlight, our lush subtropical rainforest and wonderous woodlands excel at bringing on the Zen.

Whether you’re eager to scale new heights or seeking bushland solitude, the best day hikes in Queensland are guaranteed to fill up your cup. Here, we round up the top picks.

Best day hikes in Brisbane

Flinders Peak, Ipswich

Pumped for a challenge? The Flinders Peak Track, within Purga’s Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate in Ipswich, is a demanding hike with ample reward. For starters, Flinders Peak stands at a mighty 679m tall, which is higher than the Glass House Mountains’ peak, so you can expect exceptional views that stretch from Brisbane City to the Scenic Rim. However, magical sightings start well before then as Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies frequent the track and Wedge-tailed Eagles circle it from above.    

Duration: 6 km return and approximately 6 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Accessibility: No.

Spring Mountain Recreational Trail, Greenbank

Gaze out across hinterland magnificence when you reach the summit on the Spring Mountain Recreational Trail. Located within Spring Mountain Forest Park, the hike starts at Thornbill Drive in Greenbank within the City of Logan and guides you through diverse woodlands. Don’t miss the small rock cave as well as the myriad of birds you’re bound to hear before you see. Visitors should note there is some rock scrambling involved right before the trail hits its peak. 

Duration: 9.8 km return and approximately 3.5 to 5 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No

Buhot Creek Circuit, Daisy Hill

One of the standout trails within the Daisy Hill Conservation Park, home to one of the most significant regional concentrations of koalas, the Buhot Creek Circuit is jam-packed with adventure. You’ll hike past the Old Quarry Dam as well as scenic waterholes before the trail leads to Venman Bushland National Park in Mount Cotton where untamed wilderness and the charming Tingalpa Creek may entice you to explore further.   

Duration: 9 km and approximately 5.5 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No

Warrie Circuit, Springbrook National Park

Hands down, one of the best day hikes in South East Queensland, the Warrie Circuit in Springbrook National Park is a must-experience at least once in your life. Before you head off, mentally prepare for a few steep sections, creek crossings and a bit of rock hopping but once your head is in the game, it’s Go time. You’ll cover breathtaking waterfalls, secret swimming holes, tranquil creeks and the iconic landscape of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area in a single day.

Duration: 14 km and approximately 5-6 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult

Accessibility: No

Border Track, Lamington National Park

Fairytale gullies and valleys, crystal-clear mountain streams and beautiful waterfalls dot the Border Track in Canungra’s stunning Lamington National Park. We recommend you take advantage of this hike by starting at sunrise and either staying overnight at one of Scenic Rim’s best accommodation options or arranging to be picked up at the end of the day. Expect spectacular views into NSW and the distinct call of Albert’s lyrebirds throughout your journey.

Duration: 21.4 km and approximately 7 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 4: Intermediate to difficult

Accessibility: No

Toolona Creek Circuit, Lamington National Park

Tackle this trail clockwise and make sure you’re wearing shoes to get messy in — you’ll navigate several small waterfalls along the Toolona Creek Circuit in Lamington National Park’s Green Mountains section. You’ll also cross Toolona Creek several times as you venture into Toolona Gorge where the waterfalls are hiding. Occasional views of Mount Warning, towering up from the northern NSW Tweed Valley, will also spoil you along the way.

Duration: 17.4 km and approximately 6 hours to complete.

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult

Accessibility: No

Lower Bellbird Track, Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is the gift that keeps on giving. Its Lower Bellbird Track is yet another picturesque beauty that begs to be picnic-lunched along to really make the most of where you are. Anticipate breathtaking views across the Ships Stern Range and out to Turtle Rock and Egg Rock (Kurraragin) in the Numinbah Valley.

Duration: 10 km return and approximately 4 hours to complete.

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult

Accessibility: No

Coastal Track, Noosa National Park

Step away from the buzz of Hastings Street (momentarily) to explore the natural wonders of the Noosa National Park. The Noosa National Park Coastal Walk in Noosa Heads wraps around the headland, throwing up sweeping ocean views, rocky bays, enclosed beaches and spectacular marine life including the occasional dolphin. It’s a multi-sensory experience as you’re likely to taste salty sea spray and feel waves crashing against the rocks at Boiling Pot, Dolphin Point and Hell's Gates.

Duration: 10.8 km return and approximately 4 hours to complete.

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult

Accessibility: Yes, in part. The first section features a sealed, barrier-free path to Dolphin Point so it’s suitable for prams. The path is also suitable for assisted wheelchair access to Boiling Pot.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk: Section 1 - Baroon Pocket Dam to Flaxton walkers’ camp 

Bite off a portion of the mighty Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk by seeking out the Baroon Pocket Dam to Flaxton Walker’s camp trail. You’ll start at the scenic lake located between Montville and Maleny and pass the Baroon Lookout where sensational views of Obi Obi Gorge are sure to dazzle. The trail will also take you through Kondalilla National Park before you make your way to the end of the trail at Flaxton Mill Road.    

Duration: 16.1 km one-way and approximately 7 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate and Grade 4: Difficult

Accessibility: No

Nandroya Falls Circuit Track, Wooroonooran

Choose your own adventure along the Nandroya Falls Circuit Track in the Cassowary Coast Area’s Wooroonooran National Park. Two trails are up for grabs, offering visitors a direct route to the famed cascade or an extended tour that takes in scenic views, smaller waterfalls and rock pools before leading to the Falls. Pack your cozies and a towel to make a day of it because shunning such heavenly swimming conditions should be a crime.

Duration: 6 km return and approximately 3 hours to complete the longer trail.

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No

Walshs Pyramid Track, Gordonvale

One of the most extraordinary natural rock formations, Walshs Pyramid is a granite core that looks like a pointed hill near the historic country town of Gordonvale and within the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest. The track up there is steep and rough however it’s well marked so tackling the 922-metre elevation is pretty straightforward — just wear a hat and slop on the sunscreen. Once you make it, 360-degree views of the region are bound to floor you.

Duration: 6 km return and approximately 4-5 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult to Grade 5: Extreme

Accessibility: No

Honeyeater Lookout Walk, Conway National Park

Renowned for its stellar mountain biking terrain, the Honeyeater Lookout Walk at Conway National Park is an Airlie Beach must-tackle. A popular spot to watch the sunrise or sink over The Whitsundays, the walk leads to Honeyeater Lookout where panoramic vistas out to the Coral Sea will sweep you off your feet. It’s a rugged track so you’ll need a good level of fitness but once you reach its summit, every second of overexerted strength should be long forgotten.  

Duration: 8 km return and approximately 3 hours to complete.

Classification: Grade 4: Difficult

Accessibility: No.

Capricorn Coast Scenic Trail – Yeppoon to Emu Park

Take your time on the Capricorn Coast Scenic Trail which winds from Yeppoon to Emu Park because you’ll cover the entire stretch of the Capricorn Coast. Along the scenic route, you’ll pass Yeppoon Lagoon, Keppel Bay Marina and Wreck Point Lookout as well as Emu Park’s Singing Ship monument and ANZAC Memorial Walk.

Duration: 10 km return and approximately 4 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 1: Easy

Accessibility: Yes. An expansive shared pathway seamlessly follows the coastline.

Zamia Walk, Mount Archer National Park

Lace up tight because the Zamia Walk in Rockhampton’s Mount Archer National Park demands serious determination. One for experienced bushwalkers, the hike features a major incline to the summit before panoramic views across the region put a smile on your dial. You’ll also find ancient volcanic neck formations and evolving flora and fauna along the way plus you can book a cultural tour to learn about the Darumbal land and its traditional custodians.

Duration: 14 km one-way and approximately 5 hours to complete.

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Accessibility: No

Best day hike in Townsville

Alligator Creek Falls Track, Bowling Green Bay National Park

Explore cascades, deep swimming holes and waterfalls along the Alligator Creek Falls Track within the Mount Elliot section of Townsville’s Bowling Green Bay National Park. Swimming is often the primary order of the day but there are also eucalypt woodlands, three creek crossings and stunning flora and fauna to soak up along the way.

Duration: 17 km return and approximately 5-6 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 5: Extreme

Accessibility: No

If you're looking for a bigger hiking challenge in Townsville, here's how to hike the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island.

Best day hikes in Queensland Country

Barker Creek Circuit, Bunya Mountains National Park

A family-friendly option within the Bunya Mountains National Park, the Barker Creek Circuit features a natural lookout that showcases the tallest waterfall in the Bunya Mountains (if the region receives heavy enough rain). You’ll cover Paradise, Little and Tim Shea Falls towering tall while carpet pythons roam below and spectacular bird life, including Wedge-tailed Eagles, fly above.

Duration: 10 km and approximately 3-4 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No

Art Gallery walk, Carnarvon Gorge

Carnarvon Gorge is home to some of Australia’s best Indigenous art and the Art Gallery makes for a wonderful day out, telling stories from the local Bidjara and Karingbal people. There’s a slight hill towards the end of the trail, but the extra huff and puff is worth it.

Duration: 10.8 km return and approximately 4 hours to complete

Classification: Grade 3: Intermediate

Accessibility: No