7 short hiking trails in Queensland Country

List

By Nelson Hall

There’s something about hiking through the pristine wilderness of Queensland’s national parks—the fresh air, the breathtaking scenery, the history—that shreds stress and leaves you feeling better than when you started.

Towering gums, rolling green hills, enormous granite boulders, and the unmistakable call of a whip bird; lace up as we take you on a walk through some of the best hiking trails in Queensland Country—guaranteed to help you switch off and relax, even when you're short on time.

1. Scenic Circuit, Bunya Mountains - 4km

Family walking on a boardwalk past a waterfall — Bunya Mountains National Park, Queensland Country

An easy walk combining nature’s finest; rolling mountains, dense rainforest, rock pools, waterfalls, and even an ancient fig tree. It’s no wonder, then, this 4km trek is one of the most popular routes in Bunya Mountains National Park—also home to the world’s largest remaining stand of bunya pine rainforest.

The park is Queensland’s second oldest national park (opened in 1908) and the Scenic Circuit takes hikers past some of the best spots, including Festoon Falls and Tim Shea Falls.

2. The Pyramid, Girraween National Park - 3.6km

Hiker walking past Balancing Rock at Girraween National Park — Balancing Rock, Girraween National Park, Queensland Country

The Granite Belt region is, quite literally, littered with vast, rocky outcrops. For some of the finest examples of this otherworldly landscape, Girraween National Park combines three short walks. Tackle each individually, or combine for a sensational day of walking.

The Pyramid isn’t for those with a fear of heights; this walk culminates in a scramble up a sheer granite rock face. It’s steep and you’ll want sturdy shoes with a decent grip to take on this climb, but the final destination is worth the effort.

On the summit, make your way to the north face to check out Balancing Rock; a huge granite boulder balancing precariously and itching to have its picture taken.

3. Granite Arch, Girraween National Park - 1.6km

Couple hiking over boulders at sunset — Granite Arch Track, Girraween National Park, Queensland Country

Granite Arch in Girraween National Park is a much easier walk, perfect for the family or those after a short hike. The straightforward 1.6km circuit loops through open blackbutt and stringybark forests, famously passing right through a natural granite arch.

Tip: Time your visit for spring to see the beautiful wildflowers, or pack dinner to enjoy under the thick blanket of stars.

4. The Sphinx and Turtle Rock, Girraween National Park - 7.4km

A couple hiking past Castle Rock in Girraween National Park — Girraween National Park, Queensland Country

One of the most impressive Girraween National Park walks (but less physically demanding than The Pyramid) is the Sphinx and Turtle Rock track.

The eucalyptus forest is dotted with huge granite boulders and gravity-bending rock formations that culminate in an area of rocky slabs, sheer walls, balancing boulders several metres tall, including the Sphinx, a granite pinnacle with a large balancing boulder on top. You might even spot the local echidnas, lizards and red-neck wallabies.

If you stay for sunset, be sure to bring a torch for your walk back to the car park and keep a lookout for common brushtail possums, tiny sugar gliders and feather gliders.

5. Queen Mary Falls Circuit, Main Range National Park - 2km

Couple walking over bridge at base of a 40-metre drop waterfall — Queen Mary Falls, Main Range National Park, Queensland Country

We all love waterfalls, and the Queen Mary Falls Circuit has to be one of the easiest waterfalls to access from Brisbane. Don’t believe us? Check out our day trip to Queen Mary Falls guide.

This 2km walk is a favourite with families and budding photographers keen to snap a photo and enjoy a picnic by the falls. The main lookout is found at the top of the falls, but for the best photos hit the stairs and make your way to the falls' pool to take in its 40-metre plunge.

Tip: Keep an eye out for koalas at the start and end of the walking circuit.

6. Mount Cordeaux, Main Range National Park - 6.8km

View from Mt Cordeaux — Mt Cordeaux, Main Range National Park, Warwick

This is a lovely 6.8km walk, and one of the best hiking trails in Queensland Country to see local wildlife. Mount Cordeaux (Niamboyoo in the local Aboriginal language) in Main Range National Park offers a well-defined track that zigzags through ancient rainforest to a lookout on the southern side that takes in fantastic views.

Tip: Time your hike for spring when giant spear lilies are in bloom on the face of Mount Cordeaux.

7. Crows Nest Falls via Kauyoo Loop, Crows Nest National Park - 2.7km

Rockpools among bushland — Crows Nest National Park, Crows Nest, Queensland Country

Who doesn’t love a swim after a day of walking? A popular picnic spot for families, the Crows Nest Falls via Kauyoo Loop is a relaxed 2.7km circuit that offers not one but two swimming holes: Kauyoo Pool and Bottlebrush Pool.

Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered brush-tailed rock wallabies, often seen in the nearby granite hills and boulders. If you’re here in summer spend some time at the Cascades where you can hear the ‘tock tock’ call of striped march frogs.

Spend a while longer: here's how to do three days in the Granite Belt.