A guide to the best day hikes near Brisbane

Guide

By Jemma Fletcher

With national parks and protected forests all within easy reach of the city, there's plenty of hiking near Brisbane to be done. With fantastic cardio, a connection to nature and the outdoors, and quality time spent away from our busy day-to-day, it's no wonder hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities there is.

There's a hike for every fitness level near the River City: take your time, and soak in the scenery. Below are some of the best day hikes in and around Brisbane (all within an hour or two of the CBD) to tick off your list.

Hikes in North Brisbane

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

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (Australia's longest recreational rail trail) follows the old Brisbane Valley Railway line for 161 kilometres from Wulkuraka to Yarraman. Along the journey, rail trailers can experience a range of rural landscapes, creek crossings and historical landmarks. With sections ranging from 7km to 24km, hikers of all ages and fitness levels can tackle this fun hike near Brisbane.

Keperra Bushland Reserve

Set within a 150-hectare bush oasis, Keperra Bushland Reserve boasts paved walking paths and a scenic lookout at the top. If you’re looking for a workout, the Keperra Saddle is a 3.4km circuit that leads upwards and requires moderate fitness (expect a few very steep hills that get the heart pumping).

D’Aguilar National Park

A 30-minute drive from Brisbane is D’Aguilar National Park  which has plenty to see, including remote gorges, green eucalypt woodland and spectacular views of the Moreton Bay region. Tracks here are suitable for both beginners and the more experienced. For first-time visitors, have a go at the 1.9-kilometre Rainforest Circuit.

The Araucaria Track, Enoggera Reservoir

Tucked away in the leafy suburb of The Gap is the Enoggera Reservoir's 11km Araucaria Track. This loop takes you through the canopied forest and although it's mostly gentle, there are some steep hills involved. With glimpses of the reservoir, beautiful trees, and the odd encounter with wildlife, it's an enjoyable two-hour walk.

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

Only 7km from the city, Mt Coot-tha Reserve (also known as Mt Coot-tha Forest) offers a myriad of open eucalypt forest and rainforest gullies to explore. If you’ve walked the iconic Mount Coot-tha Summit Track from JC Slaughter Falls to Mt Coot-tha Lookout before, you’ll know it’s a steep yet beautiful gorge walk, which rewards your effort at the top with Brisbane’s best panoramic hilltop view over the CBD to Moreton Bay. At the top, you’ll also find the bustling Kuta Cafe and the award-winning Summit Restaurant.

Familiar with the area? You’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a brand new hiking path to the summit to try out. Starting at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and finishing at the summit lookout, Spotted Gum Trail is a 2.4km stroll through lush green surrounds with more than 250 concrete steps and an eight-metre bridge for variety. Once you’ve taken in the views at the Brisbane Lookout on top, make your way back down and enjoy a picnic on the grass in the Botanical Gardens.

White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate

Located just 35 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, Spring Mountain Conservation Estate features distinctive, sculptured, rocky outcrops of White Rock and Spring Mountain. From a leisurely 200m walk to the more challenging 19km round trip trail, most of the trails are suitable for hiking. For a moderate walk, allow up to 3 hours to hike the 6.5km round-trip trail to the base of White Rock.

Hikes in South Brisbane

Toohey Forest Park

Home to koalas, echidnas, gliders and more than 75 species of birds, Toohey Forest Park (which includes Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve), offers a variety of walking tracks. Two favourites include the Nathan Ridge Track and the Summit Track, which take you from Gertrude Petty Place to Mount Gravatt Lookout.

Mt Gravatt Outlook provides spectacular views of Brisbane and surrounding suburbs. On a clear day, you can see the Moreton Bay islands, D’Aguilar Ranges and Glasshouse Mountains. At the top is a restaurant and playground.

Springwood Conservation Park

Springwood Conservation Park features a fern-filled forest, a gorge, a lookout point – even a few local sugar gliders. The main walking track is the 1km Gorge Discovery Circuit, which may sound easy but it includes 132 stairs known by locals as 'The Stairs of Death'.

Venmans Bushland National Park

In Mount Cotton, Venman Bushland National Park is 415 hectares of preserved bushland and is one of the largest remaining areas of eucalypt forest in the coastal lowlands near Brisbane. The Venman Track is a 7.6km loop trail that takes you through varied bushland and is ideal for nature observations.

Day island hikes near Brisbane

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

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

Check out North Stradbroke Island's highlights (including 360-degree views of Moreton Bay and Quandamooka country) on the 2.2km Mt Vane Walking Track – 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) within the Naree Budjong Djara National Park, to create a stunning 10km network of trails. Take in the view from the top of one of Straddie's highest peaks and trek down to Karboora which offers a quiet haven for visitors.

Day hikes in the Scenic Rim

Mt Cordeaux

Just 1.5 hours from Brisbane on the northern side of Cunningham’s Gap stands Mount Cordeaux; one of the two mountains that guard the entrance into the Scenic Rim. At 6.8km, the Mt Cordeaux hike is a great family option if you're looking for a challenge for the kids – it’s not overly steep or strenuous.

Mt Edwards

About one hour from Brisbane, Mt Edwards is part of Moogerah Peaks National Park and overlooks the magnificent Lake Moogerah. The hike to the summit is approximately 6 km return and quite steep in places. Rated as a Classification 5: Difficult, it's a great heart-pumping workout.

Day hikes on the Sunshine Coast

Mount Ngungun

The 2.8km Mount Ngungun summit walk offers great views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah from the summit. Listed as a Grade 4 walking track and takes about two hours to complete. Don't forget to pack your camera – the 360-degree panoramic views of the coast and hinterland at the top are something else.

Mount Coolum

One of the most popular treks on the Sunshine Coast, Mt Coolum Summit Track is renowned for its challenging climb to the summit and its stunning panoramic views over the hinterland. Located 90 minutes north of Brisbane, set off early to catch the sunrise at the summit.

Conondale National Park

Just two hours from Brisbane is the rugged Conondale Range, boasting some of Queensland's most popular and picturesque forests. The 5km Conondale Range Great Walk showcases the very best of this national park, including ancient rainforest, cascading waterfalls, crystal clear creeks, tall open forest, and expansive views. There are also several day walks ranging from 3km and 11km that cater for those who would like to explore smaller sections of the 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, Springbrook National Park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. With spectacular waterfalls, ancient trees and exceptional ecological importance to see with your own eyes, Springbrook is an outstanding hike near Brisbane – and the perfect day hike.

Lamington National Park

With lush forestry, ancient trees and incomparable views surrounding Lamington National Park, you’ll want to add this day hike to your to-do list. There are walks suitable for every type of hiker, including the Rainforest Circuit, Centenary Track, or the longer Python Rock Track.

The 2km Bellbird Lookout Walk in the Binna Burra section has many vantage points and is perfect for families. The Morans Falls Circuit is a 4.4km return track through the breathtaking Gondwana rainforest, which snakes its way down to the first floor to the base of the stunning Morans Falls. Follow the creek to Morans Clearing lookout for weeping vistas over the Albert River valley, Mount Lindsey and Mount Barney in the distance.

For a more advanced trail, the West Canungra Creek Circuit in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park is a great 14 km hike featuring creeks, cascade waterfalls and pools, with a few small rough areas and creek crossing.

Burleigh Headland National Park

The southern Gold Coast's gorgeous Burleigh Headland walk is one of the most popular coastal walks in Queensland. Boasting stunning ocean views,  lined by ancient eucalypt forests and pandanus groves, and guaranteed whale sightings during the winter migration season (August-November) this hike near Brisbane is a sensory overload.

Plan your next hike – check out even more beautiful national parks near Brisbane.