City scape

City loop via South Bank

Let’s start with a Brisbane favourite. This quick and easy loop takes you from the heart of The City over the old Victoria Bridge, through the Cultural Forecourt past the iconic Brisbane sign (go on, stop for a selfie) and along the Clem Jones Promenade at South Bank. Take a moment to take in The City views from Streets Beach as you continue to meander along. Just past River Quay Green South Bank, cross over the Goodwill Bridge towards the City Botanic Gardens and the Queensland University of Technology Garden’s Point campus. There’s a pedestrian path that follows along the riverfront at water level which you can continue along passing riverside restaurants, reaching Brisbane’s River Walk and the Riverside ferry terminal.

City loop from the Botanic Gardens via Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point

Start your journey with the panoramic views found at the top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and walk down the infamous stairs to the base. From here you can follow the winding boardwalk along the riverfront towards Thornton Street Ferry Terminal. Then it’s time to choose your own adventure, choose from The Story Bridge which will take you to Howard Smith Wharves and towards New Farm. Alternatively, ponder across the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge taking you towards Brisbane City.  

Teneriffe to The City via Riverwalk

Start your journey between Teneriffe’s historic and distinctive wool stores. Wander along the wide riverside boardwalk that makes up the little-known Submariners’ Walk Heritage Trail. Discover the facts, tributes and stories that are scattered along that way that describe how Teneriffe was used as a dock for submarines during World War II. If you continue your walk past the Brisbane Powerhouse, around the picturesque New Farm Park and along the raised Riverwalk you’ll find yourself in the heart of Brisbane City in under 90 minutes (depending on your pace of course).

The Arbour at South Bank

The iconic steel structure that snakes its way through South Bank Parklands is unique in its shading, as it curves through one kilometre of South Bank, look up and appreciate the vibrantly blooming Bougainvillea vines that thrive in Brisbane’s climate.  While you’re out and about, don’t forget to check out the best that South Bank has to offer.

West End to Queensland Gallery of Modern Art

Start your morning walk bright and early with a wander through to the West End Markets, held every Saturday from 6am-2pm. Beside the park is the Jane St Community Garden, which grows more than 200 varieties of edible plants. Once you’ve stocked up on fresh fruit and veg, wander across to GoodGood West End for breakfast or a coffee to take along as you continue to explore the neighbourhood. From here, follow Riverside Drive down towards Orleigh Park, where, in Springtime you will find blooming Jacarandas along the riverside.  

Neville Bonner Bridge and Kangaroo Point Bridge Loop

For those keen on getting in their steps without letting the cityscape out of their sightlines, this route is a must. A healthy six-kilometre loop trail, which begins at Brisbane’s most recent pedestrian bridge, the Neville Bonner Bridge and Kangaroo Point Bridge Loop takes you on a journey across Brisbane’s scenic Kangaroo point cliffs, allowing for one of the best views of the entire city.

Nature

Boondall Wetlands

The Boondall Wetlands offer a variety of walking and cycling tracks surrounded by hectares of tidal flats, mangroves, saltmarshes, melaleuca wetlands, grasslands and open forests. These wetlands are home to around 190 species of birds including rainbow bee-eaters, kingfishers, Australian kestrels and more. The tracks range from 100 metres to 13 kilometres, with canoeing, walking and cycling paths and are mapped out for ease.

Brighton to Shorncliffe

Wander the foreshore between the seaside villages on Brisbane’s Northside. Taking in views over Bramble Bay, the shining star of this walk is wandering to the end of the historic Shorncliffe Pier. From here look down into the blue bay to spot jellyfish and marine life bobbing past. The walk takes an hour each way, so slice it in half by starting in Sandgate if you’d prefer a shorter walk. A favourite of ours, stop at the Sandgate Fishmonger for lunch or wander into the village square and refresh with a drink at Cardigan Bar in Sandgate.

Daisy Hill

Koala sightings are guaranteed at Daisy Hill at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. See these gorgeous mammals at the dedicated koala education facility from two different viewing levels – it’s free to visit and makes the perfect start or end to one of Daisy Hill’s bush trails. Most of the walks are less than two kilometre, leaving plenty of time to visit the Koala Centre. Pack a picnic and find a shady spot on the grass for lunch near the Koala Centre.

Greenes Falls Track

Drive north of Brisbane through the quaint village of Samford and up into the hills of Mount Glorious. Glorious indeed – pop on those walking shoes and wander the one-hour Greenes Falls Track, where the boardwalk meanders beneath fig trees past twisted roots and colourful flora throughout the rainforest.

Gold Creek Reservoir

Not too far North West of Brisbane City, there’s a five-kilometre track that circles the circumference of the Gold Creek Reservoir. This dam is the second oldest in Queensland – built in 1882 – with the world’s first concrete stepped spillway added in 1890. It’s pretty quiet here so you may have to make your way through some thick bush – we suggest you head counterclockwise to tackle the steep part first.

Mount Coot-Tha

Sure, it’s super easy to drive to the top of Mount Coot-Tha, park and take in the views. But did you know it only takes 30 minutes to walk up from the base? Drop the car at one of the carparks and wander through the eucalyptus bush to the lookout. Or, choose from one of over 70 trails and 41 distinct tracks and routes. Push yourself by trying to conquer the ‘Powerful Owl’ or ‘Kokoda Trail’ or take things easy with a stroll along the Eugenia Circuit, which provides a lush rainforest experience, taking you past creeks and waterfalls. Make sure to pack a picnic to enjoy on the hill before heading back down. Discover  activities to do at Mount Coot-Tha and enjoy ticking them off.

Mount Nebo Hiking Trails

From the carpark head on the eight kilometre return Thylogale Walking Track which reaches Brisbane’s famous picnic spot, Jollys Lookout. The walk weaves through the gorgeous rainforest terrain and is a relatively level walk. Choose the Pitta Circuit, and you’ll tread along a one-kilometre circuit exploring a eucalyptus and subtropical rainforest. Its boardwalk surrounds a giant 300-year-old strangler fig tree.

Pumicestone Passage

Drive the bridge over to Bribie Island, about 65 kilometres North of Brisbane and discover the scenic walk from Bongaree to Bellara that follows the waterfront along Pumicestone Passage. The crystal clear, white sandy passage is home to tonnes of pelicans and other bird varieties. Cool off with a dip when you’re done or explore the Bribie Island Seaside Museum.

Tree Top Walk

Nine suspension bridges swing high above in the trees through ancient Gondwana rainforest. The 180 metres long walkway at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat plateau sits approximately 15 metres above the ground, leading towards a bird’s eye lookout. Climb ladders a further 15 metres higher up an old tree and pop your head out at the top above the canopy. For a few moments it’s just you, the birds and the sprawling green mountains and valleys of the Lamington National Park.

Walkabout Creek

Wander through a wet eucalyptus forest gully on the 45-minute Corymbia Circuit at Walkabout Creek. Or take the two-hour Araucaria track past giant hoop pines, along the shores of Enoggera Reservoir and back. Best of all, post-walk you can cool off with a dip in Enoggera Reservoir, hire kayaks from Walkabout Creek Adventures and grab a snack at the onsite cafe. If you’ve got time, stay for a ranger talk and platypus feeding at the Wildlife Centre.

Wynnum to Manly

Take the chance to walk along Brisbane’s Southern bayside promenade starting at Wynnum’s 1930-built tidal pool and finishing at Manly Boat Harbour, a gorgeous backdrop for sunset photos. Why not pop into the Manly Harbour Boat Club while you’re there for a quick refreshment before soldiering on to the Jan Power Farmers Market in Manly. The walk is about 10 kilometre return.

Banks Street Reserve 

Located just a few kilometres from The City, this inner-North stretch of bushland spans approximately 30 hectares and includes remnants from the Three Mile Scrub rainforest, as well as part of the Enoggera Creek, making it the perfect way to get the step count up while taking in the fresh air and natural scenery.

Want to try something a little more challenging? Here's our guide to hikes near Brisbane.