The best hiking around Brisbane

Take a hike! From forests to seas, national parks and reserves, hiking in Brisbane is a walk in the park.

Adventure-lovers are spoilt for choice with the hiking options from Brisbane. No matter your fitness level or ability, there is an incredible day hike experience just for you. 

Here, five of the best.  

Summit Track, Mt Coot-tha Reserve
Located just 15 minutes west of Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha backs onto D’Aguliar National Park and offers hikes of all lengths and difficulties. Our pick is the Summit Track (number 58), a 1.9km moderate hike through a 1600-hectare eucalyptus forest which starts at Sir Samuel Griffith Drive and finishes at the JC Slaughter Falls picnic grounds. Once complete (in around 30 minutes), be sure to head up to the lookout to take in views of the city, Moreton Bay, Stradbroke Island and beyond, or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. Brisbane locals love this trail, as do beginners—it’s more of a pleasant walk than arduous trek. 

Noosa National Park Coastal Walk
For a leisurely walk with speculator coastal views (especially at sunrise) the Noosa National Park Coastal Walk is our pick. Beginning at the eastern end of Hasting Street (known for beachside fine dining), the 5.4km coastal track offers exceptional views out to the Pacific, and in June and November you might be lucky enough to spot humpback whales (don’t forget your camera!). 

The Pyramid, Girraween
Located in the Eastern Downs, a couple of hours drive from Brisbane, Girraween National Park is known for its granite outcrops, large angular tors, and precariously balanced boulders – a landscape you won’t find anywhere else in the south east. The 3.6km Pyramid Trail will challenge both your legs and your nerves – the views atop the granite dome make it worth your while but a good level of fitness and stamina to climb steep sections are a must. While in the area, why not stay a night or two in Stanthorpe to visit the cellar doors and sample the local wine and cider. 

Mt Glorious
D’Aguilar National Park is home to the closest rainforest to any Australian capital city. A habitat for native plants, animals and birds, the national park is a great place to relax and unwind. Mt Glorious is perfect for a family hike; there are seven tracks with broad walks to safely traverse tricky terrain. Our pick is the 4.3 km Greenes Falls Circuit, which starts from the Maiala Picnic Area. On your way home be sure to call into Samford Village, a historical village dating back to the mid-1850s. Linger here and enjoy the fresh produce, excellent coffee and gorgeous local shops.

Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine
Cedar Creek Falls is one of Mount Tamborine's most popular tourist attractions with stunning views over an open canyon, waterfall and rock pools, all of this just an hour from Brisbane. A rather short track starting at Cedar Creek Falls Road, just 1400 metres in total down to the amazing rock pools, this trail is great for all fitness levels and offers a stop at the lookout along the way. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch; this hike and swim is really a beautiful day-long outing. If you are in the area why not pop up to Cedar Creek Estate and Vineyard for a meal, wine tasting and a visit to the Glow Worm Caves. 

For more information about trails, park regulations and maps, please visit the QLD Parks & Forest website at https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks