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Locking in 10,000 Steps on Brisbane’s Walking Trails

| Last Updated: September 2024

I think I’ve been guilty of some serious binge-watching lately—catching up on all my favourite shows has left me feeling a bit too cosy on the couch. It’s time to shake off the sofa slump and lock in those 10,000 steps! 

Luckily, Brisbane’s got just the thing to make this fitness journey a whole lot more interesting! With its scenic walking trails and urban adventures waiting around every corner, hitting that step count target becomes an exciting quest rather than a chore.

So, let’s lace up those sneakers, step out into the sunshine, and let the walking adventure begin!

1. Gold Creek Reservoir

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Address: Gold Creek Rd, Brookfield QLD 4069, Australia
Starting Point: Gold Creek Walking Track
Difficulty: Intermediate

For those of you who want to enjoy walking along a lush hiking trail, then you can head over to Gold Creek Reservoir. 

This trail has a distance of 5.5 kilometres. With a normal pace, you can finish walking this trail for about 2.5 hours.

The Gold Creek Reservoir is actually a pool and is connected to the D’Aguilar National Park, which is perfect if you prefer more hiking trails!

Here at Gold Creek, you can enjoy image-worthy bushwalks, country views, and a vast wildlife.

Pro tips:

Take some time to research the behaviors of the wildlife you hope to see. Knowing how they move and where they like to gather can increase your chances of spotting them.

Animals are sensitive to noise. Keep conversations hushed and movements slow to avoid scaring away shy creatures.

2. Summit Track, Mt. Coot-tha

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Address: 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066, Australia
Starting Point: JC Slaughter Falls
Difficulty: Intermediate

Another walking trail that’s considered as a real treat for experienced hikers is the Summit Track at Mt. Coot-tha. This walking trail has a distance of 1.9 kilometres, taking you just 30 minutes to finish.

Though a shorter trail than the others, the Summit Track offers natural parklands among the open eucalypt forest.

Once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll be rewarded with the city’s stunning views. Here, you get to share the stage with fellow tourists and hikers eager to take snapshots of the view.

Pro tip:

After soaking in the breathtaking views from the summit, take a stroll down to the bottom and visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Planetarium. It’s a great way to have a full-day adventure while you’re in Mt. Coot-tha!

3. Holmans Break, Walkabout Creek

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Address: 60 Mount Nebo Rd, Enoggera Reservoir, QLD 4520, Australia
Starting Point: Walkabout Creek Car Park
Difficulty: Hard

Holmans Break at Walkabout Creek is recommended for nature- and animal-lovers out there. This walking trail has a distance of 14 kilometres, which will take you 4 hours and 30 minutes to finish.

This trail is also famous for cyclists, given its panoramic views of Mt. Coot-tha and otehr mountain ranges.

Here, you’ll get to see reptiles, singing birds, and even goannas trailing along the dam.

You can also enjoy its wooden trails and a wildlife centre.

And if you’re up to some paddling and swimming, you can just head over to the reservoir for a perfect cool down.

Pro tip:

Don’t forget to bring some swimmers with you if you wish to take a quick dip at the reservoir. It’s also a great way to cool down before returning to your jump off point.

4. Northbrook Gorges, Brisbane Forest Park

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Address: Dundas, QLD 4306, Australia 
Starting Point: Northbrook Creek trail via Northbrook Parkway
Difficulty: Intermediate

For those of you who don’t mind getting their feet wet, then the Northbrook Gorges trail at Brisbane Forest Park could be your new favourite!

This trail has a distance of 6 kilometres, which will take you about 2 hours and 45 minutes to trek.

This trail is the go-to trail for locals in the summer as you can enjoy walking up your first 30 minutes upstream. 

Northbrook Gorges also requires you to swim through the second gorge and soon after follow a small trail which will lead you to Wivenhoe Lookout.

Pro tip:

When trekking at Northbrook Gorges, be sure to wear sturdy water shoes or hiking sandals with good traction.

You’ll often encounter rocky terrain and shallow creek crossings, so having footwear that can handle both wet and dry conditions will keep you comfortable and safe throughout your adventure!

5. Araucaria Track, Brisbane Forest Park

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Address: Mount Glorious Road, Mount Byron, QLD 4312, Australia
Starting Point: Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
Difficulty: Easy

An easy hike for beginners, Araucaria Track in Brisbane Forest Park offers a 5-kilometre trail. With a normal pace, your trek will take about 2 hours.

Araucaria has been a go-to walking trail for newbies and even families who are craving for some weekend getaway.

Here, you’ll get to enjoy the flora and fauna along the walking track. Don’t forget to take photos if you see some whip birds and bellbirds too!

Pro tip:

Bring along a field guide or use a nature app to identify plants and animals you encounter along the way. It’s a great way to enhance your experience and deepen your appreciation for the natural beauty of the track!

6. Mermaid Mountain, Brisbane Forest Park

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Address: Mermaid Mountain Break, Upper Brookfield, QLD 4069, Australia
Starting Point: Mt. Crosby
Difficulty: Hard

The Mermaid Mountain trail in Brisbane Forest Park is recommended for those who are searching for some hiking adventure.

Mermaid Mountain trail has been considered a difficult one, taking you about 8 hours and 30 minutes to finish off the 18-kilometre trail.

This trail is also known for its overlooking view of Lake Manchester.

After trekking for a few hours, you can finally rest under the tree canopies before heading back to your starting point.

Pro tip:

Don’t forget to pack some drinks and snacks to enjoy a refreshing picnic while taking a break under the shade of the trees. It’s the perfect way to recharge and make the most of your trek along the Mermaid Mountain track.

7. Boondall Wetlands Bikeway

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Address: Moreton Bay And Islands, 31 Paperbark Dr, Boondall QLD 4034, Australia
Starting Point: Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre
Difficulty: Easy

Another easy walking trail is the Boondall Wetlands Bikeway trail, stretching 13 kilometers and offering around 6 hours of exploration. 

This trail is ideal for nature lovers because of the trail’s tidal flats, salt marshes, mangroves, wetlands, and grasslands. Here, you can even enjoy an open forest, which is the largest wetland sanctuary in Brisbane.

Aside from walking, you can also take your bicycles here. And yes, for a little side trip, you can go kayaking or canoeing in the area!

Pro tip:

After your adventure, consider unwinding with a picnic at the nearby Nudgee Beach picnic area, conveniently located by the wetland-fringed beaches.

8. Crebra Circuit

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Address: Ferny Hills, QLD 4055, Australia
Starting Point: Ironbark Gully Picnic Area
Difficulty: Easy

You can also discover the Crebra Circuit at Samford Regional Park, just a short 20-minute drive from Brisbane. This 900-metre loop trail winds through forestry and fire trails, offering a diverse trekking experience for everyone.

Starting from Ironbark Gully and leading up to the ridgeline, with side trails branching off to Lomandra, it’s a mountains-to-mangroves adventure. Ideal for those seeking a quick outdoor escape or looking to enjoy walks amid nature’s beauty.

Pro tip:

Consider bringing along a small trash bag and picking up any litter you encounter along the trail. Leaving Ironbark Gully cleaner than you found it not only benefits the environment but also sets a positive example for fellow hikers.

9. Bunyaville Track, Bunyaville Regional Park

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Address: Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek, QLD 4035, Australia
Starting Point: Bunyaville Conservation Park
Difficulty: Easy

If you’re searching for a nearby walking trail, look no further than the Bunyaville Track at Bunyaville Regional Park!

Just a quick 15-kilometre drive northwest from the heart of Brisbane’s central business district, this walking track offers a great getaway for hiking and even biking enthusiasts!

This trail has a distance of 1.6 kilometers and taking roughly 30 minutes to traverse, it’s an ideal spot for a quick outdoor adventure.

And as you wander through the calm open eucalyptus forest, watch out for glimpses of wildlife. And if you’re lucky enough, you can even spot a sunbathing carpet python or catch the melodious laughter of kookaburras echoing through the trees!

Pro tip:

Try to experience the track in a whole new light by opting for a nighttime hike. Bring a headlamp or flashlight to navigate the trail safely and even watch out for nocturnal creatures that come alive after dark.

Just be sure to check park hours and safety guidelines before setting out on your nocturnal adventure.

10. Devlls Break Loop, Moggill Regional Park

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Address: Chalcot Rd, Anstead, QLD 4070, Australia
Starting Point: Moggill Conservation Park
Difficulty: Easy

Devils Break Loop at Moggill Regional Park is considered as Brisbane’s wildlife habitat corridor, complete with picture-perfect views of the city, including Ipswich.

This trail has a distance of 11 kilometres, taking you 4 hours and 30 minutes to traverse.

Aside from the walking trail’s rocky ridges, you can also see its wildlife. In fact, visitors flock the area for some bird-watching experience in the city.

Pro tip:

Bring along a small sketchbook and pencils to capture the beauty of Moggil Regional Park in your own artistic way. Find a cosy spot to sit and sketch the landscape, flora, or fauna you encounter along the track. 

11. Lake Manchester Loop, Lake Manchester

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Address: Lake Manchester, QLD 4306, Australia
Starting Point: Kholo Rd off Lake Manchester Rd
Difficulty: Intermediate

Lake Manchester Loop has a distance of 17 kilometres, which will take you about 7 hours to trek. This trail is recommended for those with trailing experience already,

This walking trail offers a clockwise loop starting from the day-use area near the dam wall. This hilly trail winds along the calm lake edge before ascending into the picture-perfect hills, offering stunning views along the way.

When you’re here, make sure to prepare for a hike that’s both energising and slightly challenging, with creek crossings adding an extra element of excitement. 

Additionally, you should also watch out for swamp scenery, where you might encounter buzzing flies and other wildlife. 

Pro tip:

When encountering buzzing flies along the Lake Manchester Loop, consider bringing along insect repellent containing DEET or wearing clothing treated with permethrin. 

Additionally, wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding heavily scented products can help deter flies.

12. Poets Rock, Karawatha Forest

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Address: Poet’s Rock Karawatha, QLD 4117, Australia
Starting Point: Karawatha via Garfield Rd
Difficulty: Easy

If you’re ready to unleash your inner poet, then you can plan your easy walk at Poets Rock trail in Karawatha Forest. 

This easy trail has a 4-kilometre distance, taking you 2 hours to traverse.

Here, you can enjoy the calm bushland and tall swaying trees while having your much-awaited creative recharge. And once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll be welcomed by panoramic views of the city.

Pro tip:

Consider bringing along a portable hammock or blanket to create a cozy writing nook at the summit of Poets Rock. Lounging amid nature’s beauty can enhance your focus and provide a comfortable space to let your creativity flow.

13. Buhot Creek Circuit, Daily Hill Conservation Park

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Address: Daisy Hill Rd, Daisy Hill, QLD 4127, Australia
Starting Point: Daisy Hills Koala Centre
Difficulty: Easy

Spanning 9 kilometres and taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete, the Buhot Creek Circuit trail offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.

Located within the open eucalyptus forest of Daisy Hill State Forest, the Buhot Creek Circuit provides a rejuvenating escape into nature. While the trail is relatively easy, it’s important to bring along a map as some sections can be confusing to navigate.

And as you wander along the circuit, take in the sights and sounds of the forest, with the gentle babble of Buhot Creek accompanying you on your journey.

Pro tip:

Make the most out of Buhot Creek’s crystal-clear waters. Take a refreshing dip in the creek to cool off and add an extra layer of adventure to your hike.

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