Hey there, adventure seekers! Are you ready to lace up your hiking boots and discover the stunning beauty of Brisbane’s hiking trails? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

So, grab your backpack, put on your adventure, and get ready to embark on a thrilling escapade through the hiking trails of Brisbane. Let’s dive into this ultimate guide and uncover the hidden treasures that await you!

1. Tamborine Mountain

Terrain: Some steep sections

Distance: Ranging from 400 metres to 4.8 kilometres

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Nestled just outside of Brisbane, Tamborine Mountain stands as a natural haven, beckoning avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With walking tracks across six sections of Tamborine National Park, it presents options suitable for all levels of fitness.

As you traverse through the park, you’ll encounter a diverse range of landscapes, from tranquil rainforests to panoramic vistas that overlook the surrounding countryside.

Whether you seek a leisurely stroll or a more challenging adventure, Tamborine Mountain accommodates your preferences with its graded hiking trails, ranging from grade 1 to grade 4.

Those seeking an easy-going experience can delight in the shorter paths that wind through the park, while those with a taste for a moderate challenge can tackle tracks that feature occasional steep sections.

As you venture along the well-maintained trails, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich biodiversity, witness vibrant flora and fauna, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of some native wildlife along the way.

2. North Gorge Walk, North Stradbroke Island

Terrain: Boardwalk

Distance: 1.2 kilometres

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

The North Gorge Walk is a scenic trail that spans approximately three-quarters of a mile (1.2 kilometers) along the rugged headland of Point Lookout. It’s situated on the North Stradbroke Island, treating hikers to breathtaking ocean views and abundant wildlife.

Between June and November, this trail provides an ideal vantage point to witness migrating humpback whales. To fully appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds this trail, take a moment to pause at the flat rock areas.

If you’re arriving by car, free parking is available beside the park and along Mooloomba Road, ensuring a hassle-free experience. For those journeying from Brisbane, you can hop on a bus from different parts of the island including the ferry terminal.

As you reach the end of the walk at Headland Park, you can also take advantage of the family-friendly facilities, including picnic areas, a children’s playground, and convenient toilet facilities.

3. Summit Track, MT Coot-Tha

Terrain: Hilly

Distance: 1.9 kilometres one way

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

The Summit Track in Mt Coot-Tha stands out as one of Brisbane’s top hiking trails, drawing in locals and visitors alike.

Renowned for its breathtaking views, this iconic peak offers an unrivaled panorama of Brisbane City, stretching across the expanse of Moreton Bay, and extending towards the Tweed Volcano, Main Range, Mount Barney, and Flinders Peak.

The trail begins at the JC Slaughter Falls picnic area, conveniently located just a short 15-minute drive from the heart of the CBD. Here, hikers will embark on a 1.9-kilometer journey through 1500 hectares of pristine natural parkland and eucalyptus forests

In just 30 minutes, one can ascend to the lookout, relishing in the breathtaking views that await. For a longer trek, consider exploring the Honeyeater Track or combining the Simpsons Falls and Eugenia Circuit, creating a 4-kilometer, 90-minute adventure.

Beyond the Summit Track, Mt Coot-Tha offers a plethora of additional trails to explore, allowing adventurers to delve deeper into the natural wonders of the area.

4. Natural Bridge Circuit, Springbrook National Park

Terrain: Asphalt track, but due to long sets of stairs, it is easier to walk this track in a clockwise direction.

Distance: 1 kilometer

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

The Natural Bridge Circuit in Springbrook National Park guides you on a scenic journey, crossing the tranquil Cave Creek and leading you into the magnificent arched cave.

As night falls, you’ll be treated to a magical display of nature’s luminescence—the tiny green lights of thousands of nocturnal glow worms. Witnessing these mystical creatures illuminate the cave is an experience like no other.

As you embark on this adventure, be mindful of the restricted access areas and exercise caution, especially when hiking at night. It’s essential to bring sufficient lighting and be prepared for slippery surfaces.

Springbrook National Park offers a range of trails to explore, from the famed Natural Bridge Circuit with its stunning waterfalls to the rewarding Twin Falls Circuit, where you can walk behind two cascading falls.

For more experienced hikers, the 14-kilometer Warrie Circuit takes you on an immersive journey through the rainforest, crossing creeks and ascending the gorge’s western side.

Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for fascinating wildlife along the way, including colorful birds and rare species like the cascade tree frog and sooty owl.

5. Kondalilla Falls Circuit

Terrain: Stairs

Distance: 4.7 kilometres

Difficulty: Moderate

The Kondalilla Falls circuit is located in the picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland. This hiking trail leads you along the enchanting Picnic Creek circuit as you descend the escarpment and meander past refreshing rock pools.

As you reach a lookout point, you’ll experience the panoramic vistas of the majestic Kondalilla Falls, before continuing your journey to the base of the waterfall and ascending back up the ridge.

It’s worth noting that the Kondalilla Falls circuit boasts over 300 stairs, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. After you ascend, you’ll have the opportunity to cool off in the crystalline rock pools of Skene Creek.

Meanwhile, the rich biodiversity of the Kondalilla Falls area adds to its allure, with native creatures such as wallabies, platypus, goannas, and an array of frogs and birds calling this lush habitat their home.

6. Northbrook Gorges, D’Aguilar National Park

Terrain: Wet!

Distance: 6 kilometers

Difficulty: Moderate

The Northbrook Gorges in D’Aguilar National ParkPrepare offers a unique blend of swimming and hiking. As you embark on this 6km trail, get ready to dive into the refreshing waters and swim through two stunning freshwater gorges.

You can start at the small car park after the bridge at Wivenhoe Lookout and Maiala Park in Mt Glorious. As you begin your upstream trek to the first gorge, you’ll have the option to swim through or take a steep trail to the left.

Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter a series of rock pools, with the longest pool stretching an impressive 15 to 20 meters. However, the true highlight awaits in the second gorge—a rock swimming pool that shimmers with a crystalline clarity.

You’ll reach this gorge in around 30 minutes and it is followed by a small trail on the left leading to Wivenhoe Lookout. To complete the circuit, just retrace your steps.

It’s worth noting that the Northbrook Gorges hike demands a level of fitness and experience due to its rugged terrain. The trail will lead you over rocks, boulders, and challenging, slippery surfaces, adding an extra layer of excitement to your adventure.

7. Araucaria Track, D’Aguilar National Park

Terrain: Hilly 

Distance: 5 kilometers

Difficulty: Moderate

The Araucaria Track in D’Aguilar National Park is a hiking trail that takes you on a journey through the open eucalypt forest, offering breathtaking views of the Enoggera Reservoir.

As you set off from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, be sure to start your adventure early to beat the crowds that flock here later in the day. You might also come across some of the local wildlife during your hike, including the elusive brown snakes.

Be on the lookout for the forest kingfishers, Pacific bazas, bellbirds, and rose robins flitting among the branches. Also, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable nesting holes created by pardalotes along the hillsides. 

To add a refreshing twist to your hike’s end, you can take a well-deserved plunge into the inviting swimming area that awaits you.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also grab a paddle and add canoeing to your adventure across the calm waters of the Enoggera Reservoir.

8. Mount Maroon

Terrain: Steep

Distance: 6 kilometers

Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

Mount Maroon, nestled near the iconic Mount Barney, presents an exhilarating hiking experience that shouldn’t be missed by adventure enthusiasts.

While it may serve as a warm-up climb for those aiming to conquer Mount Barney, this trail still demands a certain level of expertise, making it ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.

Please note that offline navigation is highly recommended for this trail, and it’s crucial to inform someone about your hiking plans for safety purposes.

Be sure to study the map carefully before setting off, as there is a brief stretch of about 300 meters that demands navigation and attention.

You may also find yourself using your hands more than usual, similar to climbing but without extreme exposure. While the ascent can be daunting for those with a fear of heights, the trail is designed to keep you safe and secure throughout.

On the other hand, descending Mount Maroon can be challenging on the knees, so if you have walking poles, don’t hesitate to utilize them for added support and a more enjoyable descent.

9. Mount Barney

Terrain: Rugged

Distance: 2 kilometers return (Yellow Pinch), 7.4 kilometers return (Lower Portals), 8 kilometers return (Upper Portals) and 12 kilometers return (Cronan Creek Falls)

Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

Located approximately two hours southwest of Brisbane by car, the journey to Mount Barney via Beaudesert and Rathdowney sets the stage for the grand adventure that awaits.

Within the Mount Barney National Park, you’ll find four distinct walking tracks, each classified as grade 4 and varying in length: Yellow Pinch, Lower Portals, Cronan Creek, and Upper Portals.

These trails are not for the faint-hearted, so it’s crucial to choose an activity that aligns with the skills, experience, and fitness level of your group. Remember to prioritize safety, never embark on a solo journey, and inform someone about your whereabouts.

For those seeking a less demanding experience, the lower tracks will lead you to pristine rock pools and the embrace of verdant rainforests. The vegetation in this area is equally diverse, with eucalypt forests and River she-oaks, to name a few.

Mount Barney also holds great cultural significance to the Mununjali, Githabul, and Yugambeh peoples, who consider it a sacred site.

When it comes to accommodation, there are a range of options such as a friendly farm stay, cozy cabins, and limited camping opportunities.

10. Mount Ngungun, Glass House Mountains

Terrain: Steep

Distance: 2.8 kilometres

Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

Tucked within the awe-inspiring Glass House Mountains National Park, Mount Ngungun attracts adventurers seeking a hiking trail that combines breathtaking vistas with a touch of ruggedness.

These craggy peaks, shaped by volcanic activity over millions of years, stand as towering sentinels in the landscape, holding deep significance for the Gubbi Gubbi Aboriginal people. 

The Mount Ngungun summit walking track is a 2.8-kilometer journey through enchanting open forests. As you ascend, be prepared to be spellbound by the views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin, and Mount Beerwah that await you at the summit.

Rated as a Grade 4 trail, this hike requires a moderate level of fitness and takes approximately two hours to complete. To fully enjoy the experience, make sure to bring ample water, don supportive boots for stability, and protect yourself from the sun’s rays. 

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