Beautiful Bushwalks in Brisbane and Around Australia
Girraween, indigenous for ‘Place of Flowers’, is mind bogglingly stunning. One could be excused for mistaking it for a giants playground. Enormous boulders balanced precariously will leave you wondering HOW!!! Girraween National Park is a testament to the power of natural elements and time. This is a unique nature experience, one that hopefully will stay … Read more
Girraween, indigenous for ‘Place of Flowers’, is mind bogglingly stunning. One could be excused for mistaking it for a giants playground. Enormous boulders balanced precariously will leave you wondering HOW!!! Girraween National Park is a testament to the power of natural elements and time. This is a unique nature experience, one that hopefully will stay … Read more
Home to the Governor of Queensland, Government House is periodically open to the public. In the past this has been for picnic days, Christmas lights viewing, and tours of the historical mansion. In April 2022, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young PSM opened the gates to Fernberg’s 10 hectare backyard. The first, of hopefully … Read more
While the summit of Mt Gravatt is a fabulous place to experience sunset, sunrise is best viewed from Federation Lookout which is located about 300m before the summit. Quick Info Location: Mt Gravatt Lookout Drive, Mt Gravatt Qld, 4122 Walking Distance: 2km Elevation: approximately 100m Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Moderate Cost/Permits: No cost, no permit … Read more
Part of the appeal of Daisy Hill Conservation Park is its connectedness to other bushland areas. With easy access to a handful of other parks and reserves, there is hundreds of acres of bush waiting to be explored. Quick Info Location: Daisy Hill Rd, Daisy Hill, 4127 Walking Distance: 12km Elevation: 254m Time: 2-4 hours … Read more
An all day bushwalk where the reward is definitely worth the effort. Rainforest, waterfalls, lookouts, mountain, Albert River circuit has so much to offer. Quick Info Location: Lamington National Park Road, Canungra, Qld 4275 Walking Distance: 21.7km Return Elevation: Approximately 350m Time: 6-8 hours Difficulty: Moderate Costs/Permit: No cost, no permit required Opening Times: Only closed … Read more
Within 1km of the Green Mountains trailhead are numerous areas worth exploring. The Tree Top Walk is a free, approximatelty 200m, suspended walk with tree top lookout platforms. The Mountain Garden is a mini botanic gardens, a short walk from the Tree Top Walk. And the Rainforest return is an easy 1.4km bushwalk through the … Read more
Coomera Circuit is a gorgeous bushwalk in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park. 5km of the 17km track criss-crosses the Coomera River and it’s feeder creeks multiple times, making it an adventurous and rewarding bushwalk. Quick Info Location: End of Binna Burra Rd, Binna Burra, Qld 4211 Walking Distance: 17.4km Return Elevation: Approximately 800m … Read more
Nestled between Brisbane River and Brisbane CBD, the City Botanic Gardens are a welcome reprieve from the busyness of city life. Set on 20 hectares/49 acres, the gardens provide around 5km of interconnected paths encompassing rainforest, formal lawns, lagoon and avenues of mature shade trees. Thank you Brisbane City Council for maintaining these beautiful gardens … Read more
Daves Creek circuit is a 12km, relatively straight forward bushwalk. It is located in the beautiful Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park. Traversing a wide variety of vegetation, it is an intriguing nature experience. Quick Info Location: End of Binna Burra Rd, Binna Burra, Qld 4211 Walking Distance: 12km Return Elevation: Approximately 600m Time: 4 to … Read more
Ships Stern circuit is a whole day, vegetation diverse bushwalk. It is located in the Binna Burra Section of Lamington National Park. Several lookouts and waterfalls along the track make this a very rewarding hike. South East Queensland’s weather makes it accessible at any time of the year. Quick Info Location: End of Binna Burra … Read more
Cougal Cascades is part of Springbrook National Park, however, like the Natural Bridge, is not accessed via Springbrook Road. Instead, Cougal Cascades is accessed from Currumbin Valley. The drive to the cascades sets the scene for the experience, with Currumbin Creek Road following the gently meandering Currumbin Creek for the last few kilometres. The drive … Read more
Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock are part of the Cunninghams Gap section of Main Range National Park, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Mt Cordeaux is a straightforward out and back climb that takes you to just below the 1135m peak (the summit is not accessible). With views to … Read more
Mt Mitchell is located in the Cunninghams Gap section of Main Range National Park, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. 116km west of Brisbane, Mt Mitchell is a great place to escape the busyness of city life and enjoy a nature adventure. Quick Info Location: Crest Carpark, Cunninghams Gap, … Read more
Warrie Circuit is my new all time favourite bushwalk. All the bushwalks in Springbrook National Park are amazing, however Warrie circuit is a level above. Perhaps it is due to the 9 waterfalls the track takes you past, or the hours you spend in rainforest walking next to flowing creeks, or maybe it’s the extended … Read more
A lovely addition to your day at Springbrook, Goomoolahra Falls bushwalk and picnic area is an ideal place to refuel between longer bushwalks. Visit here in combination with Twin Falls circuit or Purling Brook Falls to complete your day at Springbrook National Park. Quick Info Location: 2922 (end of) Springbrook Road, Springbrook, Qld 4213 Walking … Read more
Wow! Be transported into Tolkien’s Middle Earth in this bushwalk. The 350m walk to the lookout, which really does live up to its name, is something straight out of Lord of the Rings. Mysterious, misty and gloomy – but without the fear of giant spiders or wargs – this bushwalk is a truly unique experience. … Read more
It’s no wonder Natural Bridge is the poster child for advertising Springbrook – it is stunning. From the moment you enter the parking lot, you know you have arrived somewhere special. While you could complete the 1km circuit in 15 minutes, this is a track to slow things down and take an hour – or … Read more
A beautiful blend of bush meets beach, Burleigh Head National Park is a bushwalking gem well used by locals and visitors. With 27 hectares, two access points, and plenty of parking available at Tallebudgera Creek Park (just across the bridge), it’s no surprise this is a well used space. Quick Info Location: Southern entrance: Tallebudgera … Read more
There is good reason why the Gold Coast City Council uses pictures of Purling Brook Falls along the M1 to advertise Springbrook National Park. Purling Brook Falls is breathtaking. Tranquil in times of dry, and thunderous after heavy rain – Purling Brook Falls is worth visiting in all seasons. Quick Info Location: Forestry Road, Springbrook, … Read more
Tucked away in the hills of Montville, Kondalilla Falls is a beautiful oasis. This rainforest track encourages you to forget your worries and instead be filled with the surrounding serenity. So much loveliness here. Location: Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville, 4560 QLD Walking Distance: 4.7km Return Elevation: 240m Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate Costs/Permit: No cost, no … Read more
Mt Coolum is a surprising amount of sweat for such a modest mountain. The diverse vegetation and jagged cliffs makes for an interesting bushwalk. Climbing Mt Coolum is lovely way to begin a day out at the beach. Location: Corner Tanah St West and Jarnahill Drive, Mount Coolum, 4573 QLD Walking Distance: 1.8km Return Elevation: … Read more
With around a dozen creek crossings, Cascades Circuit is the most fun bushwalk in Main Range National Park, Goomburra Section. The multiple creek crossings also makes it the most photogenic. Location: End of Forestry Reserve Road, Goomburra QLD 4362 (2.5 hours SW Brisbane) Walking Distance: 6.5km Elevation: 250m Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Moderately Hard Costs/Permit: No … Read more
Dalrymple Circuit is a beautiful little bushwalk, adjacent to Manna Gum camping area, that follows Dalrymple Creek. Strategically placed seating, with views of the creek, makes this is a track to pause and reflect as you go. Location: End of Forestry Reserve Road, Goomburra QLD 4362 (2.5 hours SW Brisbane) Walking Distance: 1.2km Elevation: Negligible Time: 30 … Read more
The Araucaria Falls track has much to offer: a creek crossing, waterfall, rock hopping, vine pony, and a rock pool to swim in. There are so many gems waiting to be experienced in this rainforest bushwalk. Location: Approximately 3km from the start of Lookout Road, Goomburra QLD 4362 (2.5 hours SW Brisbane) Walking Distance: 3.6km Elevation: … Read more
Sylvesters Lookout track is a lovely short bushwalk, idealy completed in conjunction with other tracks, during a day in the Goomburra Section of Main Range National Park. Location: 1.5km from the end of Lookout Road, Goomburra QLD 4362 (2.5 hours SW Brisbane) Walking Distance: 1km Elevation: 47m Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Moderate, due to uneven path. However, a very … Read more
With views to Brisbane on a clear day, over 100km away, Mount Castle Lookout is definitely qualified to boast spectacular views. The 480m walk through lush rainforest to get there makes it a very small effort to reward bushwalk. Location: End of Lookout Road, Goomburra QLD 4362 (2.5 hours SW Brisbane) Walking Distance: 1km Elevation: 43m Time: 30 … Read more
Home to Araucaria Falls and the beautiful Cascades circuit, Main Range National Park Goomburra Section is an unexpected rainforest oasis. With over half a dozen tracks to choose from, many fitness levels are catered to. The walks vary in length from 1km to 12km. Location: Lookout Road, Goomburra QLD 4362 (2.5 hours SW Brisbane) Walking … Read more
Seeing Brisbane City awaken for the day is a remarkable experience. Catch sunrise on the top of Mt Coot-tha and set yourself up for an extraordinary day. If you’ve already enjoyed the summit bushwalk in daylight, a dawn bushwalk adds a whole new element. Location: Start from JC Slaughter Falls, 37 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, … Read more
Beautiful, easy, accessible; there are so many reasons to experience the Mt Tibrogargan Base Circuit. A great place to take kids to disconnect them from technology and connect them to nature. Location: 127 Marshs Rd, Glass House Mountains QLD 4518 Walking Distance: 4km return Elevation: mild undulations Time: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Easy, a few tree roots to navigate and … Read more
The Cedar Creek Fall Section of Tamborine Mountain is amazing. Differing from the other five sections – there is no rainforest here – it is a stand out unique experience not to be missed. Whilst it is very small as far as bushwalks go, it is very big as an immersive nature experience. Pack a … Read more
After setting a goal in 2020 to complete all the bushwalks on Tamborine Mountain, I finally experienced the serenity of the Palm Grove Section. Despite living in Brisbane for 25 years and visiting Tamborine Mountain dozens of times, I had never been to the Palm Grove Section. Without the fancy drawcard of a waterfall that … Read more
Home of Cameron Falls and boasting views to Brisbane City, The Knoll Section of Tamborine Mountain does not disappoint. With plenty of picnic areas and a lookout 100m from the carpark, The Knoll Section is popular with tourists and locals alike. Quick Info Location: 48/50 Knoll Rd, North Tamborine QLD 4272 Walking Distance: 2.6km return Elevation: Some … Read more
Nestled in the outskirts of Brisbane, between Logan City and Redlands City, Brisbane Koala Bushlands is the result of money well spent from the Bushland Preservation Levy and some kindly donated lands. The Stockyard Creek Circuit is ideal for an intergenerational family experience. Quick Info Location: 137 Alperton Rd, Burbank QLD 4156 Walking Distance: 1.4km of sealed … Read more
Don’t be tricked by the lack of blue on the map, Enoggera Reservoir really does have water in it. The tracks that circuit the reservoir can be easily accessed from the Park n’ Ride at The Gap. While there isn’t one easy to follow circuit track, having GPS on hand will help keep you on … Read more
Prepare for the most exhausting 3km of your life! While not technically challenging, Mt Edwards will challenge your mental stamina. The 3km hike to the summit involves 500m of elevation – guaranteed to get your heart pumping. If you pace yourself and have a moderate level of fitness, this mountain is totally achieveable. Quick Info … Read more
Adjacent to the M1, Strickland State Forest is an ideal spot to have a picnic and stretch your legs while travelling between Sydney and Newcastle. 10 minutes from the freeway entrance, the forest is home to Strickland Falls. Quick Info Location: Strickland Forest Road, Somersby NSW, 2250 Walking Distance: 1.6km Elevation: Some hills Time: up to 1 hour Difficulty: Easy/Moderate: … Read more
Point Cartright is vibrantly alive. The power and relentlessness of the ocean sets the tone for this bushwalk/beachwalk. Quick Info Location: Lot 577 Pacific Blvd, Buddina QLD 4575 Walking Distance: 500m return Elevation: Small incline, stairs to the beach Time: Less than 1 hour Difficulty: Easy Costs/Permit: No cost, no permit required Opening Times: Only closed occasionally for maintenance Facilities: … Read more
So wonderful that in the midst of Brisbane’s largest leisure area, Brisbane City Council saw fit to create the Rainforest Walk. A beautiful oasis surrounded by so much doing, the Rainforest Walk provides an opportunity to stop and just be. Quick Info Location: Clem Jones Promonade, Southbank QLD 4101 Walking Distance: 200m Elevation: A few stairs Time: 5 minutes … Read more
Toowoomba, The Garden City, is home to the beautiful Queens Park. Set on 25 hectares in the east of the city, Queens Park is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whilst not strictly a bushwalk, Queens Park is too beautiful not to share. Quick Info Location: 43-73 Lindsay St, East Toowoomba … Read more
A great place to stop if you are travelling between Brisbane and Toowoomba and need to stretch your legs. Ravensbourne National Park is an oasis in the middle of a dry land. Quick Info Location: Dodds Rd, Ravensbourne QLD 4352 Walking Distance: 1.7km Elevation: 100 stairs Time: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy Costs/Permit: No cost, no permit required Opening … Read more
Hidden in the midst of suburbia, Karawatha Forest is a credit to Brisbane City Council. The forest is set on over 900 hectares and encompases dry eucalypt forest, lagoon and wetlands, natural playgrounds and an interactive discovery centre. With over 20km of tracks there is something to suit everyone. Quick Info Location: 149 Acacia Rd, Karawatha … Read more
Lake Manchester was confusing. So much hard work for very little reward, yet it felt like an achievement. Baffling that a bushwalk around a lake would contain so few views of said lake. Having said that, the few views that were glimpsed were quite lovely. Quick Info Location: 667 Lake Manchester Road, Lake Manchester QLD 4306 … Read more
Minutes from the Brisbane CBD, JC Slaughter Falls in the Mt Coot-tha Forest precinct is a beautiful oasis. One of Brisbane’s most popular picnic spots, it is also the starting point for many of the Mt Coot-tha Forest bushwalks. Quick Info Location: Mt Coot-tha Rd, Mt Coot-tha QLD, 4066 Walking Distance: 2km-15km Elevation: Some hills, some very steep … Read more
A well kept secret nestled between the Gateway Motorway and Carindale shopping centre, Belmont Hills Reserve is the result of local residents petitioning the council to reclaim green spaces. Quick Info Location: 132 Scrub Rd, Carindale QLD 4152 Walking Distance: Around 5km of unique tracks – some tracks may be used multiple times Elevation: Very hilly Time: 1-2 … Read more
One of the most popular bushwalks on Tamborine Mountain, Witches Falls contains all the magic the mountain has to offer. If you only have time for a couple of bushwalks on Tamborine Mt, this needs to be one of them. Quick Info Location: 132-138 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain, QLD, 4272, or a 2nd access … Read more
The most beautiful aspect of this section of Tamborine Mountain is that the land was generously donated to the Crown, by Miss Jessie MacDonald, so that it could be enjoyed by many for all time. With generosity underpinning its existance, it’s no wonder this is a beautiful rainforest bushwalk. Quick Info Location: 44 Wongawallan Rd, Tamborine … Read more
Joalah National Park is one of the most popular and most beautiful bushwalks on Tamborine Mountain. The Joalah Section is home to Curtis Falls and the Lower Creek Circuit. Curtis Falls has to be one of the best reward for effort waterfall bushwalks in existance. At less than 1km return it is a must see. … Read more
Just 5km from the Brisbane CBD, Mt Coot-tha Forest is a must do nature experience. Introduce interstate and international visitors to the best of Brisbane with a day at Mt Coot-tha Forest. Quick Info Location: Mt Coot-tha Rd, Mt Coot-tha QLD, 4066 Walking Distance: 2km-60km Elevation: Some hills, some very steep hills Time: 1 – 8 hours Difficulty: Easy to … Read more
Nestled in the southern section of D’Aguilar National Park, Mt Glorious lives up to its name—glorious! Start your nature experience early by winding down your car windows on the drive there; the bush sounds and beauty start well before the bushwalking tracks do. Quick Info Location: Mt Glorious Rd, Mt Glorious QLD, 4520 Walking Distance: 2km – … Read more
Queensland’s premier botanic gardens, just a short drive from Brisbane City, is a wonderful place to experience a different type of bushwalk. With loads to discover, come for an hour or pack a picnic and come for the day. Quick Info Location: Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong QLD, 4066 Walking Distance: Various, from 1km Elevation: Gentle hills Time: 1+ hours … Read more
Buhot Creek Circuit in Daisy Hill State Forest is one of the longer trails in the forest. The circuit is ideal for an immersive experience – just take a map with you so you don’t immerse yourself for longer than expected! Quick Info Location: Daisy Hill Road, Daisy Hill, 4127 Walking Distance: 9km Elevation: Numerous hills Time: 3+ hours … Read more
Buderim Forest Park is a treasured gem amongst the many jewels the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Home to the aptly named Serenity Falls and Serenity Bridge, it is an oasis just 1km from the gorgeous township of Buderim. Lush, tranquil, and enveloping, Buderim Forest Park is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature … Read more
Located in the midst of Carindale, Bullimba Creek Walking Track is a great little spot to unwind from the busyness of suburban living. Walking distance from Westfield Carindale, the track provides an alternate form of entertainment for those who grow weary of retail therapy. Quick Info Location: Bullimba Creek Walking Track, Access via Eromanga Street Park, … Read more
Twin Falls Circuit in the beautiful Springbrook National Park is one of Queensland’s treasures. Set amongst lush rainforest, the sheer cliffs and waterfalls make this circuit something special. Springbrook National Park is the perfect place to visit when the Queensland heat begins to mess with your mind. Significantly cooler than Brisbane (1.5 hours away) or … Read more
The Mt Gravatt Summit Bushwalk track is a gem in the midst of suburbia. Well used by locals, this 2km return walk will inspire you to spend more time in nature. Fabulous views of Brisbane City, the Glass House Mountains and Mt Coot-tha await you at the summit. Quick Info Location: Start at Gertrude Petty … Read more
I love it when local councils invest well in free nature experiences that are suitable for families. The bushwalk from J.C.Slaughter Falls to the summit of Mt Coot-tha is one such experience. Superbly planned and consistently maintained, this bushwalk is a must do for all Brisbane families. Make that all South East Qld families; and everyone … Read more
Girraween, Aboriginal for ‘Place of Flowers’, is a mind boggling stunner. One could be excused for mistaking it for a giants playground. Enormous boulders balanced precariously will leave you wondering HOW!!! Girraween National Park is a testament to the power of the natural elements and time. This is a unique nature experience, one that hopefully … Read more
The Old Quarry is an unexpected treasure in Neville Lawrie Reserve, which adjoins Daisy Hill State Forest. I’d lived in the area for 20 years before I heard about the Old Quarry, and have since visited regularly to make up for lost time. The quarry is a welcome oasis in the midst of the usually … Read more
Challenging enough to feel like you have achieved something when you arrive at the summit, with the added benefit of coming away better educated from the information on display at the fire tower lookout. Quick Info Location: Walking Distance: 1.4km return Elevation: 123m Time: 1 hour – allowing time to explore the sheltered fire tower platform Difficulty: Moderate … Read more
Don’t be deceived by the lure of only 700m to the summit – those 700m will be among the steepest you will ever encounter on a paved walk. Ridiculously steep! But worth it for the views of the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland that await you at the summit. Quick Info: Location: Beerburrum Rd, Beerburrum, QLD 4517 … Read more
The Curtis Falls bushwalk track is an ideal beginners bushwalk, suitable even for very young families. At a little over half a kilometer from the carpark to the constantly running falls, there is a very small effort to reward cycle that young families and reluctant teenagers will appreciate. And it’s beautiful! Stunning! Glorious! Quick Info … Read more
I was expecting Dove Lake to be amazing – unfortunately I was underwhelmed. Dove Lake Circuit is promoted as one of the must do activities for those holidaying around Cradle Mountain. For me, the hassle involved in getting there took the shine off the experience. Quick Info Location: Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, TAS 7306 Walking Distance: 5.7km circuit … Read more
Mt Ngungun, (pronounced noo-noo), is one of the Glass House Mountains in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. At 253m elevation and 2.8km return, it is ideal for young families or for anyone with an hour or two to spare. The summit provides spectacular 360° views and is especially stunning at sunrise. Quick Info Location: Fullertons Rd, Glass … Read more
One of the truly glorious places in South East Queensland, Mount Tamborine Botanical Gardens is a sheer delight. The volunteer run gardens are ideally suited for a leisurely stroll, allowing time to soak in the ambiance and discover the hidden treasures. The gardens include a lake centerpiece, rainforest walk, Japanese gardens, a children’s discovery walk … Read more
Fitzroy Falls, in the Southern Highlands of NSW, is an 81 metre waterfall flowing down a sandstone escarpment into the valley below. It has only been know to dry up once in living memory, so odds are it will be flowing for your visit. The picturesque drive there comes close to surpassing the beauty of … Read more
Minnippi Parklands is a welcome spot for a relaxing stroll. While not technically a bushwalk, the Parklands are a welcome nature escape for the surrounding suburbs of Tingalpa and Carindale. A wider than average footpath, that is suitable for all abilities, circles Minnippi Lake. A viewing platform overhanging the lake is an ideal vantage point … Read more
Daisy Hill State Forest is a treasure trove of tracks and facilities. Whether you have a hour to spare or the whole day, Daisy Hill State Forest has something to offer. The forest caters to diverse users such as: bushwalkers, school groups, mountain bike riders, rogaine adventurers, wedding parties and horse riders. A 2km ring road, … Read more
Stunning loveliness! I came away truly impressed from my jaunt to Berrinba Wetlands. This free community nature playground is a credit to Logan City Council. The extremely well maintained and much wider than average footpaths make for an enjoyable social nature experience. Even if you just make it to the viewing platform, your trip to Berrinba … Read more
Underwood Park’s lagoon and boardwalk is a place of tranquility and loveliness. It is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset when golden light filters through the paperbarks and shimmers on the lagoons surface. An ideal place for a solitary contemplative walk, or equally good for a walk and chat with a friend, or even a … Read more
Hidden away in the middle of suburbia, just to the south of Brisbane, is Springwood Conservation Park. Previously an old quarry, this area was transformed into a nature reserve thanks to the local council and passionate community members. It’s vision was to create “a place from which you leave restored, more aware, more responsible and … Read more
One of my all time favourite bushwalks. Beautiful rainforest, flowing creek, inspiring views and crisp mountain air, with a challenging rock scramble at the end – all on a well maintained path. The super elite may be able to complete the hike in 2 hours, but anyone with a moderate level of fitness will have … Read more