10 Best Bushwalks Brisbane 2025

Calling all South East Queensland explorers! If you love to hike, then you’re going to love this list of the best bushwalks Brisbane has to offer. Less than three hours driving required!

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

There are so many awesome bushwalking tracks near Brissie. These are mostly intermediate trails for hikers with a little experience who are keen to get some distance on their legs or give mountains a go. As a perk, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views, rainforest, and waterfalls to boot. For the best bushwalks Brisbane has to offer, read on!

Want a physical guide? Grab a copy of Brisbane’s Best Bay, Bush, and City Walks (Pop in ‘WAE15 at checkout for 15% off!)

2. Coomera Circuit Bushwalk

Location: Lamington National Park
Distance: 17.4km (return)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Time from Brisbane: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Yugambeh people

If you haven’t already noticed, Explorer Lisa loves chasing waterfalls and the Coomera Circuit is another of her favourite places to do it.

The Coomera Circuit is located in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park and is a 17.4km return hike. The trail passes Coomera Falls, and a lookout into the 160m Coomera Gorge, before traversing pretty creek crossings and several waterfalls.

The Coomera Circuit starts and ends on the Border Track and takes about 5-6 hours return.

@_thelittleadventurer

3. The Pyramid, Sphinx, and Turtle Rocks Bushwalks

Location: Girraween National Park
Distance: 8km (return)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Time from Brisbane: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Jukambal and Kambuwal people

With its granite boulder strewn landscape, Girraween National Park is a unique place to explore. Seeing as you made the effort with a three-hour drive to get there, why stop at just one bushwalk? Why not tackle two?

The best bushy adventure is up the summit track to the top of The Pyramid for an epic view. You’ll need some rock scrambling skills to reach the top. The return hike is 3.6km. Then you can tackle the trails up to the Sphinx and Turtle Rock. This is 7.4km return and will take you about three hours.

@_thelittleadventurer

4. Mt Beerwah Base Bushwalk

Location: Glass House Mountains National Park
Distance: 3.5km (circuit)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Advanced
Traditional Custodians: Kabi Kabi and Jinibara people

Enjoy looking up at Mount Beerwah from the gorgeous circuit walking trail around the base of the popular Glass House Mountain. You’ll pass through open eucalypt forest decorated with occasional grass trees and minimal hills.

The Elders of the Jinibara people have requested that people don’t climb Mount Beerwah itself, and we’d hate for any of our readers to be that guy. Please respect this directive and enjoy the colossal 556m mountain from below. Trust us, it’s just as epic.

If you’re super keen to reach a summit, head over to Mount Tibrogargan or Mount Ngungun instead.

Read more: Best Walks Near Brisbane

@_thelittleadventurer

5. Flinders Peak Bushwalk

Location: Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate
Distance: 7-9km (return)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Traditional Custodians: Ugarapul people

The bush walking track up to Flinders Peak will get your heart pumping! The first part is steep and then about halfway up you’ll start doing some rock hopping along the ridgeline.

You’ll need some basic navigational skills for this hike as you’ll need to be able to follow foot padding and triangle markers at the rocky sections.

There’s also some short rock scrambles as you near the summit, a good scenic lookout from Little Flinders, and then the actual peak is about 15-20 minutes further along a rocky uphill trail.

From the car park, the hike is 9km return and will take about four hours.

@_thelittleadventurer

6. Yul Yan Man Bushwalking Track

Location: Glass House Mountains National Park
Distance: 9.3km (return)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Traditional Custodians: Kabi Kabi and Jinibarra people

The Yul-Yan-Man track transects the Glass House Mountains National Park past Mt Beerburrum to give you an unparalleled view of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin, Mount Tibberoowucum, and Mount Beerwah side by side on the horizon.

Explorer Saphira describes this trail through eucalypt forest as an absolute wildflower bonanza! From catching sight of gorgeous blooms to enjoying great views of distant mountains, the Yul Yan Man Bushwalk is a slice of nature you don’t want to miss.

The terrain can be steep and it’s not recommended after rain or during high temperatures.

@hikertrashling

7. Mermaid Mountain Bushwalk

Location: Glass House Mountains National Park
Distance: 3km (return)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Kabi Kabi and Jinibarra people

The Mermaid Mountain Bushwalk in the Glass House Mountains National Park is lesser-known than most of the tracks on this list, but it’s definitely deserving of a visit! The views of Lake Manchester are more than special.

Only an hour or so from Brisbane, this is a great option for a quick nature hike – you only need a few hours, though you’ll probably want to stay longer! There are no trail markers so Explorer Jordan recommends downloading the route from AllTrails to use as a guide. Without this, it’d be a lot more challenging!

@jclwrites

8. Coomera Circuit Bushwalk

Location: Lamington National Park
Distance: 17.4km (circuit)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Time from Brisbane: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Yugambeh people

Although the trail isn’t technically difficult, it’s long for a day hike and you’ll need decent fitness to make the distance, and actually enjoy it.

From a great lookout over Coomera Gorge to multiple water crossings, this is water-lovers delight. If you’re there during warmer months, cooling off in the Coomera River or one of its many tributary creeks is a delight not to be underestimated.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

There’s plenty of wildlife to observe if you keep quiet – watch out for swamp wallabies at the beginning and end of the day! Despite being only a two-hour drive from the city, the Coomera Circuit Track has plenty of kilometres to discover, views to catch, and bush to explore. Catcha there?

@_thelittleadventurer

9. Box Forest Circuit Bushwalk

Location: Lamington National Park
Distance: 10.6km (circuit)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Time from Brisbane: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Yugambeh people

Explorer Jacqui reckons the Box Forest Circuit Bushwalk is the perfect soggy Sunday microadventure. Her top tip? ‘Go clockwise when you begin, so you leave the two waterfalls as a treat toward the end of the hike’.

While bursting with natural beauty this is a grade 4 hike and it’s got technical terrain, which will only be more difficult after a downpour or two. Play it safe and head here with a mate, and make sure someone knows when you expect you home.

While you’re in the area, check out the Lower Ballanjui Falls Walk too – it’s a beaut!

@hittheroadjac_aus

10. Mount Mathieson Bush Walking Trail

Location: Main Range National Park
Distance: 7.7km (return)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Time from Brisbane: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Jagera, Yuggera, and Ugarapul people

Explorers Courtney and Lisa checked out the Mount Mathieson Bush Walking Trail and despite being caught in the rain, they found plenty of natural beauty to explore. A particular highlight was the views of Mount Mitchell and Mount Cordeaux, but it was closely followed by the stretch of trail underneath dense rainforest canopy.

The trail is easy to follow and terrain not too intense, but weather can change on a dime here so make sure that you pack wet weather gear – even if it’s sunny when you set out.

@_thelittleadventurer

Bushwalking Near Brisbane Safety

Make sure you tell someone where you’re going and what time you expect to be back from these intermediate to advanced bushwalks. We highly recommend bringing a hiking buddy along with you.

If you want to make a weekend out of exploring these bushwalks near Brisbane, camping is possible at some of the national parks including parts of Girraween National Park and Lamington National Park. Head to the Queensland National Parks website for more information.

Essential Gear For Bushwalking Brisbane

• Water
• Snacks
• Hat
• PLB
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Shoes with grip for any slippery trails or rocks
• Camera

Don’t forget anything important by checking our Packing List before you go!

@connorfisherjr

FAQs Best Bushwalks Brisbane

What’s the best bushwalk Brisbane has to offer?

While we’ve shared plenty of great bushwalks easily accessible from Brisbane in this list, there are so many more we haven’t covered! From the Moreton Bay Region, to Mt Coot Tha Reserve, JC Slaughter Falls, and the Keperra Bushland Reserve, there’s plenty of well preserved bushland to enjoy. Got a favourite? Let us know in the comments.

What national parks can I drive to from Brisbane CBD?

Technically you can drive to all of them! But assuming you don’t want to live in your vehicle, with just a two-hour drive from Brissie, you can reach Lamington National Park, Springbrook National Park, the Glass House Mountains National Park, Tamborine National Park, Main Range National Park, Kondalilla National Park, Moogerah Peaks National Park, and the Venman Bushland National Park – among others. Off ya go!

What bushwalks can I do in D’aguilar National Park?

Queensland National Parks has a comprehensive list of hikes in D’aguilar National Park.

How are walking tracks different from bushwalks?

Walking tracks are typically more accessible with even terrain and serviced amenities like toilet blocks and park benches. Bushwalks have varied trail conditions, are located in less developed areas, often require navigational skills, and are normally longer lengths.

Can I take my dog on these bushwalks?

Unfortunately dogs can’t accompany you on walking trails (or off track!) if you’re in a national park – sorry! Check out these Dog Friendly Camping Spots Near Brisbane instead.

Does Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve have bushwalks?

Yep! From the short Mount Gravatt Summit Track to the Mount Gravatt Circuit Track and extended circuit, there’s a distance to suit everyone.

More Adventures Near Brisbane

• • Easy Hikes Near Brisbane for Beginners
  • Best Hikes For Kids Near Brisbane
  • Best Overnight Hikes Near Brisbane
  • Challenging Hikes Near Brisbane

Feature image and table of contents image by @_thelittleadventurer