10 Best Walks Near Brisbane 2025

You don’t need to wait for the weekend, or even escape Brisbane city, to immerse yourself in natural beauty. Explore those surrounding suburbs closer to home and enjoy the universal perk of walking near a city – a quality post-coffee walk.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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

Best Walking Trails Near Brisbane

1. Boondall Wetlands Walk

Location: Boondall Wetlands Reserve
Distance: 2km (circuit)
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Time from Brisbane: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
Traditional Custodians: Yugarabul, Yuggera, and Turrbal people

Love birds? Or maybe you’re getting curious about birdwatching and why it’s suddenly the thing to be doing? Head out to the Boondall Wetlands walk and within 2km you’ll know if you love it or not. The combination of tidal flats and paperback forest has created a beautiful habitat just as popular with birds as it is with people.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

The Boondall Wetlands are a delicate ecosystem, which is rare to find just 25 minutes from a major city like Brisbane. In fact, in 2023 during a period of unusually sparse winter rain, the normally green water turned a bubblegum shade of pink due to increased salinity.

The walk itself is super chill with boardwalks and flat trail taking you on an impossible-to-get-lost loop. Don’t forget to look up!

Photo by @bertknot via Flickr | License

2. Rocks Riverside Park Walk

Location: Rocks Riverside Park
Distance: 1.5km (loop)
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Time from Brisbane: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
Traditional Custodians: Yuggera and Turrbal people

Walking along the Brisbane River doesn’t get easier than this. The Rocks Riverside Park Walk is the perfect trail for taking kids and sidekicks with paws for a dose of nature. There’s a well-designed park precinct to enjoy with excellent pathways and a playground.

While there isn’t an official scenic lookout to aim for, every other step provides you with beautiful views across the Brisbane River. The track takes about 30-45 minutes but if you factor in time at the playground, bringing a picnic and making an afternoon of it is a great way to enjoy the best of the park.

See a different side of the Brisbane River by jumping in a kayak like Explorer Lisa. She kayaked from Wivenhoe Dam to Twin Bridges and loved it.

Photo by @bertknot via Flickr | License

3. Nudgee Beach Walk

Location: Nudgee Beach
Distance: 3km (one way)
Duration: 1 hour
Time from Brisbane: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
Traditional Custodians: Yugarabul, Yuggera, and Turrbal people

With spectacular views over Moreton Bay, the sandy beach at Nudgee is a great spot to soak up an added adventure – and when it’s clear you can see right across to Moreton Island! Only 25 minutes out of Brisbane CBD, you can walk for a little way or a long way, to make the most of your free time.

Read more: Moreton Island Camping: A Guide to Staying at One of Brisbane’s Neighbouring Islands

While most vantage points will give you similar views over the Moreton Bay region, it’s not a view that’s tiring. Nudgee Beach is the perfect place to tune out of your busy schedule and tune into nature instead.

Photo by @bertknot via Flickr | License

4. Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk

Location: Wynnum
Distance: 1km (loop)
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Time from Brisbane: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
Traditional Custodians: Quandamooka people

On the shores of Moreton Bay lies the Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk. The boardwalk section of the track is about 800m long with the circuit completed by some well-maintained trails.

If you’re headed here to spot one of the many bird species that call this region home, aim for early mornings or late afternoons when the weather is a bit cooler. But if you’re interested in more creatures than those with wings, try heading here during low tide when the mudflats are exposed. Plenty of marine creatures like crabs will be on the move, and it’s not a sight you see every day!

While you’re in the area, check out the nearby Wynnum Foreshore for some more great trails to enjoy.

Photo by @veritycridland via Flickr | License

5. Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

Location: Toowong
Distance: 2km (loop)
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Time from Brisbane: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
Traditional Custodians: Yuggera and Turrbal people

This is the most accessible walking track on this list as it’s both wheelchair and pram-friendly. Trails are mostly paved and while not completely smooth, are pretty good. The Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens has many distinct zones within the park.

There’s the climate-controlled tropical dome with super lush ferns and exotic plants. The arid zone couldn’t be more different with a selection of prickly cacti and succulents. Fellow plant killers should enjoy that section!

The Japanese garden is simply stunning with gorgeous ponds, manicured plants, and ornate bridges. As far as botanical gardens go, it’s well worth a visit. You could easily spend a few hours wandering the trails in this park. The gardens are a great place to practice forest bathing too.

Photo by @tgerus via Flickr | License

6. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Walk

Location: Kangaroo Point
Distance: 1.5km (one way)
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Time from Brisbane: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
Traditional Custodians: Yuggera and Turrbal people

Not just popular for sunset views, photography, and walkers, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs are much-loved by local climbers and abseilers – so make sure to look up! As well as the city skyline, you can also catch a glimpse of Story Bridge, the South Bank Parklands, and the historic Yungaba Immigration Depot building.

The Kangaroo Point Cliffs walking track is mostly flat and is perfect for people of all fitness levels to enjoy.

If you want to extend your walk, you can continue along the City Reach Boardwalk, which will take you further towards the CBD, South Bank, and City Botanic Gardens.

Keen to turn your walk into a hike? Check out our list of the Best Hikes Near Brisbane

Photo by @lennkyphotography via Flickr | License

7. Northbrook Gorge Walk

Location: D’Aguilar National Park
Distance: 4km (return)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1 hour
Difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Jinibara and Turrbal people

The Northbrook Gorge walk is a short challenging trail through multiple shallow rock pools, over uneven terrain, and through lush open forest and tall gorges. It’s perfect for those looking for a lot of adventure in a small time frame.

Like a challenge? Check out this list of the 10 Best Bushwalks Near Brisbane

Make sure you take a dry bag for your valuables to prevent them from getting wet, and stick to the track wherever possible to protect the delicate flora and fauna in the national park.

Psst! Don’t get this confused with the Gorge Walk on North Stradbroke Island – it’s a different walk!

Photo by @kerr_at_large via Flickr | License

8. Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve Walk

Location: Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve
Distance: 2.4km (return)
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Time from Brisbane: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Yuggera and Turrbal people

Located in the southern suburbs of Brisbane, the Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve has multiple trails to choose from. If you head up the summit track you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. It’s a popular spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. Avoid walking here in the middle of the day during warmer months as it gets quite hot.

The track through the open eucalypt forest is well-maintained and accessible for most fitness levels. It does lead to a summit lookout though, so you’re going to be hit with consistent incline on the way up.

A big highlight of this trail of trails is the picnic area. Normally you’ll find these near the car park but not at Mt Gravatt! This summit track takes you straight to picnic tables with one hell of an outlook! Now you can enjoy a picnic and the view at the same time!

Keen for more short walking trails? Check out 5 Easy Hiking Trails Near Brisbane for Beginners

Photo by Lyle Radford on behalf of Brisbane City Council via Flickr | License

9. JC Slaughter Falls Walk

Location: Mount Coot-tha Reserve
Distance: 5km (return, depending on chosen track!)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Time from Brisbane: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Turrbal and Jagera people

Only 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD this walking trail is nice and easy – perfect for a midday wander or quick escape from city life. There’s a picnic area close to the car park which is equipped with BBQs and picnic tables, but there’s also plenty of grassy spots if you prefer to stretch out!

These falls are more of a cascade trickling over rocks than a thunderous shower, so you’ll want to ensure it’s rained in the days before you visit. If it’s been dry, there may not be any ‘falls’ to enjoy. If water rushing over rocks isn’t your only reason for visiting, you’ll love this one year-round.

Read more: 7 Best Hikes Near Brisbane with Waterfalls

Photo by @lennkyphotography via Flickr | License

10. Enoggera Circuit Walk

Location: Enoggera Reservoir
Distance: 10.8km (loop)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Time from Brisbane: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Yuggera and Turrbal people

The Enoggera Circuit in D’Aguilar National Park is an intermediate walking track through a bush oasis within 30 minutes of Brisbane city. The trail loops around Enoggera Reservoir with plenty of native flora and water views to enjoy along the way.

It’s a popular place for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing, which makes for great people-watching opportunities as you loop your way around the water. The walking track starts at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre which has some great information about the animals you may see on your way through the eucalypt forest.

For a day trip overflowing with natural beauty, don’t miss the Enogerra Circuit walk near Brisbane in D’Aguilar National Park.

Photo by @tamyka via Flickr | License

FAQs Best Walks Near Brisbane

What are the best walks Brisbane has for beginners?

You’ve just read a list of them! If you’ve made your way through all of these, visit Bunyaville Conservation Park for another beginner-friendly walking track.

How do I walk to Mount Coot-tha summit?

The Coot-tha Summit Track is located in Mt Coot-tha Reserve and it begins near the JC Slaughter Falls Picnic Area, which is located on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, at the base of Mt Coot-tha. The Mt Coot-Tha Botanical Gardens are located below the mountain.

If you don’t feel like walking, there’s the option to drive to the top, grab a coffee from The Summit Cafe, and take in the view.

Are the Northbrook Gorge walk and the North Gorge walking trails the same place?

No! These are different trails and if you get them confused, well, you’ll be lost pretty quickly. The North Gorge Walk is located on North Stradbroke Island. It has boardwalks and is a great spot for whale watching during migration season. The Northbrook Gorge walk is in D’Aguilar National Park, west of Brisbane. It’s far less accessible with plenty of rock-hopping and creek crossings.

Are there any family-friendly walking tracks in Brisbane?

Roma Street Parkland has great play structures, and splash pads that’ll boggle the minds of little ones. The Boondall Wetlands Walk has plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and birds, perfect for those who enjoy a rip-roaring 19 rounds of I spy.

What type of walking shoes are best for these walks near Brisbane?

For most of these walks trail runners will be fine, but if you like more ankle support or do a lot of walking, hiking boots would be the ideal choice.

What’s the best national park near Brisbane for walking?

From Lamington National Park to D’Aguilar National Park, there are some excellent places to walk near Brisbane City. While Mt Coot-tha Reserve and Keperra Bushland Reserve aren’t national parks, they’re definitely deserving of an honourable mention.

Where can I let my dog walk off-lead in Brisbane?

Brisbane City Council provides over 160 dog parks – which is a huge amount! Elanora Park is a good one and it has an off-leash area, waste bins, and water bowls. We’ve also got a list of dog-friendly walks in and around Brisbane.

More Ways to Get Active in Brisbane

• Best Outdoor Activities In Brisbane
• I Spent 14 Hours Getting to Work in a Raft
• Best Overnight Hikes Near Brisbane
• Best Spots for a 4WD Adventure Near Brisbane

Table of contents image by @paul_e_balfe

Feature image by @lennykphotography