Outdoor Activities Hiking

5 Easy Hiking Trails Near Brisbane for Beginners 2023

Outdoor Activities - Hiking

5 Easy Hiking Trails Near Brisbane for Beginners 2023

1/04/2023

SHARED 9 TIMES

1/04/2023

SHARED 9 TIMES

From waterfalls and rocky waterholes to mountain and valley views, there are dozens of scenic hiking trails on offer in South East Queensland. These are the best easy hikes near Brisbane for beginners (or anyone wanting to take it nice and slow).

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.

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1. Crows Nest Falls

Location: Crows Nest National Park
Distance: 5km
Duration: Less than 2 hours

Not far past Toowoomba lies Crows Nest National Park. It’s a bit of a drive, around three hours from Brisbane, but you can make a day out of the road trip.

Start by taking the 5km round trip hike to the Valley of Diamonds Lookout via waterholes and Crows Nest Falls, then go for a swim in the waterholes if the water’s flowing well, and enjoy lunch at the picnic tables.

If you want to make a weekend out of your trip west, you can camp at Crow’s Nest National Park, then drive up to the Bunya Mountains. Check out the 10km return Barker Creek Circuit or 4km return Scenic Circuit, both starting from Dandabah picnic area.

2. Morans Falls

Location: Lamington National Park
Distance: 6.2km return
Duration: 2-3 hours round trip

The Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park is a waterfall lover’s dream, with many easy hikes on offer.

The hike to the top of the beautiful Morans Falls is perfect for beginner hikers and can be reached on a 3.1km (one way) walk. It’s a popular spot for sunset so bring your camera and get there early to nab a good spot.

The Green Mountains section is located about a two-hour drive from Brisbane via Canungra.

3. Purling Brook Falls and Warringa Pool

Location: Springbrook National Park
Distance: 4km
Duration: 2 hours

NOTE! Due to flooding, parts of the Purling Brook Falls circuit are closed until declared safe. For more information visit the National Parks website

Springbrook National Park is another top spot to chase waterfalls. You’re sure to be in awe of the 109m Purling Brook Falls. You can walk down to the base of Purling Brook Falls, then continue on to the picturesque Warringa Pool both of which are great for a dip.

While you’re in Springbrook National Park, the hike to Twin Falls is also worth a look for beginner hikers.

The Twin Falls circuit is 4km and is accessible from the Tallanbana Picnic Area. It takes about two hours to complete.

Springbrook National Park can be accessed via Nerang from Brisbane. Take Exit 69 off the Pacific Motorway and follow Nerang-Murwillumbah Road and then take the left turn onto Pine Creek Road and follow the signs to Springbrook.

4. Lower Portals

Location: Mt Barney National Park
Distance: 7.4km
Duration: 4 hours

Fancy a dip in a waterhole? I found the perfect spot. The Lower Portals is a 7.4km kilometre hike located at the base of one of South East Queensland’s most impressive mountains, Mt Barney.

The rugged red dirt path takes you past creek crossings and to the boulder-filled Lower Portals.

If you handled the Lower Portals hike okay, then come back another weekend and visit the Cronan Creek Secret Falls, also in Mt Barney National Park.

This waterfall is nestled among dense rainforest at the end of a boulder-strewn creek perfect for rock-hop loving adventurers. The trailhead starts at Yellow Pinch Reserve car park.

From the car park, the Cronan Creek track winds along the foothills of Mt Barney. After a few kilometres, you’ll come to a junction. The right fork takes you up the South Ridge of Mt Barney. Take the left fork to continue to the waterfall.

Not far after crossing your third major creek crossing, dense rainforest starts on your left and you’ll probably get a glimpse of the waterfall. To reach the base of the waterfall, look for a rock cairn and you’ll need to bush bash down about 100 metres. Take care here due to the often slippery terrain.

The hike is 13km return and will take about five hours. Mt Barney is located about two hours from Brisbane, via Rathdowney.

5. Mt Cordeaux

Location: Main Range National Park
Distance: 6.8km

This one is harder than the rest, but the well-maintained track means it’s a great place for beginner hikers to test their mountain hiking legs after taking on other easy hikes near Brisbane.

The 1,135 metre Mt Cordeaux is located in Main Range National Park at Cunningham’s Gap. The 6.8km return hike takes you up to stunning views over Cunningham’s Gap and the Fassifern Valley.

Mt Cordeaux car park is located off the Cunningham Highway.

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Essential Gear

A walk in the wilderness needs a little preparation. Make sure you bring:

Water (at least 2 litres)
Snacks such as nuts and fruit
Hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
A first aid kit
Shoes with plenty of tread in case of any slippery trails or rocks
Your camera to get those Insta-worthy shots

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Tips For Hiking Near Brisbane

Make sure you tell someone where you’re going and what time you expect to be back. We highly recommended you bring a hiking buddy along with you. Try the We Are Explorers Facebook Group for Queensland to find like-minded people who might be up for an adventure.

The best time to go hiking in South East Queensland is between May and September when the weather’s cooler and there are fewer snakes around.

If you want to make a weekend of easy hikes near Brisbane to quickly move beyond your beginner status, camping is possible at some national parks including parts of Crows Nest National Park, Mt Barney National Park, and Lamington National Park. Head to the Queensland National Parks website for more information.