Raise your hand if you’re up for tackling some of the best hikes near brisbane! Only a few hours drive from Brissie there are dozens of hiking trails that will get your heart pumping, your feet muddy, and your knees begging for mercy.


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.

A lot of these hikes are pretty tough with more than a little bit of Type 2 Fun: the type of fun that isn’t fun at the time but is worth it. If you’re keen for varied day hikes, epic overnighters, spectacular views, and the chance to bust our your walking shoes, this list of the best hikes near Brisbane is for you.

If you’re chasing something a bit more akin to a walk in the park, check out this list of the best walking trails in and around Brisbane.

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

Best Hikes Near Brisbane

1. Mount Barney Summit Hike

Location: Mount Barney National Park
Distance: 16km (return)
Duration: 8-10 hours
Time from Brisbane: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Advanced
Traditional Custodians: Bundjalung and Yuggera people

Mount Barney is one of the most magnificent mountains in the Scenic Rim region of South East Queensland. The 1,354m mountain offers a challenge, views and even bush camping opportunities.

We don’t know a single person who’s seen Mount Barney from more angles than Explorer Lisa Owen. If you’re planning on tackling this one, you need to read her complete guide to summiting the 1,354m high Mount Barney in the Scenic Rim of Queensland for the first time.

Allow 8-10 hours for the round trip. It’s especially important to check the weather forecast before you go on this one as rocks can be very slippery in the rain and low cloud. Be aware that the weather can change quickly on Barney, so be prepared with the right gear.

Read more: First Overnight Hike to Mount Barney

 

2. Mt Maroon Summit Hike

Location: Mount Barney National Park
Distance: 6km (return)
Duration: 4-6 hours
Time from Brisbane: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Traditional Custodians: Bundjalung and Yuggera people

Mount Maroon is among the best challenging hikes near Brisbane because it offers stunning 360° views of the Scenic Rim. Most of the Mount Barney National Park is located in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, so it’s officially pretty bloody special.

Mount Maroon lies in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Mount Barney and you’ll also be able to spot Mount Lindesay and Mount May from the top.

It’s a tough climb up to the summit and you’ll need some navigational and rock scrambling skills, as well as a head for heights to take on the challenging trail. We recommend reviewing our beginners guide to map and compass navigation before you head out.

 

3. Stinson Wreck Trail

Location: Lamington National Park
Distance: 37km (return)
Duration: 8-10 hours
Time from Brisbane: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Advanced
Traditional Custodians: Yugambeh people

The out-and-back hike to the Stinson plane wreck in a remote area of Lamington National Park is one of Queenslands most popular treks for thru-hikers. Passing through two gorgeous freshwater gorges, it’s a track you won’t forget in a hurry.

Despite the overwhelming beauty of the lush rainforest trail, this is a strenuous hike. For every other scenic lookout or sudden expanse of open forest, you’ll be encountering creek crossings, hills, and mud.

All your effort will be more than rewarded when you reach the the lookout and wreckage site. Conveniently, these are located within twenty minutes of the Stinson Bush Camp – your digs if you choose to make this an overnight hike.

Explorer Saphira did a guided hike along the Stinson Wreck Trail, and it’s just one of three plane crash sites in the Brisbane region that Explorer Lisa hiked to.

Want to go faster? South East Queensland Has Great Trail Runs

 

4. Warrie Circuit Trail Hike

Location: Springbrook National Park
Distance: 17km (circuit)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Yugambeh people

If chasing waterfalls is your jam, and think day hikes don’t get much better than those featuring rock pools, freshwater gorges, and stunning panoramic views – this is one of the best day hikes for you!

In her guide to the Warrie Circuit Trail, Explorer Lisa advises that it’s best enjoyed after ‘heavy, heavy rain, when the waterfalls are in full force’.

There are at least nine waterfalls on this circuit track, with many vantage points over flowing cascades and stunning views of the Gold Coast CBD and Pacific Ocean in the distance. The jury is out over which waterfall is the ultimate highlight of the walk – let us know what you reckon in the comments!

If you loved this one, check out more waterfall hikes near Brisbane. You’re welcome.

 

5. Mount Cougal Hike

Location: Springbrook National Park
Distance: 11km (return)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Yugambeh people

Mt Cougal is a great day hike not far from Brisbane city that takes you through sugarcane fields, dense subtropical rainforest, open eucalypt forest, and up to East Peak for a clear view of the mountain’s West Peak.

Explorer Rhys took on the tricky ascent of Mount Cougal and reckons it isn’t as sketchy a trail as some online articles would have you believe. The Gold Coast Hinterland hike is popular in the cooler months, meaning there’s a good footpad to follow up to East Peak, and once you get past the first muddy section, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

Be warned: it’s a steep, slippery ascent up the summit track with some rock scrambling, and bush-bashing, and there are minimal views at the top. Also, be warned that the sugarcane fields are tick central, so get tick-savvy before you go.

 

6. Kondalilla Falls Circuit Track

Location: Kondalilla National Park
Distance: 12km (return)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Gubbi Gubbi people

The Kondalilla Falls Circuit is one of the most popular, and most easily accessible, hiking trails on the Sunshine Coast near Brisbane. As you walk along the track to the falls you’ll enjoy shade from the dense canopy of the wet eucalypt forest, but this will run out so make sure you pack sun protection!

Make sure you take a dip at Kondalilla Falls before you head back the way you came – it’s basically a right of passage at this point.

 

11 Scenic Waterfalls On The Sunshine Coast (Including Hidden Gems), Leah Furey, Kondalilla National Park, Waterfall, Mandatory credit: Tourism and Events Queensland.

Photo via Tourism & Events QLD

7. The Steamers Hike

Location: Main Range National Park
Distance: 16km (return)
Duration: 6-8 hours
Time from Brisbane: 2.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Advanced
Traditional Custodians: Jagera, Yuggera, and Ugarapul peoples

A good fitness level and navigational skills are essential for the day hike to The Steamers rock formations due to their remote location. If you don’t know how to read a compass or rely on hiking navigation apps, this isn’t the trail for you.

People have been known to get lost looking for the Steamers, or night has fallen before they got back to their car, so you must know what you’re doing out here.

Explorer Dan has a strong navigation game and shared his guide to The Steamers hike. If you’re prepared for the challenge you can expect to enjoy stunning vantage points of remote bare rock formations .

 

8. Mount Greville Hiking Track

Location: Moogerah Peaks National Park
Distance: 12km (return)
Duration: 6-8 hours
Time from Brisbane: 90 minutes
Level of difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Traditional Custodians: Yuggera and Ugarapul peoples

Less than a two-hour drive from Brisbane CBD is this choose-your-own-adventure day hike in Moogerah Peaks National Park. There are three routes to the summit, and Explorers Scout and Lisa opted to go up Palm Gorge and descend down the South-East Ridge, leaving the Waterfall Gorge route for another time. Their account of the Mount Greville Hike is worth a gander before you pop your pack in the car.

Navigational skills are required for this track as it’s easy to get lost in a few places. As you walk, keep your eyes peeled for gorgeous blue-black Satin Bowerbirds which are known to frequent this national park.

 

9. Mount Glorious Hiking Circuit

Location: D’Aguilar National Park
Distance: 13km (circuit)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Turrbal and Jagera peoples

The Mount Glorious Circuit Hike in D’Aguilar National Park, is a stunning loop trail showcasing lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife for all the twitchers out there. The hike along the track takes about 5-6 hours, winding through towering trees and is a great place to escape the noise of the city.

While you’re in D’Aguilar National Park, Explorer Lisa recommends also checking out the Piper Comanche plane wreck. It’s a quick 7.5km track out to the wreckage and you’ll need your trusty navigational skills. You can’t reach it from the Mount Glorious Circuit but hitting two great walking trails in one weekend is never a bad time!

 

10. Mermaid Mountain Hiking Track

Location: South D’Aguilar National Park
Distance: 12.9km (return)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Advanced
Traditional Custodians: Kabi Kabi and Jinibarra people

The Mermaid Mountain Hiking Track in the South D’Aguilar National Park is lesser-known than most of the tracks on this list, but it’s definitely one of the best day hikes around.

Only an hour or so from Brisbane, this is a great option for a half day nature hike – 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!

Love a good bushwalk? Check out our favourite bushwalks near Brisbane!

 

11. Mount Ngungun Hike

Location: Glass House Mountains National Park
Distance: 2.8km (return)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Time from Brisbane: 1 hour 15 minutes
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Traditional Custodians: Kabi Kabi and Jinibarra people

For a low effort, high reward sunrise, hikes don’t get much better than this little gem on the Sunshine Coast. It takes less than an hour to get into prime position to watch the sun wake up, and it’ll look like you hiked for hours to get there. Yes please.

Despite the short distance, it’s still a rocky and uneven trail to the top of Mount Ngungun so don’t rock up for this one in sandals – you’ll need hiking boots or trail runners.

While you’re in the Glass House Mountains National Park you should also swing by Mount Beerwah, Mount Coolum, and Mount Tibrogargan for more stellar panoramic views, or check out these top spots near the Gold Coast to watch the sunrise.

Read more: The Top 8 Hikes on the Sunshine Coast

 

Essential Gear For Brisbane Hikes

  • At least 3L of water
  • Lunch and snacks such as nuts and fruit
  • Topographic map and/or GPS
  • First aid kit
  • Personal Locator Beacon
  • Hiking buddies
  • Hiking shoes with good grip
  • Long pants and/or gaiters. Long sleeves are also a good idea
  • Warm jacket and wet weather gear
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Camping gear (if doing an overnighter)
  • Torch or headlamp
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera

Don’t forget a thing with our handy dandy Overnight and Day Hike Packing Lists!

 

Tips For Hiking Near Brisbane

Before you get in the car and make the road trip down to your chosen challenging hike, make sure you tell someone (partner, friend or family member) where you’re going and what time you expect to be back. If you need a like-minded adventurer to hike with, try the We Are Explorers Facebook Group for Queensland.

Check the weather forecast and the Queensland National Parks website for updated trail conditions before you head out. Postpone your hike if rain or severe weather, including high winds or extreme temperatures, are forecast.

If you enjoyed the walking tracks on this list, keep the good times going with our lists of Easy Hikes, Overnight Hikes, and Hikes Near Waterfalls – all within a few hours drive of Brisbane CBD!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

 

Brisbane Hikes FAQS

Is Brisbane good for hiking?

Yes it certainly is. With the choice to head out on a coastal hike, summit track, or inland rainforest trail, Brisbane is a great hiking destination.

What’s the easiest mountain to climb near Brisbane?

The easiest mountain to climb near Brisbane is probably Mount Coot-tha. It’s only a 20 minute walk to reach the summit!

How far is Mount Barney National Park from Brisbane?

From the Brisbane CBD it should take you just under 2 hours to reach Mt Barney.

What’s the best hike in the Glass House Mountains?

The Mount Ngungun and Mermaid Mountain Hikes are pretty special, but we also hear great things about the Mount Tibrogargan trail. Got an opinion? Let us know in the comments!

What hikes near Brisbane are in D’aguilar National Park?

Check out a comprehensive list of hikes in D’aguilar National Park courtesy of Queensland National Parks.

What are the most challenging hikes in Brisbane?

The top five most challenging hikes near Brisbane are Mt Barney, Mt Maroon, Stinson Wreck Trail, Mt Cougal, and The Steamers. Scroll up to read about them!

We’ve shared these recommendations because we genuinely rate them and want you to enjoy them too. Our writers use a mix of personal experience and research to compile these lists, and they’re also encouraged to be honest when things aren’t up to scratch. For more information on our approach, check out our Editorial Standards.