11 Best Day Hikes Brisbane 2026

Planning a hike around Brisbane? There’s no shortage of trails and tracks for walkers of all abilities. Read on for inspiration.

Best Day Hikes Brisbane at a Glance

Our list of best day hikes in Brisbane goes like this:

• The best hike for panoramic views: Glasshouse Mountains, Mount Ngungun
• The best hike for diverse landscapes: Springbrook National Park
• The most challenging hike: Mount Barney
• The best hike for a refreshing swim at the end: Mount Edwards — swimming is only permitted in Lake Moogerah’s designated area at AG Muller Park when open; check Seqwater’s closure notices first.
• The best hike for a quick escape from the city: Mount Coot-Tha
• The best hike for a serene coastal walk: Wellington Point to King Island Walk

1. Lamington National Park

A World Heritage-listed gem in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, Lamington National Park is well-known for its stunning rainforests, waterfalls and rock formations, and offers more than 160 km of tracks and trails.

The park’s Morans Falls Track is a favourite, taking you through lush rainforest and open eucalypt forest to lookouts overlooking the eponymous waterfall and the valley.

Alternatively, take on the park’s Border Track, a long, full-day hike following the New South Wales–Queensland border with stunning views of the McPherson Range.

• Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Hard
• Start Location: Green Mountains section
• End Location: Green Mountains section
• Route Distance: Varies depending on the trail
• Time to Complete: 3-7 hours
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, and parking available at the Green Mountains section
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 110 km, 2 hours by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KKQJEDwX2PogATmH7

2. North Gorge Walk, Stradbroke Island

Popularly known as ‘Straddie’, Stradbroke Island offers beautiful beaches and bushland tracks to explore. Take in views of the Pacific Ocean via the island’s rugged North Gorge Walk – a short, 1.2 km walk with boardwalk sections along a dramatic coastline.

Keep an eye out for wildlife including migrating humpback whales, turtles, manta rays and pods of dolphins.

Lay out a picnic on the beach after your walk. For a swim, choose a patrolled beach and stay between the flags; North Gorge has dangerous surf and rips.

• Difficulty Rating: Easy
• Start Location: Point Lookout
• End Location: Point Lookout
• Route Distance: Approximately 1.2 km
• Time to Complete: 30-45 minutes
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, and parking available at Point Lookout
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 30 km, 45 minutes by car to the mainland ferry terminal, plus the ferry and an onward drive or bus trip from Dunwich to Point Lookout
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VCN2kb2NRVrUvvFZ7

3. Mount Coot-tha

Mount Coot-tha is a great option for bushwalkers staying in Brisbane – the mountain is located a short drive from the CBD. Follow the Summit Track from JC Slaughter Falls to the Mount Coot-tha Lookout.

Parts of the track can be quite steep. You’ll find a café at the top, and can extend your trip with a separate visit to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the foot of the mountain.

Once you make it to the lookout, take in panoramic views of Brisbane’s CBD, particularly pretty at sunset and sunrise.

• Difficulty Rating: Moderate
• Start Location: JC Slaughter Falls car park
• End Location: Mount Coot-Tha Summit
• Route Distance: Approximately 2 km
• Time to Complete: 1-2 hours
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, and parking available at JC Slaughter Falls car park and Mount Coot-Tha Summit
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 7 km, 15 minutes by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LRu2xTLC9As7oGDa6

4. Springbrook National Park

The misty rainforests, ancient trees and stunning waterfalls of Springbrook National Park make it a World Heritage-listed must-do day trip from Brisbane.

The park’s Twin Falls Circuit takes you through subtropical rainforest behind two beautiful waterfalls. Parts of this moderately difficult track can be steep, but are well maintained.

Make your way up the park’s Best of All Lookout track to gaze out at Mount Warning, Tweed Valley and remnants of an ancient volcano.

• Difficulty Rating: Easy to Moderate
• Start Location: Various depending on the trail
• End Location: Various depending on the trail
• Route Distance: Varies depending on the trail
• Time to Complete: 30 minutes to 4 hours
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, and parking available at various locations
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 100 km, 1.5 hours by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2p23Z98KHfdhWkJo8

5. Mount Barney

For an epic and challenging walk, brave the rugged, remote and untamed heights of Mount Barney in the Scenic Rim region near Brisbane.

Views from the mountain’s summit are second to none, but the summit routes require a high level of fitness, rock-scrambling experience and navigation skills. They are unmarked and undefined routes with steep, exposed rocky sections, rather than ordinary walking tracks.

Choose dry conditions and plan your route carefully. Bring plenty of food and water, a map, a hat and sunscreen, and go with an experienced group or leader – this is not a route to do alone.

• Difficulty Rating: Hard
• Start Location: Yellow Pinch trailhead for the South Ridge and South East Ridge summit routes
• End Location: Yellow Pinch trailhead after descending via South Ridge
• Route Distance: Varies depending on the trail
• Time to Complete: Full day
• Facilities: Limited facilities; be prepared to be self-sufficient
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 130 km, 2 hours by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9EpZXupv7DcXrm3g8

6. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park, on Brisbane’s outskirts, is a great option for those who love rainforest gorges and eucalypt woodland.

The Morelia walking track leads from Manorina to Mount Nebo Lookout, a walk of about 6 km return.

At the lookout, enjoy expansive views across Samford Valley and out to Moreton Bay before returning along the track.

• Difficulty Rating: Easy to Moderate
• Start Location: Various depending on the trail
• End Location: Various depending on the trail
• Route Distance: Varies depending on the trail
• Time to Complete: 1-4 hours
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, and parking available at various locations
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 35 km, 45 minutes by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8qtoTPncm4xXg4ZF9

7. Wellington Point to King Island Walk

If you’re keen for a hike with a beachside flavour, try the Wellington Point to King Island Walk. King Island is linked to the mainland at low tide by a beautiful, natural, sandy bridge.

Enjoy the mangroves, the birdwatching, other wildlife and the sense of seclusion as you explore this unique island.

Check the tide times and allow enough time to get back before the rising tide covers the sandbar. This is an easy walk suitable for families when the tides allow.

• Difficulty Rating: Easy
• Start Location: Wellington Point Reserve
• End Location: Wellington Point Reserve
• Route Distance: Approximately 2 km
• Time to Complete: 30-60 minutes
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, and parking available at Wellington Point Reserve
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 22 km, 30 minutes by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/s5dYfPdtoFAy98z7A

8. Main Range National Park

Main Range National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, an area of outstanding ecological significance including diverse plant and animal communities.

There’s also the botanically interesting Mount Cordeaux and Bare Rock walk, a day trip with views of the Scenic Rim mountains. The track reaches a lookout below Mount Cordeaux’s summit before continuing towards Bare Rock.

If you are after something easier, try the short Rainforest circuit at Cunninghams Gap to enjoy the rainforest and views from the Fassifern Valley lookout.

• Difficulty Rating: Moderate
• Start Location: Cunningham’s Gap
• End Location: Cunningham’s Gap
• Route Distance: Varies depending on the trail
• Time to Complete: 2-6 hours
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, and parking available at Cunningham’s Gap
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 116 km, 1.5 hours by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yhCLDhDuUbAVCbDh8

9. Mount Glorious Greenes Falls Circuit

Mount Glorious is in the D’Aguilar Range, beside D’Aguilar National Park. The Grade 3 Greenes Falls track is a favourite with families, reached via the Rainforest circuit from Maiala.

You can take in the falls from the lookout, then retrace the falls track to the Rainforest circuit. There are steps and an uphill return, so allow time for the climb back.

Another option is the shorter Western Window track from Maiala, a 1.2 km return walk offering views over the landscape to the west.

• Difficulty Rating: Easy to Moderate
• Start Location: Maiala day-use area
• End Location: Maiala day-use area
• Route Distance: Approximately 4.3 km return, including the Rainforest circuit approach
• Time to Complete: 1-2 hours
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, and parking available at Maiala day-use area
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 30 km, 45 minutes by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/866jTJmkKtZVmiic9

10. Glasshouse Mountains, Mount Ngungun

There are some excellent hiking trails at Glass House Mountains National Park in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland. The thirteen steep mountains rise abruptly from the coastal plain, providing magnificent views along the coast and hinterland.

One of the best trails in the park is the Mount Ngungun summit walk, a Grade 4 track with steep, rocky sections. Bushwalking experience is recommended.

The summit offers magnificent views along the coast and hinterland. Stay on the track, keep clear of sheer cliff edges and supervise children closely. Don’t attempt this trail in wet weather, as the ground and rocks get slippery.

• Difficulty Rating: Grade 4; steep and rocky, with bushwalking experience recommended
• Start Location: Mount Ngungun car park
• End Location: Mount Ngungun car park
• Route Distance: Approximately 2.8 km
• Time to Complete: 2 hours
• Facilities: Parking available at Mount Ngungun; no toilets or drinking-water facilities
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 70 km, 1 hour by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S7hQv2Q1ySbpPPvX6

11. Mount Edwards

Mount Edwards is in Moogerah Peaks National Park about 100 km from Brisbane CBD. Access is across Moogerah Dam wall from Fred Haigh Park, so check Seqwater’s access notices before travelling.

The track to the top of Mount Edwards is steep and challenging. From the top you can gaze across the mountains of the Scenic Rim range.

This is a demanding Grade 5 climb for experienced bushwalkers. If you plan a swim afterwards, Lake Moogerah’s designated swimming area is at AG Muller Park and can only be used when open. Check Seqwater’s notices first, as the swimming area is currently closed.

• Difficulty Rating: Grade 5; a demanding climb for experienced bushwalkers
• Start Location: Fred Haigh Park, crossing Moogerah Dam wall; check Seqwater access notices before travelling
• End Location: Fred Haigh Park, returning across Moogerah Dam wall during permitted access hours
• Route Distance: Approximately 6 km
• Time to Complete: 3-4 hours
• Facilities: Toilets and parking available at Lake Moogerah
• Distance and Travel Time from CBD: Approximately 100 km, 1.5 hours by car
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SFsQWH2BzHwvVEmn9

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best hikes for panoramic views in Brisbane?

Mount Ngungun offers magnificent views along the coast and hinterland. There are also great lookouts on Springbrook’s Twin Falls Circuit, while experienced climbers can take in the views from Mount Barney’s summit.

What is the most challenging hike near Brisbane?

Mount Barney is one of the toughest hikes in the area. Its summit routes are steep, rocky and undefined, requiring scrambling experience and good navigation skills.

Are there any family-friendly hikes in Brisbane?

Shorter trails include Morans Falls Track in Lamington National Park, a walk suitable for families. The Wellington Point to King Island Walk is another family option, provided you check the tides and return before the sandbar is covered.

How far are these hikes from Brisbane’s CBD?

Springbrook National Park is about 100 km from Brisbane CBD, Mount Edwards is about 100 km away and Mount Barney is about 130 km away.

What should I bring for a day hike in Brisbane?

No matter which hike you choose, take plenty of drinking water, wear sun protection and bring a map. On more challenging and remote hikes like Mount Barney, consider a PLB and tell people where you’re going and when you’ll return. Go with an experienced group or leader and take additional food and water.