Hiking in Brisbane Guide: Best 10 Hikes

Is Brisbane Good for Hiking?

Brisbane is an ideal destination for hikers who like hitting the trails and having strolls amid the natural environment. That is due to a few factors.

Accessibility: Both residents and tourists may readily use Brisbane's many hiking trails since they are conveniently near the city centre. You won't have to go far to discover a hiking route, whether searching for a weekend adventure or a short getaway from the bustle of the city.

Range of Difficulty Levels: Brisbane has hiking paths for every ability level, from experienced hikers searching for a strenuous trip to novices looking for a pleasant stroll. There are simple walks that are short and ideal for families with little children, as well as treks that are more demanding and will challenge your stamina and provide a feeling of success.

Year-Round Hiking: Because of Brisbane's subtropical climate, hiking is feasible all year round. Even though summertime might be oppressively hot and muggy, there are plenty of trails with excellent swimming holes and shady areas to enjoy.

Winter brings sunny skies and fresh mornings, ideal for taking in the great outdoors, while autumn and spring provide warmer temps appropriate for longer excursions.

What To Pack for Hiking in Brisbane?

Knowing what you want to hike is necessary to choose what equipment to bring. Begin by considering what kind of hike you're going on (time, distance, climbing, technical difficulty) and the conditions you expect (climate, season, weather).

Awareness of the nature of your hike and the weather conditions will help you decide on the gear and clothes to pack.  

What to wear when hiking in Brisbane is a vast topic; it comes down to personal preference, but some critical rules will help you. The proper clothing can enhance your hiking experience. An intelligent approach is to use a layering system adaptable to various conditions.

The following are the must-have hiking gear:

A good pair of shoes suited to your hiking terrain and fitness level. Also, a volume of 10 litres for hikes of several hours and up to 70 litres for a multi-day trek without accommodation. Good quality walking socks are essential for comfort and avoiding rubbing and blisters. 

Your hydration system should hold at least 1 litre of water. Go for a backpack with a separate dedicated compartment to keep your water inside the pack or on the straps. Take more water if it's hot or long stretches without access to water.

Always plan your itinerary and research as much online or by reading guidebooks. Depending on what you are used to using, you could take:

• Your cellphone with a GPS application and remember to download the maps before you leave so you can access them offline
• A GPS watch: opt for a watch with an altimeter and barometer
• A topographic map
• An altimeter and compass (less familiar now with the widespread usage of watches and mobile phones) 

As for some overnight hikers, electricity is far more critical when sleeping outdoors. Jackery Portable Power Stations can make hiking more comfortable and convenient by providing enough power to charge essential electronics.

Bring a small power station like the Jackery Explorer 500 or Explorer 300 Plus to charge your electronics (GPS devices, communication tools, and personal electronics) on your hiking trip. They are only the size of a book or a ball, so you can easily take them everywhere.      

Best 10 Hikes In & Around Brisbane 

Brisbane has unexpected and familiar attractions when explored on foot. Brisbane walks present many nooks, crannies, secret beaches, and hidden pathways. In times of no travel, you can explore many hiking trails in Brisbane for a few hours at different difficulty levels.

A hiking tour is a great way to see everything Brisbane's natures offer. Here are Brisbane's top 10 hikes and places to go.  

1. Tamborine Mountain

Location: Queensland 4272, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Tamborine Mountain   

Length: 400m-4.8km

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Hiking Time: Under 2 hours

Nestled just outside Brisbane, Tamborine Mountain is a natural haven, beckoning avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With walking tracks across six sections of Tamborine National Park, it presents options suitable for all fitness levels.

It takes less than an hour to get from the Gold Coast and Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain, a beautiful, wild place. You can see the Pacific Ocean and the City of Gold Coast in the east from this spot. The Scenic Rim National Park is to the west.

2. North Gorge Walk, North Stradbroke Island

Location: Gorge Walk, Point Lookout QLD 4183, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: North Gorge Walk   

Length: 1.2km

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Time: 24 min

The North Gorge Walk is a scenic trail that spans approximately three-quarters of a mile (1.2 kilometres) along the rugged headland of Point Lookout. It's situated on the North Stradbroke Island, treating hikers to breathtaking ocean views and abundant wildlife. 

Check out this one-mile loop trail near Point Lookout, Queensland. Most people consider it an easy walk, usually taking 24 minutes to finish. Many people come here to bird-watch, hike, and run, so you'll probably run into other people while exploring. The trail is beautiful all year so that you can go anytime. There is no leash law for dogs, but they are welcome.

3. Summit Track, MT Coot-Tha

Location: Mount Gravatt QLD 4122, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Summit Track   

Length: 1.9km (one way)

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Time: 1 hour 35 min

The Summit Track in Mt Coot-Tha stands out as one of Brisbane's top hiking trails, drawing in locals and visitors alike. Renowned for its breathtaking views, this iconic peak offers an unrivalled panorama of Brisbane City, stretching across the expanse of Moreton Bay and extending towards the Tweed Volcano, Main Range, Mount Barney, and Flinders Peak.

The stroll takes place in a densely wooded forest, and despite its proximity to the city, it does not provide the impression of being in an urban environment. Upon reaching the summit, you will get to the main summit road. From there, turn right and walk a short distance through the summit parking park. Continue onto the main viewing area, which offers two choices.

4. Natural Bridge Trail, Springbrook National Park

Location: Bakers Rd, Natural Bridge QLD 4211, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Natural Bridge Trail   

Length: 1km

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Time: 19 min

The Natural Bridge Circuit in Springbrook National Park guides you on a scenic journey, crossing the tranquil Cave Creek and leading you into the magnificent arched cave.

Springbrook National Park offers a range of trails to explore, from the famed Natural Bridge Circuit with its stunning waterfalls to the rewarding Twin Falls Circuit, where you can walk behind two cascading falls.

You can start the short but steep switchback trail leading to the bridge's top from the sign. People can't hike or ride bikes on the bridge to protect this fragile resource. After going over the natural bridge, the trail goes along the cliff and back to the road. Be careful on the creek bed because the rocks are wet and can slip.

5. Kondalilla Falls Circuit

Location: Montville QLD 4560, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Kondalilla Falls Circuit   

Length: 4.7km

Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Time: 2 hours 39 min

The Kondalilla Falls circuit is located in the picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland. This hiking trail leads you along the enchanting Picnic Creek circuit as you descend the escarpment and meander past refreshing rock pools.

You can walk down this beautiful trail from the top of Kondalilla Falls to a picnic place. Along the way, you'll see rock pools and stunning views. There are picture palms, bunya pines, and lush jungle at the base of the falls. People who live in the area love swimming at Kondalilla Falls, so bring your swimmers if it's warm.

6. Northbrook Gorges, D'Aguilar National Park

Location: Dundas QLD 4306, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Northbrook Gorges   

Length: 6km

Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Time: 45 min

The Northbrook Gorges in D'Aguilar National ParkPrepare offers a unique blend of swimming and hiking. Prepare to plunge into the calm waters as you swim through two breathtaking freshwater gorges on this 6-kilometre trek. 

Most people choose to do a longer walk and a shorter one. The longer route begins at the parking lot just past the first bridge over Northbrook Creek on the way from Brisbane. Please get to the creek by following the road down to it.

Then, follow the creek upstream. For most of the trip, there is a road that needs to be kept up. There are several water crossings, so wear shoes that can get wet. You should go on this longer walk if you have the time.

7. Araucaria Track, D'Aguilar National Park

Location: 70 Mount Nebo Rd, The Gap QLD 4061, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Araucaria Track   

Length: 5km

Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Time: 2 hours

The Araucaria Track in D'Aguilar National Park is a hiking trail that takes you through the open eucalypt forest, offering breathtaking views of the Enoggera Reservoir.

Look for the forest kingfishers, Pacific bazas, bellbirds, and rose robins flitting among the branches. Also, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable nesting holes created by pardalotes along the hillsides. 

8. Mount Maroon

Location: Barney View QLD 4287, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Mount Maroon   

Length: 6km

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Hiking Time: 3 hours

The famous peak of Mount Maroon is easy to spot as you drive along the road between Boonah and Rathdowney. It rises sharply from the lush plains that surround Mount Barney National Park.

From far away, the mountain is usually covered in a fluffy turban of white clouds that constantly swirl around its peak. But when golden light hits the landscape, the clouds burn off, showing the mountain's stunning peak.

On a clear day, those brave enough to climb to the top of Mt. Maroon will be repaid with stunning views of the whole state of Queensland. The best part of my time on the Scenic Rim was this epic walk, which led to one of the best views in the area. 

9. Mount Barney

Location: Queensland 4287, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Mount Barney   

Length: 2km return (Yellow Pinch), 7.4km return (Lower Portals), 8km return (Upper Portals), 12km return (Cronan Creek Falls)

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

Mount Barney is a challenging 16 km round-trip trek with a difficulty rating of grade 5. It is situated in the Mount Barney National Park area in Queensland. The hike is estimated to be approximately 8-10 hours.

Mt Barney is the tallest summit of the appropriately designated Mt Barney National Park. This location's rocky ridgelines and arduous trek make it a highly desirable achievement for avid hikers.

The ascent of South East Ridge involves a challenging and steep trek, with several sections requiring rock scrambling. Proficiency in navigation, fearlessness of heights, and the ability to scramble over rocks are necessary. 

10. Mount Ngungun, Glass House Mountains

Location: Glass House Mountains QLD 4518, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Website: Mount Ngungun   

Length: 2.8km

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Hiking Time: 2 hours

Tucked within the awe-inspiring Glass House Mountains National Park, Mount Ngungun attracts adventurers seeking a hiking trail that combines breathtaking vistas with a touch of ruggedness.

A well-defined, sloped path that has some steep parts. The trail starts in a clear-cut forest with ferns growing nearby. A short way up the mountain, the trail goes under a small rock ledge that gives a great view of Mt. Tibrogargan.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Hiking

Take your Brisbane hiking adventures to the next level with Jackery Portable Power Stations. Jackery Portable Power Stations are made for people who like being outside and care about the environment and their comfort. They give your tools a safe way to get power while on the go.

Jackery ensures that their Portable Power Stations use lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries for a steady power source. These generators can use the sun's energy now that Jackery Solar Panels are added. This makes them an eco-friendly power source for Brisbane's beautiful scenery.

We recommend Jackery Explorer 500 and 300 Plus for hiking trips since they are compact, portable, and powerful. By taking them, you should never worry about losing electricity.

Jackery Explorer 500

This Jackery Explorer 500 power station is made to withstand harsh weather thanks to its advanced temperature monitors and robust construction that can work in hot and cold conditions. Because it's so durable, it's an excellent choice for hiking, camping trips, outdoor activities, and backup power in an emergency.

With a capacity of 518Wh and a 500W inverter that can handle surges up to 1000W, the Jackery Explorer 500 can support multiple appliance charging, making it a versatile power solution for various needs. It is also designed for convenience, featuring a portable and light design that makes it easy to carry and use wherever power is needed.

The power station has three ways to charge it: solar panels, a wall outlet, and a car plug. This gives you options for how to charge it. With a noise level of 37.9dB, it's a quiet power option that won't bother you while camping or hiking in Brisbane.   

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is a lightweight and efficient power supply designed to meet the power needs for various situations such as hiking, kayaking, picnicking, camping, road trips, and emergency power backup.

This power station has a unique Battery Management System (BMS). It has 52 safety features and 12 BMS algorithms that work together to keep the device and any attached appliances as safe as possible. It also has four kinds of physical security to ensure everyone is safe.

This model stands out because it has an intelligent app control feature that lets users quickly manage the battery through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This makes it more modern and convenient to use. It's also very light - only 8.27 pounds - so it's an excellent choice for people who are always on the go.

Tips for Hiking in Brisbane

Hiking the paths allows you to fully appreciate the remarkable biodiversity found in Brisbane's protected regions and take in all the sights and sounds that nature has to offer. With a few day walks under your belt, consider scheduling a multi-day trek for your next excursion.

We've put up a beginner's guide to some things you should practice and prepare for before your trek to help reduce some of the "think-work.":

Be Well-Prepared

Get ready! This will help you understand what it's like to go hiking for a day and then wake up to go hiking again! In addition to testing your footwear and feet, it will help you develop endurance and show you how well you can manage diet and hydration while hiking for a few days.

Pick meals that will fuel you quickly and won't cause you to "crash" or "hit the wall." Practice using your portable hiking stove if you want to cook while trekking. Make sure it gets regular servicing and has adequate gasoline. Pick easy-to-prepare dishes!

Develop Your Resilience

It's difficult to hike with a hefty load! However, exercising and conditioning your body and mind before embarking on a multi-day trip may increase your physical and mental resilience.

Planning to walk often, packing your equipment and backpack, selecting rolling terrain, and increasing your time on your feet are all important for maintaining consistency.

Climbing stairs or a steep slope and back can amp up the task's difficulty. When you are trekking in the wilderness, you must persevere until you reach your target;  therefore, learn to push through your feelings of fatigue and deceleration.

Practice More

Learn how to walk in various weather conditions, including high humidity, direct sunlight, strong winds, rain, and cold, by practising outside (when it's safe to do so, not during electrical storms or pouring rain!). To determine if your equipment can survive these circumstances, you must also test it.

Check Hiking Trails & Facilities

The call of nature will inevitably arise, so be ready for it when it does! There are restrooms in some parks and camping places, but only in a few. See the recommendations for the park or forest you want to visit to see what amenities are available and what you should pack. You may need to bring along a trowel. You may also need to practice squatting!

Hiking in Brisbane FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about hiking in Brisbane:

1. Where to go for a hike in Brisbane?

It must be Mt Coot-tha Reserve, Mt Coot-tha. You can't miss the mountain if you want to walk in Brisbane. At any time of the day, Mt. Coot-tha Reserve is a great place to walk because it has 70 different trails to discover and lots of tree cover.

2. What is the longest hike in Brisbane?

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is Australia's most extensive recreational rail trail. It goes from Wulkuraka to Yarraman along the old Brisbane Valley Railway line for 161 kilometres.

3. How long to walk up to MT Coot, Tha?

The answer is 1 hour 35 min. You can walk this 3.4-mile track that goes out and back near Brisbane, Queensland. The path is generally considered moderately complex and takes 1 hour and thirty-five minutes to finish. Many people come here to bird-watch, hike, and run, so you'll probably run into other people while exploring.

4. Are there mountains near Brisbane?

On Brisbane's western border in Queensland, Australia is a mountain range known as the Taylor Range, sometimes the Herbert Taylor Range. When John Oxley first visited the region in January 1824, he named it The Glenmorrison Range.    

Final Thoughts

Brisbane offers a tonne of fantastic hiking opportunities. Look at our range of excursions, including fair dinkum bushwalks and enjoyable family outings. Sunscreen, water, snacks, clothing suited for the weather, a map, a phone (signal service may vary), and a Jackery Portable Power Station are all necessities.