Move over, rainforest walks and secret hike spots, because Brisbane is coming at you with some seriously stunning urban walks. Think gorgeous cityscapes, riverside strolls and enough greenery to have you reconsidering ever needing to leave our humble city.
All you have to do is don your best activewear and pick a path (or four). Completely convinced? Here are some of the best walks Brisbane wide.
New Farm To Hamilton
New Farm, Teneriffe And Newstead
Traditionally utilised by cycling enthusiasts, locals walking their four-legged companions and the occasional tourist, the New Farm to Hamilton walk was made for urban exploring. The trail is as long as you want to make it and takes in the Brisbane Powerhouse, Newstead House and Portside Wharf—if you make it that far.
Starting at the Sydney Street Ferry terminal, wind your way through Merthyr Park and take a bit of a detour around the Methyr Bowls Club to New Farm Park before arriving at the Brisbane Powerhouse. From here it's a boardwalk over the river down to Teneriffe, where you'll need to take another detour on Skyring Terrace before circling back to the river. Then it's a wide riverside path all the way up to Newstead House, over the brand new green bridge and on to Hamilton, where you can take a ferry back or recoup with a gelato at Rosé Gelateria.
Shorncliffe Walk
Sandgate
Image credit: bertknot | Flickr
Combining the best of North Brisbane’s coastal scenery with the opportunity to stop and partake in more than a few café brunches, the Shorncliffe Walk is nothing to scoff at. Starting from the intersection of Friday Street and Allpass Parade, this two-and-a-half-kilometre return track winds along the bayside until it reaches the stunning Shorncliffe Pier.
Shorncliffe and neighbouring Sandgate are home to a number of heritage-listed buildings and it's well worth keeping your eyes peeled for their facades, which you’ll find peeking out from behind more familiar surroundings.
Kangaroo Point To City
Kangaroo Point, Brisbane City And South Bank
No walking guide to Brisbane would be complete without mention of the Kangaroo Point to City Walk. This five-kilometre inner-city walking track covers everything from mangroves to botanic gardens to the CBD's collection of mouth-watering riverside bars and restaurants.
Start your walk at the Maritime Museum, head towards Kangaroo Point for stunning views over the CBD, cross over the Story Bridge, then wind your way back towards the city along the riverfront. Feeling bold? You could always go in the opposite direction and attempt to tackle the notorious Kangaroo Point stairs as a final workout.
Brisbane Riverwalk
New Farm
If there’s one thing you can say about Brisbanites, it’s that we love our river. The Brisbane Riverwalk takes this passion to a whole new level. The 870-metre track allows you to tramp along the most scenic area of the river between New Farm and the historic Howard Street Wharves.
Bonus, it's split for cyclists and walkers, so you can enjoy a relaxing stroll without worrying about being mowed down by a stray peloton. Brisbane Riverwalk also links up with the riverside boardwalk to the CBD, so if you can’t get enough of those river views you can continue exploring straight into the heart of Brisbane.
Boondall Wetlands
Nudgee
Image credit: KAI0831 | Flickr
Not many people know that Boondall has more than just an entertainment centre, let alone an awesome boardwalk through stunning wetlands, the wetlands themselves being 1150 hectares of tidal flats, saltmarshes, grasslands and open forest. Get a bit of seabreeze into your hair and some steps into your legs as you see a different side to Brisbane and meet some of the wetland creatures, including unique bird life.
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Wynnum To Manly Shoreline
Wynnum And Manly
Breathe in some salty air along this ten-kilometre return walk from Brisbane’s southern bayside promenade to the Manly Boat Harbour—perfect for a sunset photo or two. You'll also take in Wynnum’s 1930s tidal pool, not to mention plenty of ocean views and fresh, salty air to really freshen you up.
The UQ Loop
St Lucia
If you’ve never seen the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus during jacaranda season, you’re missing out. UQ—located only a hop, skip and jump (or Citycat trip) from the CBD—is not only a hallowed hall of learning (or dreaded beast, depending on which student you ask) but also doubles as one of the prettiest urban walks in Brisbane.
The aptly nicknamed UQ Loop winds through the stunning lakes, home to a number of native Australian wildlife, before continuing up into the campus itself. If you time your visit right, you might just spot the adorable fluffy waddle of tiny ducklings.
West End To QAGOMA
West End And South Brisbane
West End's riverside walk features wide open pathways all the way up to South Bank. From Orleigh Park, just follow Riverside Drive along the curve of the river that will eventually bring you to the South Bank boardwalk, where you can nip in to one of the local cafes for a takeaway coffee, or continue over any of the nearby bridges straight into the city or over to Toowong.
Mt Coot-tha
Mt Coot-tha
Image credit: Sam Petherbridge | Flickr
Starting from the Mt Coot-tha lookout and winding down to the JC Slaughter Falls picnic area, Summit Track is one of the most iconic bushwalks in Brisbane, and for very good reason. This trail features an Aboriginal art trail, a gushing waterfall (after a good rain day) and spectacular views over the city from the summit. Sunset is a particular favourite, as the sun paints the sky in the most gorgeous colours, while many locals use the trail purely for exercise. Trust us, those killer views are definitely worth the effort.
Toohey Forest
Tarragindi
One of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets, Toohey Forest Reserve in Tarragindi covers 260 hectares, ensuring there's plenty of room to move. There are lots of trails surrounded by super green undergrowth making it a zen place to get away from it all. The best part about Toohey Forest is that pooches are welcome on all the trails.
Springwood Conservation Park
Springwood
What used to be a quarry site is now a hidden forest paradise set in the middle of suburban Brisbane. Springwood Conservation Park boasts caves and cliffs, a gorge and rocks precariously balanced atop one another as well as wildlife including koalas and sugar gliders. Try the short Stringybark Lookout track at 570 metres, or the Gorge Discover Circuit at 1.45 kilometres, which will take you out to the gorge and back. Just be prepared to tackle a deathly set of stairs that will put your buns and legs to the test.
Daisy Hill Conservation Park
Daisy Hill
Daisy Hill Conservation Park is a slice of natural paradise right on Brisbane’s doorstep. The Buhot Creek Circuit covers nine kilometres of towering eucalyptus trees, tranquil waterholes and a plethora of Australian wildlife—including kookaburras and the odd wallaby. And if you find yourself still with energy to burn, just nearby is Venman Bushland National Park, another tranquil pocket of nature in Mt Cotton.
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