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Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon

Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon

4.9 km return

1 h to 1 h 45 min

Starting from the car park off the Esplanade, Cairns North, this return walk gives you a tour of the coastal area next to the mudflats via a wheelchair friendly track, visiting a lagoon along the way. Take a leisurely stroll along the mudflats and the ocean, then cool off in the exceptionally scenic lagoon as you enjoy the coastal views. Featuring multiple cafes and playgrounds throughout, this flat and concrete track is great for families. You can bring your dog along as well, but make sure you keep him/her on a leash and away from the lagoon. The vast mudflat area next to the track is home to many migrating birds coming from all around the world. Amongst them, the eastern curlew is truly a sight to see with its long, eye-catching beak. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Coochiemudlo Island Circuit

Coochiemudlo Island Circuit

5 km circuit

1 h to 2 h 30 min

Starting from the southern jetty off Victoria Parade S, Coochiemudlo Island, this walk takes you on a coastal circuit around the island, exploring the beaches, bushland and wetland throughout. This heavenly piece of land features multiple scenic beaches for you to swim in, along with cafes and other attractions around the island. Expect to see interesting bird species in the mangroves. There are many informative signposts that tell you more about the local area and history. Speaking of, the island was first discovered by a British explorer named Matthew Flinders in 1799. Remember to wear a hat and put on sunscreen. Also, bring some insect repellent to protect yourself from the mosquitoes. The island is reachable by a ferry and car barge from Victoria Point. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Ferry

Gold Creek Reservoir Circuit

Gold Creek Reservoir Circuit

5 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

5 km

Circuit

Starting from Gold Creek Reservoir Carpark at the end of Gold Creek Road, Brookfield, this circuit walk pivots around the reservoir via the Gold Creek Reservoir Walking Track, visiting multiple viewpoints along the way. Built in 1885 to support Enoggera Dam, Gold Creek Dam actually has the world's first concrete stepped spillway. You’ll get a good view of the dam/spillway near the start, along with the opportunity to view it from the foreshore with a tiny detour. Don’t forget to take in the scenery and observe the colourful butterflies when you’re there. Other than that, the track is nicely shaded and a regular trail run destination for many. Expect to see and hear plenty of bird species throughout the journey. The track may be overgrown in parts. Keep an eye out for snakes, and bring an insect repellent to save you from the mozzies(Australian slang for mosquitoes). Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Run

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Environment

Starting from the Bald Rock Creek Day Use Area on Pyramids Road, Girraween National Park, this walk takes you to The Junction and back via The Junction Walk. This relatively easy walk explores the banks of Bald Rock Creek in the northern section of Girraween National Park, leading to its junction with Ramsay Creek. The walk initially follows the creek past the Bald Rock Creek Campground, then crosses the creek on stepping stones before heading along The Junction Track. The walk continues across bare granite along the northern bank of Bald Rock Creek, following the creek downstream to its junction with Ramsay Creek, passing several rock pools and granite boulders. At the point where the two creeks meet, walkers will find an excellent swimming hole that is a popular swimming spot in summer. A variety of wildlife, birds and reptiles can be seen along the way, and in spring, there are stunning displays of colourful wildflowers. This walk consists of wide, mostly flat walking trails, with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces, rocky surfaces and creek crossings, suitable for average fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Junction Walk

5 km return

1 h 30 min to 2 h

Environment

Starting from Harding’s Paddock Picnic Area & Campground, Goolman, this walk takes you on a circuit in the northern parts of Flinders - Goolman Conservation Estate, visiting the Goolman Lookout with a side trip. Expect a peaceful & quiet walk that gives you a bit of a challenge with its elevation changes along with lovely views of the Scenic Rim between the trees. The lookout provides westerly views over the city of Peak Crossing. You’ll be walking along mostly even and wide fire trails that are well-maintained. After the hike, you can enjoy a good picnic at Harding’s Paddock as you take in the scenery. Keep in mind that the tracks don’t have much shade, therefore lots of water and a hat can go a long way. Try to avoid doing this track midday in summer. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Goolman Lookout Circuit

5 km circuit

2 h to 3 h 15 min

Goolman Lookout Circuit

Environment

Clear Mountain CP - One Mile Creek Circuit

Clear Mountain CP - One Mile Creek Circuit

5.1 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

5.1 km

Circuit

Starting from Clear Mountain Road, Cashmere, this walk takes you on a circuit in the southeastern parts of Clear Mountain Conservation Park, crossing One Mile Creek(might be dry) twice along the way. With its short but steep elevation changes, this track will make you feel your quads and calves surrounded in a nice remote setting. Although it feels remote, it’s actually quite close to central Brisbane. The woodland is home to many interesting bird species along with some cute koalas, so keep an eye out on treetops. There may be loose shale on the track so wear some grippy shoes to stay safe. Signage along the way appears to be minimal, prepare accordingly. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

Run

45 min to 1 h 30 min

Pets

Environment

Camp Mountain Sutton Court Circuit

Camp Mountain Sutton Court Circuit

5.1 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

5.1 km

Circuit

Starting from South McLean Road, Camp Mountain, this circuit walk takes you to the summit of Camp Mountain via the Sutton Court Track, then loops back to the start via the Dam Track and Link Road Track. There might be a possible creek crossing along Link Road depending on the recent rainfall. Expect stunning views of Brisbane City and Moreton Bay from the lookout. There is a BBQ area with toilets nearby where you can rest and have a quality picnic. The tracks are wide and peacefully quiet most of the time, featuring a refreshing breeze that cools you off. Keep an eye out for bee hives as you make your way through the eucalypt forest. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

Environment

Starting from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the Strangler Cairn and back via the Conondale Range Great Walk Track, optionally visiting a barred up abandoned gold mine entrance along the way. A granite cairn made by renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy that has a strangler fig sapling planted on top of it, the Strangler Cairn stands 4 metres tall. With its strong way of construction, it’s believed that the structure will be able to withstand the crushing power of the fig encaging it. If it stays intact as predicted, this unique work of art will be of exceptional value to future generations. The subtropical rainforest mixed with wet sclerophyll forest is home to plenty of interesting wildlife such as goannas of different sizes. Keep an eye out for snakes as well. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek twice on foot unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

The Strangler Cairn

5.1 km return

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Carindale to Minnippi Parklands

Carindale to Minnippi Parklands

5.2 km oneway

1 h 15 min to 2 h

Starting from the intersection of Meadowbank Street and Waverney Court, Carindale, embark on a serene journey from Carindale to Minnippi Parklands, where nature and wildlife abound. This scenic route takes you across sturdy wooden bridges over creek crossings, through peaceful surroundings inhabited by ducks, turtles, and other animals like the occasional koala. Take a break at the lagoon and fuel up in the picnic shelters while the kids enjoy the nearby playground. It's a perfect route to enjoy a peaceful stroll or bike ride with your furry friend on a lead. There's also a dog park reachable by a small side trip along the way. You can end the journey with a scenic stop through the Porter's Paddock Outlook, again via a side trip. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Scarborough Beach to Albatross Canal

Scarborough Beach to Albatross Canal

5.3 km oneway

1 h 15 min to 2 h

Starting from Scarborough Beach car park, Scarborough, this one-way walk takes you to the Albatross Canal from the beach via the Moreton Bay Cycleway. This journey offers a refreshing experience with stunning coastal views, including the Glass House Mountains on a clear day. Casuarina and cotton trees dominate the area, providing ample shade and ambience. Additionally, there's a playground where children can actually climb some of the cotton trees. The trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, and dogs are allowed on-leash. There are multiple cafes and picnic shelters where you can stop and soak in the views while refuelling. Speaking of soaking, don't forget to cool off and sunbathe at the beach. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from Bunya Street(Tourist Drive 23), Maleny, this circuit walk follows the Obi Obi Creek for most of the way along The Maleny Trail, visiting the historic ‘Fairview’ Pattemore House midway through. A 90 minute drive from Brisbane, this is one of, if not the, best destination for platypus viewing in Queensland. Come early or late in the afternoon to increase your chances of spotting one. And if you follow the instructions provided at the viewing platform, you’re almost guaranteed to see some. Along with platypuses, there are lots of bird species for you to look out for. As you’re hiking through the serene scenery, you’ll come across the historic ‘Fairview’ Pattemore House as mentioned before. This state heritage listed farmhouse was built in 1907 for Emily and John Pattemore by their 4 sons. Don’t forget to view the ‘Peace in the Trees’ sculptures on the side of the track as well. There are also plenty of spots for you to rest and BBQ areas to enjoy a creekside picnic. Remember to take a hat and apply sunscreen as the track is fairly exposed. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Maleny Trail

5.3 km circuit

1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min

1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min

Environment

Green Arrow Walking Track to Mount Whitfield

Green Arrow Walking Track to Mount Whitfield

5.3 km return

2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min

5.3 km

Return

Starting from the end of The Peak Road, Brinsmead, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Whitfield and back via the Green Arrow Walking Track, exploring the lively rainforest along the way. A favourite amongst trail runners, this track features urban, rural and natural views throughout. The rainforest canopy provides a good amount of shade, and the tracks are decent enough to work those calves out. Remember to take in the scenery every once in a while and look for goannas and tree kangaroos. The tracks may become slippery after rainfall, so take care and wear grippy footwear. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min

Run

1 h to 1 h 45 min

Environment

Starting from the end of Moogerah Connection Road, Moogerah, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Edwards and back, crossing the dam of Lake Moogerah along the way. As you take the final steps and reach the top, expect to be welcomed by rewarding northeasterly views of Mount French in the distance. Fassifern and Aratula are visible from here as well, and you can even see the Brisbane skyline on a clear day. The wide, shaded track up the slope is short, but gives you and your legs quite a challenge as it is unrelentingly steep. On the way up, keep an eye out for wallabies and lizards. The scenic dam wall can make for a great picnic spot after the hefty hike. Look out for turtles in the water as you savor the views over Lake Moogerah and Reynolds Creek. Keep in mind that there may be snakes along the track. Be extra cautious around the cliffs as they are not fenced. Take lots of water and avoid hot days to have a better hiking experience. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mount Edwards

5.4 km return

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Cafe

Environment

Mount Nebo Lookout via Morelia

Mount Nebo Lookout via Morelia

5.4 km return

2 h to 3 h

Starting from the car park off Mount Nebo Road, Lake Manchester, this walk takes you to Mount Nebo Lookout and back via the Morelia Walking Track. Listen to the sounds of whipbirds and bellbirds as you make your way through the lush rainforest of D'Aguilar. After the tranquil hike up to the lookout, enjoy the hypnotic views over Samford Valley and Brisbane in the distance, including the scenic Moreton Bay. You may run into some kangaroos and bush turkeys whilst admiring the soaring gum trees and cabbage-palm trees. The car park can fill up quite quickly, so come early. Keep in mind that the track can be a little slippery and muddy at times. Remember to take plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment