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Brisbane Botanic Gardens to Mount Coot-Tha

Brisbane Botanic Gardens to Mount Coot-Tha

7.2 km return

2 h 45 min to 4 h

1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from the bus stop near the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Mount Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Coot-Tha mostly via the Spotted Gum Trail. The said trail has majestic Spotted Gum Trees along it, which are home to cockatoos as well as other animal species. Keep an eye out for goshawks as well, you might see one if you get lucky. Expect a great scenery as you make your way through the peaceful eucalypt forest. You’ll be crossing the branches of Toowong Creek which are best viewed after some decent rain. The summit has almost everything you need; panoramic views over Brisbane, a restaurant & a cafe, and of course the much-needed toilet facilities. Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to access this trail between 8AM and 4PM. Although dogs are allowed on leash in Mount Coot-Tha Reserve, the botanic gardens does not allow them. 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

Cafe

Environment

Toohey Forest & Nathan Circuit

Toohey Forest & Nathan Circuit

7.2 km circuit

2 h to 3 h 15 min

Starting from Toohey Picnic Area car park off Toohey Road, Salisbury, this circuit walk takes you through Toohey Forest, optionally visiting the Sandstone Lookout along the way. The Toohey Forest & Nathan Circuit is a tranquil walk through a eucalypt woodland. The creek flows after rainfall, creating a refreshing atmosphere. The walk provides a variety of options for customisation and is challenging enough to get the heart rate up without being too technical or long. The Toohey Forest is home to over 400 native animals, including the short-beaked echidna, red-browed finch, rainbow lorikeet, koalas and more. Wildflowers are abundant, especially in spring, and the canopy provides ample shade. Dogs are allowed on lead. Although the tracks are mostly well-maintained, there is not much signage, so it is advisable to pay more attention to the app/map. The forest can get quite busy during peak times. 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

Urban

Bus

Starting from the car park off Duringan Street, this walk takes you on a circuit in the coastal and urban areas of Currumbin, visiting beaches, parks and lookouts along the way. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around and in the suburbs as you get acquainted with the area. Enjoy the panoramic coastal views over the various beaches, then head into the urban part of the city as you go through lovely little parks with plenty of greenery. After the urban section, you’ll cross the Currumbin Creek to visit the Beree-Badalla Reserve of Palm Beach. Although it’s not a remote hike that’ll make you forget about real life, this customizable track can still give you a good exercise whilst enjoying the advantages of being in the city. Sunbathe in the gorgeous beaches, dive into the welcoming waters of the Pacific and eat at any restaurant of your choice. Remember to put on sunscreen and wear a hat. Dogs are allowed on leash along the track, but you’ll need to follow the signage and avoid flagged areas when it comes to the beaches. 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

Currumbin Scenic Circuit

7.2 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 3 h

Currumbin Scenic Circuit

Environment

Mount Baldy and Yabi Circuit

Mount Baldy and Yabi Circuit

7.3 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 4 h

1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from Rifle Range Road, Atherton, this circuit walk takes you to the summits of Mount Baldy and Yabi Mountain, exploring the dense rainforest along with the open woodland of Herberton Range State Forest. Both summits provide you panoramic views over the surrounding land, especially towards the town of Atherton and Lake Tinaroo in the distance. Notice the change in vegetation as you travel through the different sections of the track. You’ll come across lots of bird species such as cockatoos and house sparrows throughout the journey. Gliders and possums reside in the area as well. In fact, the word ‘Yabi’ actually means possum in the aboriginal language of the Tableland Yidinji People. Please take good care of their country out of respect. Keep in mind that there may be loose rocks on the track. Avoid coming during/after rainfall as the track can be slippery when wet. 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

Plunkett and Wickham Circuit

Plunkett and Wickham Circuit

7.3 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

7.3 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Starting from the end of Flesser Road, Tamborine, this walk takes you on a circuit in the woodlands of Plunkett Conservation Park and Wickham National Park, optionally visiting the Grass Tree Lookout with a side trip. Embark on a pleasant journey in the open eucalypt forest that is richened by the grass trees and colourful wildflowers sprinkled throughout the track. The lively forest is home to koalas and southern greater gliders, so keep an eye on treetops to have a chance of spotting one. Rare bird species such as the white-throated needletail and Albert’s lyrebird reside in the park as well. Dogs are allowed to join you on this track considering they’re on leash. 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

The Cascades & Ridge Circuit

The Cascades & Ridge Circuit

7.3 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 4 h

Starting from the Manna Gum camping area, Goomburra, this walk takes you on a circuit in the woodlands of Main Range National Park, exploring the foreshores of Dalrymple Creek and a ridge along the way. You’ll be hiking through a dense forest that has great scenery, with half the walk near water. Take your time and listen to the burbling sound of water as you make your way through. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended due to the steepness of certain parts of the track. Keep an eye out for snakes and cover your legs to be safe. Hiking poles may come in handy on steep descents. 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

Starting from the car park at the end of Wynnum North Road, Wynnum, this gives you a tour of Moreton Bay via the same-titled cycleway, passing by many parks and cafes along the way. Expect a straightforward, paved and flat track that is full of coastal views and resting spots to take in the scenery. You’ll be feeling the ocean breeze on your face as you get to know the beautiful parts of Moreton Bay. It’s also wheelchair and pram accessible, making it perfect for families. As the name suggests you can ride along this long stretch of a track as well. Parks along the way have drinking water fountains for easy refill. Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat as the track is quite exposed. The area is quite busy due its location and popularity, so avoid peak hours if you want to have more space. 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

Moreton Bay Cycleway

7.4 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 3 h

1 h 45 min to 3 h 45 min

Environment

Starting from Kara Crescent, Airlie Beach, this walk takes you to the Honeyeater Lookout via the Conway Circuit/Whitsunday Great Walk and Honeyeater Walk tracks, exploring the lush rainforest of Conway National Park along the way. The breathtaking panoramic views over Airlie Beach and the coast beyond will feel extra satisfactory after the challenging uphill hike you’ve just conquered. The Whitsunday Islands one one side, mountains of Dryander National Park on the other. You may regret taking on this hike until the very last step, but once you set your eyes on the coastline all that background noise will leave it place to serenity and the feeling of completion. The sound of kookaburras and cockatoos may add to your experience as well. You’ll be protected from sunlight for most of the track, but the humidity can be extremely dehydrating nonetheless. Take plenty of water and come early to minimize effects of said humidity. Decent trekking shoes are recommended as the track can be slippery at times. Watch out for spiders and snakes throughout the track. 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

Honeyeater Lookout

7.4 km return

2 h to 4 h

Environment

West Mulgrave Falls Track

West Mulgrave Falls Track

7.5 km return

5 h to 6 h 30 min

Starting from Windin Falls Carpark and Trailhead on Gourka Road, this advanced hike takes you to the waterfall along West Mulgrave River and back, exploring the woodland of Wooroonooran National Park along the way. Embark on an epic and challenging journey that includes bush-bashing, creek crossing and navigating through a dense forest. The effort will be grand, yet the stunning waterfall and the rock pools below make this trip worthwhile. It’s a high chance that you’ll be the only one in the area, so you can expect to have the rock pools to yourself. This also means that you need to be extra careful. The track is marked by pink string/tape, therefore you need to have navigational equipment just in case. The creek crossings may become dangerous in the wet season with the steep parts becoming slippery as well, so try to do the hike under dry conditions. There are lots of leeches in the area so an insect repellent may come in quite handy. Look out for wild boars(feral pigs). 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

Little Bald Rock Walking Track

Little Bald Rock Walking Track

7.5 km return

3 h to 4 h

Starting from Bald Rock picnic area this return walk takes you through forests of mountain gum and past granite swellings to the summit of Little Bald Rock for views over New South Wales and Queensland. Let us begin by acknowledging the Jukembal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the end of Venman Road, Mount Cotton, this walk takes you on a circuit in the Venman Bushland National Park, crossing Tingalpa and Billabong creeks along the way. Named after Jack Burnett Venman, this bushland consists of eucalypt trees and lowland rainforest, along with other plant species. You may come across some fluffy koalas and greater gliders, along with not-so-fluffy eastern water dragons and lace monitor lizards. This peaceful stroll in nature can end or start with a festive picnic in the scenic picnic tables throughout the track. An insect repellent can come in clutch against the mozzies(Australian slang for mosquitos). Keep in mind that dogs, horses and mountain bikes are not allowed in the park. 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

Venman Bushland Circuit

7.6 km circuit

2 h to 3 h 15 min

Venman Bushland Circuit

Environment

Mount Mathieson and Spicers Gap Circuit

Mount Mathieson and Spicers Gap Circuit

7.6 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

7.6 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

Run

1 h 15 min to 2 h

Starting from Spicers Gap Road, Swanfels, this circuit walk takes you to the summit of Mount Mathieson and through the Spicers Gap, optionally visiting the Governors Chair lookout along the way. Get ready to embark on a truly beautiful journey in the diverse woodland of Main Range NP. From vast grasslands to picturesque rock faces, this track is full of exceptional views of nature. Spicers Gap used to be the main route over the Great Dividing Range in this area. In fact, the early governors of Queensland used to rest on the aforementioned Governors Chair along their trip. You’ll find several informational signposts about the history of the area, so delve into those if you want to learn more about those times. Lots of different bird species reside in the national park, so there’s a good chance you’ll be accompanied by birdsong throughout your hike. The Pioneer picnic area near the start can make a great spot for a well-earned rest and feast afterwards. A little bit of rock scrambling involved. Keep an eye out for snakes along the track. Whilst driving up to the starting point, approach from the east if you don’t have a 4WD vehicle as the western approach requires lots of traction and power. 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 Chalcot Road, Anstead, this walk takes you on a circuit in the woodland of Moggill Conservation Park, crossing Little Ugly Creek and Pullen Creek along the way. Expect a quiet and serene walk amidst thin, picturesque trees. The sound of eastern whipbirds will accompany you throughout the track, but you’ll have a chance to spot rare bird species such as the black-breasted button-quail and black-chinned honeyeater as well. The lively forest is also home to koalas, bandicoots and lace monitors, so have that camera ready at all times. Parts of the track are quite steep and slippery, so grippy hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. Hiking poles may come in handy as well. Try to avoid the track after decent rainfall as the creek crossings may become dangerous due to the water level and speed. 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

Moggill CP Circuit

7.9 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Environment

Upper Portals to Confluence

Upper Portals to Confluence

7.9 km return

2 h 45 min to 4 h

Starting from Waterfall Creek Road, Maroon, this return walk takes you to the confluence of Yamaha and Mount Barney creeks via the Upper Portals track, following Yamaha Creek along the way. Note that you’ll need to have a 4WD vehicle to access the starting point. As you’re hiking along the creek bed, keep an eye out for different species of wildflowers including native orchids and formosa lilies. If you’re here in spring, expect to see heaps of them on your way to the confluence. You’ll have a chance to see lots of butterfly species as well. When you finally get to where the creeks conjoin, you’ll be welcomed by little waterfalls and deep rock pools that are secluded. Pack a lunch and have a little picnic after the swim to add to the experience. Watch out for snakes along the track and check the water before dipping in to be safe. 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

Swim

Environment