22 Brisbane Walks That Will Take Your Breath Away

Discover new spots to take seriously insta-worthy snaps.

1. Holman Street Ferry to Kangaroo Point Cliffs

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You can't say you really live in, or even appreciate, Brisbane until you've stood at the top of Kangaroo Point Cliffs looking towards to the glass towers of the CBD. This 1.6km track is flat, weaving along the riverside before you climb the "dreaded Kangaroo Point stairs". You only have to do it once, and this is an easy route.

2. Toolona Creek Circuit

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You see that waterfall in the picture? That's the goal. Take the 17.4km Toolona Creek Circuit through Lamington National Park. Allow at least six hours, and don't forget snacks.

3. Clontarf to Redcliffe

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Sometimes the smell of the ocean is all you need. Rather than trek north or south to the coast, head to bayside for a scenic walk with a spot of history. Start at Clontarf and head along the coast via Woody Point to reach Redcliffe. It should take about 90 minutes and you pass by a 19th century ship wreck.

4. Clem Jones Promenade

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It is no challenging hike but the Clem Jones Promenade guarantees a few interesting views. A gentle wander along the flat 1km path comes with the promise of city views and excellent people watching.

5. North Gorge Walk

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You shouldn't need an excuse to hop over to North Stradbroke Island, but if you do - the North Gorge Walk puts forth a compelling case. Experience the natural beauty with a 1.5km walk. This is also a great spot for whale-watching.

6. Greenes Falls track

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The drive up to Mount Glorious is - you guessed it - glorious. Park the car and set off from Maiala on the Greenes Falls track. The circuit takes two hours and reaches a lookout at one point.

7. Brisbane River Circuit

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This is the walk that takes in the big sights. Start at the top of Kangaroo Point Cliffs, walk over the Story Bridge and down through the city past Eagle Street Pier and through the Botanic Gardens. Pass through the CBD, over the Kurilpa Bridge and into South Bank. If you took it leisurely, head into GOMA for some #arts. If you did it seriously, cool off with a dip in Streets Beach.

8. CBD Contemporary Art and Architecture Trail

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Speaking of art, don't just get fit on your walk - teach yourself something too. Brisbane City Council has strung together a 1.8km trail through the CBD that pinpoints and details different pieces.

9. Tree Top Walk

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Surprisingly few Brisbane locals know about the Tree Top Walk. Made up of nine suspension bridges, the 180m walkway takes you through ancient Gondwana rainforest approximately 15m above the ground. At one point, climb a vertical ladder a further 15m to the top of an old tree and get a true bird's eye view over the rainforest canopy.

The walk is short and easy, but there are plenty more in the area to explore.

10. The Desert, Moreton Island

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Remember how we have that giant sand island nearby? From Tangalooma Island Resort, walk along a track from the western beach and over a large sand dune. Give yourself at least two hours to explore a few kilometres. Walking on sand is hard, walking on sand hills is next level.

11. Box Forest Circuit, Lamington National Park

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Another waterfall for your walking bucket list - Elabana Falls. Take the 10.9km Box Forest Circuit going clockwise (it starts 3.2km along the Border Track). You'll wander past some of the oldest ever carbon-dated trees on Australia's mainland, and pass Picnic Rock and Elabana Falls on the way.

12. Teneriffe to Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

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Start by the water at Teneriffe and take your time walking by the river along the little-known Submariner's Walk, past the Brisbane Powerhouse (stop for a drink if you need), along the New Farm Riverwalk and reach your destination at the City Botanic Gardens. The walk takes around 1.5 hours.

13. Pumicestone Passage, Bribie Island

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Bribie Island is about 65km north of Brisbane CBD and this 40 minute walk from Bongaree to Bellara goes through parkland along Pumicestone Passage. The passage is quite shallow with sandy banks and salty water. You're guaranteed to spot pelicans as well as plenty of other birds.

14. Araucaria Track, Enoggera Reserve

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Begin at Walkabout Creek's visitor centre and head around the shores the tranquil Enoggera Reservoir. Bring the binoculars for wildlife spotting as you pass giant hoop pines on this 5km or two-hour track.

15. Somerset Trail, Mt Mee

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The Somerset Trail is a four hour walk that passes through scribbly gum forests, rainforest and dry open forest. The reward for your trek is the western views to Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe about halfway.

16. Wynnum to Manly

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The seaside villages of Wynnum and Manly sit 20 minutes drive from the city on the south side. Wynnum's Foreshore has a 1930's tidal pool and a jetty to explore before setting off along the recently renovated pathway. Manly's Boat Harbour is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and it makes a great backdrop while you explore the farmer's market, shops and cafes. The return walk is approximately 10km overall.

17. Arbour Walk, South Bank

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South Bank's iconic Arbour Walk stretches for 1km through the city parklands. The award-winning design comes to life when the bougainvillea plants climbing up its 443 curling, galvanised steel posts burst into bright magenta flowers.

18. Rous Battery Track, Moreton Island

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Explore Brisbane's past on Moreton Island via the old Rous Battery service road. Remnants of a World War II forts are scattered around the dunes on this 9.8km track. Allow 3.5 hours to wander through sandy, scribbly gum forests.

19. Gold Creek Reservoir, Upper Brookfield

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Not far from the city, trek the 5.5km track around the circumference of the reservoir through thick bush. Starting at the dam, head counter-clockwise to tackle the steep end of the track first.

20. Summit Track, Mt Coot-tha

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If you've got visitors in town, chances are you'll take them up Mt Coot-tha for panoramic views of the city. This track begins at JC Slaughter Falls Picnic Area and ends at the Mt Coot-tha Lookout 1.9km later.

21. Daisy Hill Conservation Park

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Daisy Hill is filled will mixed use trails. It means the possibility of sharing the tracks with mountain bikers and horse riders, but comes with the bonus of seeing koalas before or after. Most trails are less than 2km in length, but there is the 9km Buhot Creek circuit for those seeking a challenge. The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is free to visit, and houses a few educational koalas.

22. Bramble Bay to Shorncliffe

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The 70 minute walk from Bramble Bay to Shorncliffe takes in a slice of Brisbane's past. Along the foreshore, stop by Sandgate on the way to embrace the seaside village life, refresh yourself at Cardigan Bar and check out heritage buildings including the old town hall and post office.