16 Brisbane Hikes That Will (Literally) Take Your Breath Away

Because the gym is crowded and leg day isn't going to do itself.

1. Mount Coot-tha

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Difficulty: Easy

Mount Coot-tha is Brisbane's resident mountain and a short drive for anyone living in the city. Pack a picnic, get your mates off the couch and enjoy this easy 2km graded track with sweeping views of the city. It's the perfect contrast between serenity and the concrete jungle beyond. Plus it's leash dog-friendly and perfect for families of moderate fitness levels!

2. Stringybark Lookout

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Difficulty: Moderate

Let's say it's leg day and you don't have much time to spare. Springwood Conservation Park has you covered, that is if you're willing to tackle a grueling set of stairs to get to the 570m lookout. You might even see a koala or water dragon on the way up and it's only a 30 minute drive from the city.

3. Mount Tempest

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Difficulty: Moderate

There's many ways to explore the beautiful Moreton Island. Some like to snorkel around the area but the best way to experience the island's fantastic views is through Mount Tempest. It's the highest coastal sand dune in the world, which explains why it's become such a popular hiking spot among fitness fanatics.

4. Mermaid Mountain

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Difficulty: Moderate

This 18km return track starts at Wirrabara Road and ends at the summit of Mermaid Mountain in Brisbane Forest Park. The journey is quite long but totally worth it for the great views of Lake Manchester. It's only a 45 minute drive from Brisbane and perfect for a full day trek. Just remember to use an offline navigation app like MAPS.ME so you don't get lost!

5. Box Forest Circuit

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Difficulty: Moderate

Just a short 1.5 hour drive from Brisbane lies the serene beauty of Lamington National Park. This Gold Coast gem contains a lush rainforest that is home to around 500 waterfalls, including the dramatic Elebana Falls. While walking the 11km Box Forest Circuit, you'll also catch some of the oldest trees on Australia's mainland.

6. Natural Bridge Glow Worm Caves

Difficulty: Easy

If you ever find yourself in the Gold Coast Hinterland, be sure to visit the Natural Bridge at Springbrook National Park. This walk is perfect for beginners and ends at a cave with crystal clear waters. But the real magic of this place sparks when the sun goes down. Grab a head torch and take a night stroll to experience the beauty of a cave full of glow worms.

7. Purling Brook Falls

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Difficulty: Easy

While you're in Springbrook National Park, there's a short 4km circuit that leads to a spectacular waterfall. Watch out if it's been raining for a couple of days though – the flow of the water might literally blow your socks off.

8. Mount Tamborine

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Difficulty: Easy

If you're looking for something other than cascading waterfalls and peaceful rainforest walks, Mount Tamborine is a must-see. It's THE wine country of South-East Queensland, boasting some of the best wines and distilleries in the state. So why not do a short walk to Curtis Falls and then relax within the trees at Witches Falls Winery for a tasting of local wines and cheeses? Sounds yum!

9. Mount Warning

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Difficulty: Hard

A visit to the Northern Rivers isn't complete without a sunrise hike up the towering Mount Warning. Challenge yourself by starting the 8km walk nice and early (around 4:30a.m. is best). Tackle the infamous chains and pull yourself up to the summit where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Byron Bay and beyond. It's well worth the sweat and tears, but just be mindful of the environment because the area is a sacred Indigenous site.

10. Mount Greville

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Difficulty: Moderate

Bet you didn't think you could access the outback Queensland desert within a 1.5 hour drive from Brisbane. Whack on the offline navigation and take the Waterfall Gorge approach to the summit of Mount Greville. It's the perfect day trip and you'll be treated to incredible views of Lake Moogerah and Mount Barney along the way. But why not extend it to a weekend getaway? You can camp on the shores of Lake Moogerah Caravan Park, toast marshmallows by a fire and sing along with the lake's breeze and the birds. Be sure to rug up though, as temperatures out here can drop well below zero.

11. Mount Maroon

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Difficulty: Hard

Mount Maroon is a great warm up climb if you've ever wanted to tackle the neighbouring Mount Barney. It's steep from the get go and the hike will test those leg muscles on a number of occasions. But even though it's an intense 6km track, the views are well worth it. Offline navigation is strongly recommended for this one.

12. Mount Barney

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Difficulty: Hard

This is the mother of all mountains in South-East Queensland and a fair bit of navigational skills are needed to tick this juggernaut off the list. Mount Barney sits at 1351m above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the dramatic Mount Lindesay. It's recommended that you start no later than 8 a.m. since the journey will take at least seven hours. And make sure you bring enough food and water for the whole day. Once again, offline navigation is strongly recommended for this one.

13. Mount Coolum

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Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Coolum is a perfect hike for leg day that can be done right before lunchtime. Located just north of Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, this short but steep 2km trek offers stunning views over the east coast.

14. Noosa to Sunshine Beach Coastal Track

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Difficulty: Easy

Noosa Heads is the heart of the Sunshine Coast and it boasts some of Australia's most prestigious beaches. Put the runners on and jog your way down this 6km coastal track, enjoying wave views from every angle. Or go barefoot and enjoy the sand between your toes.

15. Mount Beerwah

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Difficulty: Hard

There's hikes aplenty near Brisbane but one to tick off the list is Mount Beerwah. Located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, you'll be able to get stunning views of the Glass House Mountains, which look like something straight out of Avatar. Their dramatic, protruding structure creates such a surreal atmosphere when you compare it to the rest of the hinterland. This hike is an hour's drive from Brisbane and the walk will take you a strenuous three hours. Basic rock climbing skills needed for this climb.

16. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

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Difficulty: Hard

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is perfect for those who want to spend multiple days in nature and get the most that this gorgeous area has to offer. The track is 54km one-way and requires an advanced level of navigational and wilderness survival skills. You'll start at the O'Reilly section of Lamington National Park and end at Woonoongoora. The recommended completion of the trail is three days and all information should be sourced from the Queensland Government Parks website before attempting.

Aug. 12, 2019, at 04:00 AM

An earlier version of this post misstated Mount Beerwah’s difficulty level.