The Best Walking Trails Near Brisbane
When ‘taking a hike’ is a good thing
Rain, hail, COVID-19 or shine – taking a hike is where it’s at and for all good reasons. And now that we’re able to get out there and adventure through wilderness again (well, as of midnight, Friday), the time is nigh to get amongst it.
Whether it be for fitness, fun or quality time with a pal, heading out for a hike is underrated and one we suggest getting around. Our city and its surrounding ‘burbs has a plethora of hiking playgrounds but where does one start? Your answer lies below.
P.S. While the corona-chaos plays out, keep in mind the regulations and ensure you’re not in a group, you’re social distancing and not travelling more than 50km from home!
Curtis Falls | Mount Tamborine
Head a little south from the buzz of Bris and find yourself amongst the beauty of Mount Tamborine. The Curtis Falls trail is the ideal hiking track for a cruisey walk or outing with the family. Wind your way through the eucalypt forest to discover the waterfall and depending on the season, the raging torrent or smooth flow of water to the pools below. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as eels, fish and, if you’re lucky, a platypus!
Mount Tibrogargan | Glass House Mountains
Heading north up the Bruce Highway, head inland and see the beautiful landscape of the iconic Glass House Mountains. If you’re an avid and experienced hiker, this is for you. Mount Tibrogargan is one of the largest mountains of the range at 364 metres (the largest is Mount Beerwah at 556m) and is a renowned hiking challenge. To reach the summit of Tibrogargan, allow for about three to four hours and ensure to complete the climb in daylight. A few things to be aware of for this hike: the early stages of the summit has super loose and unstable rocks and requires a high fitness level as it gets quite steep – it’s said to be equivalent to climbing up 76 storeys. We recommend checking out the access, safety information, Indigenous history and importance of the mountain before giving it a crack.
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Somerset Trail | Mount Mee
The surrounding areas and various trails of Mount Mee creates a popular destination for hikers! Opposite The Gantry you’ll find the beginning of the Somerset Trail, a 13km round trip. Pass through the peaceful rainforest and enjoy a break overlooking the Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe. Hot tip: bring a water bottle as once you’re on the trail there’s nowhere to re-fuel!
Springbrook National Park | Gold Coast
You’ve heard about it, you’ve read about it, but have you hiked it? The lush rainforest, ancient fauna, waterfalls and serene views make the hike around this national park a treat to the senses. With a range of tracks for all abilities, choose from sealed roads to walking tracks and explore multiple waterfalls and lookouts along your way. Check out which tracks are currently open as well as their map to see where your hike can reach new heights.
Summit Track | Mount Coot-tha
While staying close to the city, escape to the hills and head to Mount Coot-tha. The Summit Track is the most renowned trail at Coot-tha at a short and sweet distance of 1.9km. The track starts at the popular picnic spot, J.C Slaughter Falls to the lookout. Otherwise, have a crack at the 2.6km Mahogany Trail or Eugenia Circuit amongst plenty of other trails and tracks for all abilities. If you nail your timing early in the morning or as the sun goes down, you’ll have the ultimate view to peek through as you go.
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