With its stunning natural beauty and variety of outdoor activities, Moreton Bay region is Australia’s perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best hikes near Brisbane, from beginner-friendly walks to more challenging routes. Whether you’re a local looking for a new outdoor adventure or a tourist eager to explore the beauty of the region, there’s something for everyone. Oh, and we saved the hardest for last!
Beginner’s hiking safety checklist
Before setting out on your hike, it’s important to be prepared and stay safe. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction
- Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to protect against the sun’s rays
- Pack a first aid kit and a map of the area
- Tell someone your plans, including your route and estimated time of return
- Stay on marked trails and be mindful of your surroundings
- Follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of the area
1. Bunyaville Conservation Park
Distance from Brisbane: 20km
Length: 7.5km and 12km routes
Difficulty level: Easy to Intermediate
Experience the natural beauty of Bunyaville Conservation Park
Bunyaville Conservation Park is a hidden gem located just a short drive from Brisbane. Covering over 1000 hectares, this diverse park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including eucalyptus forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, Bunyaville has something to offer.
One of the park’s most popular trails is the 7.5km Lookout Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is relatively easy, with gentle inclines and wide, well-maintained paths. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of native wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, and birds.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue on the 12km Ridge Trail, which takes you to the top of Mount Bunyaville. This moderate hike offers even more breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, as well as the chance to spot some of the park’s more elusive inhabitants, such as koalas and gliders.
Regardless of which trail you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the sun can be intense in the summer months. And don’t forget your camera – with its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife, Bunyaville is a photographer’s paradise. So why wait? Pack your hiking boots and head to Bunyaville Conservation Park for a nature experience you won’t soon forget.
2. Samford Conservation Park
Distance from Brisbane: 30km
Length: 6-8km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Explore the rolling hills and diverse landscapes of Samford Conservation Park
Samford Conservation Park is a tranquil experience just a short drive from Brisbane. With its beautiful scenery and abundance of native wildlife, it’s no surprise that this park is a favourite among hikers.
One of the park’s most popular trails is the Mount Glorious Circuit, a moderate hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and eucalyptus trees. At 6 km in length, this trail is perfect for those looking for a bit of a challenge. The route is well-marked and easy to follow, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the breathtaking views.
In addition to its beautiful scenery, Samford Conservation Park is home to a variety of native animals, including wallabies, kangaroos, and a wide range of bird species. Keep an eye out for these creatures as you explore the park – you never know what you might see!
With its easy accessibility and wide range of trails, Samford Conservation Park is a must-visit destination for hikers in the Moreton Bay region. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, you’ll find something to love about this beautiful park.
3. Samford Valley Trail Network
Distance from Brisbane: 30km
Length: Various
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Find your perfect trail in the Samford Valley Trail Network
The Samford Valley Trail Network is a must-visit destination for hikers in the Moreton Bay region. Located just a short drive from Brisbane, the network consists of a series of interconnected trails that offer something for hikers of all levels. From leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone.
One of the standout trails in the network is the Samford Creek Walk, which is a moderate hike that takes you along the banks of Samford Creek. With its gentle inclines and well-maintained paths, the Samford Creek Walk is perfect for hikers of all abilities. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of native wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, and birds.
If you’re looking for a more strenuous workout, the Mount Glorious Circuit is a challenging hike that takes you through a variety of landscapes, including rainforest, eucalyptus forests, and open grasslands. With its steep inclines and rocky terrain, the Mount Glorious Circuit is not for the faint of heart. However, the reward for your hard work is breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a sense of accomplishment.
No matter what your skill level, the Samford Valley Trail Network has something to offer. So pack your hiking boots and hit the trails – you won’t be disappointed.
4. Mount Glorious National Park
Distance from Brisbane: 45 minutes
Length: 6km to 8km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Experiencing the beauty of Mount Glorious National Park
Mount Glorious National Park is a true paradise for hikers, offering a variety of trails that cater to hikers of all levels. Located just 45 minutes from Brisbane, this beautiful park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature.
One of the most popular trails in the park is the Mount Glorious circuit, a 6 km hike that takes you through the heart of the rainforest. This moderate hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with breathtaking vistas of the eucalyptus trees and lush rainforest. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of native wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, and birds.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Mount Glorious Summit trail offers a strenuous climb to the top of the mountain. At just under 8 km in length, this trail is not for the faint of heart, but the reward at the top is well worth the effort. From the summit, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Brisbane in the distance.
Regardless of your hiking experience, Mount Glorious National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to get out and explore the natural beauty of the Moreton Bay region. So pack your hiking boots and get ready to hit the trails!
5. Tamborine Mountain National Park
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour
Length: 4 km
Difficulty level: Easy
Discover the magic of Tamborine Mountain National Park
Tamborine Mountain National Park is another must-visit destination for hikers in the Moreton Bay region. Located just an hour from Brisbane, the park features a variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult, making it a great option for hikers of all levels. One of the park’s most popular trails is the 4 km Witches Falls Circuit, which takes you through lush rainforest and past the beautiful Witches Falls. The trail is rated as easy, with gentle inclines and well-maintained paths.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The rainforest is home to a variety of native wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, and an abundance of bird species. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the park’s famous rock wallabies, which are often seen resting on the cliffs along the trail.
In addition to its natural beauty, Tamborine Mountain National Park is also home to a number of cultural and historical landmarks. The park is home to several Aboriginal cultural sites, including rock paintings and carvings. You may also come across old homesteads and historic cemeteries as you explore the park.
Overall, Tamborine Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for hikers in the Moreton Bay region. With its beautiful scenery, an abundance of native wildlife, and rich cultural history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
6. Springbrook National Park
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour 15 minutes
Length: 5.5 km
Difficulty level: Moderate
Add a spring to your step!
Located just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Springbrook National Park offers a variety of trails that are perfect for hikers of all levels. From easy, leisurely walks to more challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone.
One of the standout trails in Springbrook National Park is the Twin Falls Circuit. This moderate hike takes you through dense rainforest and past two beautiful waterfalls. The trail is about 5.5km in length and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of native wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, and birds.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, the Purling Brook Falls Circuit is a must-do. This 8km trail takes you through dense rainforest and past the stunning Purling Brook Falls. The trail is relatively steep and can be slippery, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Gold Coast skyline.
No matter which trail you choose, Springbrook National Park is an unforgettable destination for hikers in the Moreton Bay region. With its beautiful scenery and abundance of native wildlife, it’s a must-visit for any nature lover.
7. Moreton Island National Park
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour and 15 minutes by ferry (Brisbane to Tangalooma)
Length: 2.9km to 58.9km (multi-days)
Difficulty level: Easy and moderate
Unveiling the wonders of Moreton Island National Park
Located a short ferry ride ($71 return per passenger only) from Brisbane, Moreton Island National Park offers 5 top trails that suits all different types of hikers. The easiest trail is Tangalooma Beach Circuit (2.9km in length) which takes about 50 minutes to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You’ll need to leave pets at home as they aren’t allowed on the island at all.
The Mount Tempest Track (3.9km) is considered a moderately challenging route. It takes an average of 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete. The route begins at the intersection of Telegraph Walking Track. Progress can be slow due to the sandy roads. There is minimal shade along the route so it’s recommended to set off early and bring lots of water. Particularly in summer! Enjoy the beautiful track with lovely lookouts and varied flora (the banksia and grass trees are stunning!). At the top, you will be greeted with views over Moreton Island and the Pacific Ocean.
Tangalooma-Kooringal and Mirapool-Middle Track Road (58.9-km loop trail) is also considered a moderately challenging route and it takes an average of 13 hours and 6 minutes to complete. This looped route begins and ends from the Tangalooma Wrecks camping area on the eastern coast of the island. This is a popular trail for backpacking, hiking, and off-road driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. As a guest at the Tangalooma resort, you can get a track map and any trail description from their Tour Desk.
Moreton Island National Park is a must-visit destination for hikers looking to get out and explore the natural beauty of the Moreton Bay region. So pack your hiking boots and get ready to hit the trails!
For further information, check out A Day Trip to Moreton Island: Your Guide to Exploring the Queensland Paradise.
8. Lamington National Park
Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour 30 minutes
Length: 8 km to 160km
Difficulty level: Difficult
Get your heart racing on this exciting and beautiful hike near Brisbane
Lamington National Park is a must-visit destination for experienced hikers in the Moreton Bay region. Located about an hour and a half from Brisbane, this stunning park boasts over 160 km of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
One of the park’s most popular trails is the Border Track, a challenging hike that traverses the entire park from north to south. At 45 km in length, this multi-day hike is not for the faint of heart, but it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the park’s natural beauty. Along the way, hikers will be treated to stunning views of the surrounding rainforest, as well as a variety of native flora and fauna.
Another popular trail in Lamington National Park is the Box Forest Circuit, a moderate hike that offers a taste of the park’s diverse landscapes. This 12 km loop takes hikers through rainforest, eucalyptus forest, and open grassland, with numerous opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
For those looking for a shorter hike, the Python Rock Circuit is a great option. This easy 3 km loop takes hikers through rainforest and past the stunning Python Rock lookout, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Lamington National Park is a must-visit destination for experienced hikers, offering a variety of trails to suit all levels of ability. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day challenge or a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone in this stunning park.