There’s something about lacing up your boots, hitting a winding track, and breathing in that crisp bush air that makes you feel alive. And here in Queensland, we’re spoilt for choice. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find hiking trails that locals return to time and again, the kind of Brisbane hikes that leave you sweaty, smiling, and craving a cold one afterwards.
So, if you’re chasing new adventures or simply looking for the best hikes near Brisbane to enjoy with mates, here are a few trails that have earned cult status among locals.
1. Mount Coot-tha Summit Track
Image courtesy of Loose Outdoors
It’s the classic, and for good reason. The Mount Coot-tha Summit Track is the closest thing Brisbane has to an “after work hike”. Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, this 2km return track winds gently uphill to a lookout with sweeping views across the city, the river snaking its way through, and on a clear day, all the way out to Moreton Bay.
Popular with joggers, families, and weekend wanderers, it’s the kind of hike you can squeeze in without much planning. Go early for birdsong and soft morning light, or hit it at sunset when the sky puts on a show and the city twinkles below. Pair it with a coffee (or ice cream) at the summit café and you’ll see why locals love this Brisbane gem.
2. Lamington National Park – Box Forest Circuit
Image courtesy of Parks QLD
Down in the Gold Coast hinterland, Lamington is hiking royalty. The Box Forest Circuit is a lush 10km loop that winds beneath towering Antarctic beech trees, across creeks, and past more than a dozen waterfalls, each one begging for a photo (and maybe a dip if you’re brave).
The rainforest feels ancient here, with moss-covered logs and tangled vines that make you slow your pace and take it all in. It’s a longer day hike, but not overly tough, so it’s perfect if you want to spend a few hours immersed in nature.
Trust us: pack snacks, take your time, and stop at Elabana Falls along the way, it’s a stunner and one of the most photographed spots in the park.
3. Glass House Mountains - Mount Ngungun
Image courtesy of Queensland.com
Ask any local about hikes around Brisbane and Mount Ngungun will almost always come up. Just over an hour north of the city, this short but rewarding 2.8km return trail climbs steadily through open forest before popping you out on bare rock at the summit.
From here, the view is nothing short of iconic: jagged volcanic plugs of the Glass House Mountains jutting dramatically from the landscape, framed by rolling green fields below. It’s family-friendly, a favourite with sunrise chasers, and perfect for first-timers who want a big reward without needing serious fitness prep.
If you’ve got visitors in town and want to show off a slice of Queensland magic, this is the hike to take them on.
4. Springbrook National Park – Twin Falls Circuit
Image courtesy of Kokoda Challenge
This one’s pure magic. The Twin Falls Circuit is a 4km loop that packs in everything you’d want from a rainforest walk, towering trees, mossy gullies, cave-like rock formations, and of course, waterfalls you can walk behind.
There’s something special about feeling the spray on your face as you duck beneath Twin Falls themselves, looking out through the curtain of water at the lush forest beyond. The track is well-signed and suitable for most fitness levels, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Go after decent rain and the waterfalls roar to life, but even in the drier months, the cool shade of the rainforest makes this one of the best hikes near Brisbane to escape the summer heat.
5. Mount Barney National Park – Mount Barney Summit
Image courtesy of We Are Explorers
For the more adventurous, Mount Barney is the big one. Standing at 1,359m, it’s Queensland’s second-highest peak, and summiting it is a rite of passage for serious bushwalkers.
The trails are rugged and often unmarked, demanding both physical fitness and solid navigation skills, but the payoff is enormous. From the top, you’re treated to a 360-degree view of the Scenic Rim, layers of ranges stretching endlessly towards the horizon.
The climb can take 8–10 hours return, so it’s best started early and tackled with experienced mates who know their way around a map (and a compass). This isn’t just a hike; it’s an adventure that’ll push your limits and reward you with bragging rights for years to come.
Tips for Making the Most of Brisbane Hikes
Like any good adventure, a little prep goes a long way. If you’re planning a day on the trails, head out early to beat the heat, pack plenty of water, and don’t forget your camera, the views on these hiking trails are the kind you’ll want to remember. Hiking with mates? Share the load with snacks, laughs, and maybe even a post-hike playlist for the drive home.
Hiking Brisbane: Best Enjoyed with Mates and a Cold One
Whether it’s a cruisy stroll up Mount Coot-tha or a full-day mission out to Mount Barney, the beauty of hiking around Brisbane is how accessible it all is. One minute you’re dodging city traffic, the next you’re surrounded by towering gums, rushing creeks, and the kind of silence you can only find in the bush.
And of course, nothing beats capping off a day on the trails with a cold beer and a yarn. Around here, that usually means cracking a Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, light, fresh, and brewed to share with mates as the sun dips low. Because that’s what it’s all about, good company, great outdoors, and making the most of the place we’re lucky enough to call home.
