Hiking Near Brisbane: 5 Best Day Hikes

Last Updated February 2, 2024

Living in the city doesn’t need to mean you can’t get outdoors, and Brisbane is no exception. Queensland’s South-East corner contains a wealth of incredible hiking locations. We’ve pulled together the 5 best Brisbane hikes that can be completed in a day and easily reached within 2 hours of the city. Get ready to grab those hiking boots and hit the trail with our favourite bush walks near Brisbane!

1. Springbrook National Park: Plateau Area

Nestled right on the QLD/NSW border, Springbrook National Park has several great sections with a wide range of established walking trails, most of which lie upon an incredible Plateau. The park contains lush virgin rainforest, complete with powerful waterfalls that crash into steep-sided canyons. 

Highlights include the Purlingbrook Falls Circuit (4km return), leading to the base of the impressive 109m falls, and the Twin Falls Circuit (4km), which descends deep into a lush rainforest-filled valley and passes behind two thundering waterfalls.

Each of these walks can be completed within 2 hours, allowing plenty of time for a long lunch at one of the local cafes. For those looking for a longer hike, the 17km Warrie Circuit might be the ticket. Allow about 5-6 hours for this walk and keep in mind that in wet-weather the multiple creek crossings can get cut-off.

Distance from Brisbane: 100km / 1h 30m

L: Getting behind the curtain at Twin Falls. R: Overlooking Purlingbrook Falls.

2. Lamington National Park: Green Mountains Section

If you head further west along the Border Ranges, you’ll reach Lamington National Park. The national park is divided into two areas, Binna Burra and Green Mountains, each offering endless bush-walking opportunities.

Green Mountains is our favourite area, situated around 2 hours from Brisbane along some excellent narrow winding mountain roads. At the day-use area you’ll find plenty of info about the park and its network of walking trails. There are lots of great circuits that all begin on the same trail, catered to a variety of distances and fitness levels. The Box forest circuit is shortest at 10.9km, however our pick would be the longer 17.4km Toolona Creek circuit. The Toolona circuit offers up the best of the region with plenty of dense rainforest, numerous creek crossings, and waterfalls. It also follows the edge of the escarpment for a while with views out to the South. You should allow yourself around 6 hours to complete this hike, and be mindful of the shorter days in winter.

For those looking to stay out longer, Lamington National Park offers camping with vehicle access, along with several remote walk-in sites.

Distance from Brisbane: 114km / 1h 55m

Having lunch at the appropriately named ‘Picnic Rock’.

3. The Cougals: East Peak

If you’re keen to veer off-the-beaten-track, this hike offers a great day out for those who want to connect with nature in solitude. 

The twin peaks of Mount Cougal (or The Cougals) lie within Springbrook National Park, in a remote corner accessible from the end of the aptly named Garden of Eden Road. Follow the road for a few kilometres, and you’ll reach a small turn-around area with a driveway continuing to the left, and a closed gate to your right. Park here and you’ll see the QLD/NSW border fence heading off to the west. 

Allow about 4-5 hours for this walk (depending on how overgrown the track is at the beginning). The walk follows the border fence for 4.5km, at first through overgrown farmland and then into the forest further along. You’ll have several opportunities to see the Cougals whilst walking along the ridge. The track can be fairly overgrown in summer months, but by always keeping close to the fence you should have no trouble with navigating. As the terrain steepens, the fence ends and the track takes a turn to the right – have a look for a small cave hidden in the side of the mountain here. Following the now steeper trail upward you’ll soon come to the top of the east-peak. The panoramic views from here are worth the effort! Head back down the same way you came up.

Distance from Brisbane: 106km / 1h 40m

L: Looking towards the Cougals during the approach. R: On the east peak, looking across the west peak and Springbrook Plateau.

4. Mount Barney

Our favourite destination in South-East Queensland for a real leg stretch has got to be the rugged massif of Mount Barney. At 1354m, this is the 2nd highest peak in South-East Queensland, and an impressive one at that.

There are plenty of routes to the twin summits of the mountain. South-Ridge (Peasants Ridge) is the most popular and least demanding. The track starts at Yellow Pinch car park, leading into a saddle between the two peaks, where either peak can be climbed. An alternative option is the steeper but far more direct South-East Ridge. The track hugs the ridge-line, with some more exposed sections giving wonderful views. There are a couple of steeper sections and some light scrambling, but is easily achievable for more experienced hikers.

The steeper and more exposed Logan’s Ridge offers more of a challenge, however rock climbing experience is essential and some sections may require a rope. It’s worth noting that any route to the summit of Barney will be a LONG day, with over 1000m of elevation gain – so allow for 10-12 hours of walking one 5ake plenty of water. It can also be a good idea to tackle the mountain over two days, camping at one of the designated campsites in the saddle (bookable online).

Distance from Brisbane: 119km / 1h 45m

L: On the way up Logan Ridge, looking towards Mt. Maroon. R: Watching sunset behind the West Peak, from the East Peak.

5. Glasshouse Mountains

Around an hour’s drive from the north of Brisbane are the stunning Glasshouse Mountains. This cluster of craggy peaks are remnants of the area’s rich volcanic past. 

The two most popular peaks for walkers are Mount Ngungun and Mount Tibrogargan, both with well-maintained access trails. For the more adventurous, Tibrogargan offers a great 2-3 hour scramble to its 364m summit. You’ll be rewarded with incredible 360 views from the top, and on a clear day you can easily see the high-rise skyline of Brisbane and beyond. 

If you’re looking for something a little easier, Mt. Ngungun provides equally rewarding views, but without the need to scramble to reach the top. The track switch-backs upwards through the forest with some beautifully crafted stone steps in the steeper sections. Allow 1-2 hours return for the hike depending on your fitness.

Distance from Brisbane: 80km / 1h

L: Looking south towards Mt.Tibrogargan about halfway up the Ngungun summit track. R: Watching sunset over Mts. Coonoowrin & Beerwah, from Mt. Ngungun

Hopefully we’ve inspired to you to head out with our 5 best hikes around Brisbane. As always, take care when heading to remote areas and ensure that you are prepared with plenty of food, water, and the right gear. We recommend that you ensure you look up the route prior to setting off, and take some form of navigational device with you when heading into the bush.

Further Resources

1. Queensland National Parks
2. Online topographical maps of QLD, including all of the areas mentioned: QTopo
3. Brisbane’s Best Bush, City & Day Walks, available at Paddy Pallin.

Ready for your South-East Queensland Adventure? Get geared up with our range of hiking clothing and equipment, or pop into our Paddy Pallin store in Fortitude Valley.