Enjoy a lush lull as you walk through this hiking trail. The Gold Creek Reservoir is a scenic pool and is adjacent to the D’Aguilar National Park for those seeking more hiking adventures. At this reservoir, you can escape to a picturesque bushwalk, country views and an abundance of wildlife waiting to be discovered.

Mt Coot-tha is a local bushwalking gem that’s only 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD. Expect to experience natural parkland and open eucalypt forest. Once at the top of the Summit, you’ll meet many tourists and locals, and when you’re at the bottom, you can venture through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Planetarium.

Holmans Break is for lovers of nature and animals. You’ll encounter goannas, singing birds and reptiles basking along the dam on this trek. This scenic area also features a wildlife centre, wooded trails and a reservoir for swimming and paddling. Holmans Break has some of the most panoramic views of Mt Cootha and other mountain ranges. One of the best hidden gem walking trails Brisbane has on offer.

Judging by its name, you can anticipate more than just an average walking trail at Morelia. Envision a moist eucalypt forest, cabbage tree palms – recognisable by their huge, fan-shaped leaves and the mesmerising scene of the Mt Nebo that overlooks the Samford Valley out to Moreton Bay.

The Northbrook Gorges track demands you to get your feet wet, literally, through two freshwater gorges — great in summer. It’s about a 30-minute trek to the first gorge walking upstream. Don’t worry, you can evade the first gorge by climbing a steep trail. But you’ll have to swim through the second gorge and follow a small trail that leads to wondrous Wivenhoe Lookout. One of the best walking trails in Brisbane for those who are adventure-seekers.

If you’re searching for a super easy walk, then look no further. The Araucaria Track is family-friendly; you’ll see smiling faces walking with and past you. Be sure to bring your mobile phone to capture the flamboyant flora and fauna along the track. You’ll definitely spot many bellbirds and whip birds when bushwalking.

Eager for a hiking challenge? Then Mermaid Mountain in South D’Aguilar National Park is the place to go. This is a little-known hiking destination in Brisbane overlooks Lake Manchester. And once you’ve summited the mountain, reward yourself with a comfortable break under the tree canopies, scoff down food and take in the view.

The Boondall Wetland Bikeway is filled with tidal flats, mangroves, salt marshes, wetlands, grasslands and open forest — and is Brisbane’s largest wetland wonderland. Go for walk or a bike ride along the tracks or mangrove boardwalks, or kayak or canoe to along the mangrove creeks. And because the wetlands are skirted by beaches, you can enjoy a much-deserved picnic at the adjacent Nudgee Beach picnic area.

This 900m circuit is comprised of forestry & fire trails and is only 20 minutes’ drive north of Brisbane. Crebra Circuit is best described as a mountains-to-mangroves corridor. It starts from Ironbark Gully up to the ridgeline, with side trails down to Lomandra and back to the car park. The circuit is perfect for those wanting to do happy laps.

Just 15km north-west of Brisbane CBD, Bunyaville Track is a top spot for hiking and biking near Brisbane. This track leads through the open eucalyptus forest to the southern end of the day-use area. You may be lucky enough to see a carpet python basking in the sun, or if you’re not lucky enough, listen to the laughing kookaburras.

Relax, there’s nothing demonic about this track. The Devils Break Loop is a moderately trafficked trail located near Brisbane. This serves as a wildlife habitat corridor, with rocky ridges and some picturesque views of Brisbane and Ipswich. It also offers you the chance to see wildlife and is and regularly used to bird watch.

Rule of thumb—be sure to bring plenty of water for this one. This hilly clockwise loop begins at the day-use area up past the dam wall and follows the lake edge before heading up into the hills. Lake Manchester Loop is also indicative of the swamp scene. So, expect creek crossings, flies and a slight hiking challenge.

If you’re a writer, poet or just want to escape, pack your gear and vamoose to Poets Rock. When you’ve completed the journey, the top of the rock is a great place to ponder and write creatively. The bushwalk itself is different from the rest: it has many grassy spots, so you can sit and run your thoughts as well as de-stress.

For the most part, Daisy Hill State Forest is an open eucalyptus forest. But this easy 9km walk can get confusing, so be sure to bring a map. Buhot Creek Circuit in Daisy Hill State Forest is one of the longer trails in the forest, that’s ideal for an immersive experience. You can also access the creek for some swimming if you’re tempted!

Venman Circuit has been a popular Brisbane walkway for decades. The circuit is home to koalas, ringtail and brushtail possums, sugar gliders, greater gliders, swamp and red-necked wallabies, powerful owls and many other birds. And when passing creeks, you’ll see frogs, water rats and even eastern water dragons!

The boardwalk crossing is an especially lovely spot at Stockyard Creek. Listen to the singing of rosellas, rainbow lorikeets and watch for swamp wallabies. These bushlands are one home to the most koalas in Australia. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a koala and its baby chewing on gumtree leaves.

Despite having two different tracks from the base of Mt Gravatt, the Summit and Federation Track leads to a panoramic view at the summit. There are plenty of trails with lots of loose rocks and steps and bridges. To reach the summit, you’ll need to turn left onto the Azania Way track and walk the trail. Definitely worth the adventure.