You won’t have to go far from Brisbane to find some spectacular natural scenery and amazing hiking trails that are perfect to refresh the soul. Here are ten options located in Queensland’s national parks which are all under 150 km from Brisbane.
Links to park sites are provided, please check on current conditions at the destination before travel.
Mt Coot-tha Reserve
Summit Track & Mahogany Trail Circuit
There are numerous short easy trails at Mt Coot-tha, a longer trail is the Mahogany Trail and Summit Track combo. Starting at JC Slaughter Falls picnic area through open eucalyptus forest with views to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. It is a 4.5 km circuit walk when combined and also allows access onto the Citriodora Trail through to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
D’Aguilar National Park
Somerset Lookout
A longer trail that offers bush and forest vegetation, lots of native flora including wildflowers along with superb views.
Mount Barney National Park
Lower Portals track
While the summit is best left to pros, Mount Barney National Park features four formed, graded walking tracks offering the opportunity to explore the park’s creeks and subtropical rainforest pockets without having to climb the mountain. The Lower Portals track features a deep pool set within a rocky gorge of Mount Barney Creek.
Springbrook National Park
Warrie Circuit
One of the areas most scenic trails featuring multiple waterfalls including Blackfellow falls, Poondahara Falls, Poonyahra Falls, Gooroolba falls, Ngarri-dhum falls, Kadjagooma Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Goomoolahra Falls which are active after rainfall. The route includes lookouts and the chance to spot local wildlife.
Purling Brook Falls circuit
One of the busier tracks in the area includes eucalypt forest, suspension bridge, stunning lookouts, and the superb Purligbrook Falls. The starting point is at Gwongorella picnic area which features electric BBQ’s, picnic tables, and toilets.
Twin Falls Circuit
Featuring waterfalls and views to Surfers Paradise from the spectacular Canyon Lookout. The walk includes Twin Falls which offers a swimmable natural pool and at the other end of the trail, Blackfellow Falls which you can walk behind the waterfall.
Natural Bridge Circuit
One of the shorter trails on this list yet offering one of the areas star attractions, the Natural Bridge. Wander through lush tropical rainforest to the scenic bridge/waterfall/cave and also admire the glowworms which inhabit the cave.
Lamington National Park
Ships Stern circuit
The longest trail on this list takes you to Lower Ballunjui Falls, Nixon Creek, Ships Stern Range for a series of impressive lookouts, and Nagarigoon Falls.
Morans Falls track
Head through subtropical rainforest to the Morans Falls lookout for a spectacular view of the falls and Morans Clearing lookout for views over the Albert River.
Toolona Creek circuit
This long circuit includes a lot of waterfalls including Chalahn and Toolona falls, heads through the moist rainforest area of Taloona Gorge, and takes in the amazing views from Wanungara lookout.
