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Is there a better way to exercise than hiking up a mountain? You get a great workout, fresh air, and the ultimate reward – stunning views from the top. Brisbane is lucky to have a few mountain hikes nearby, many of which make fantastic day hikes. Not all of them offer rewarding views, but I’ve rounded up my favourites that do.
At the end of this article, you’ll find a map with all the locations. Hiking times and difficulty are based on my own experience – I hike regularly, have good fitness, and am used to scrambling. Before heading out, always check national park alerts and trail notes, as conditions can change and affect both safety and difficulty.
1. Mount Barney (Scenic Rim)
- Distance from Brisbane: about 2 hours
- Hike distance/time: 17.5 km (8–10 hours)
- Difficulty: very hard
Mount Barney, in the Scenic Rim, is one of the toughest mountain hikes near Brisbane, and one of the most rewarding. The steep climb, route-finding challenges, and long day make it an adventure for experienced hikers only. Some people choose to camp overnight on the mountain, but that means carrying up all your gear, so it’s not necessarily easier. If you’re well-prepared and up for a challenge, the views from the top are unforgettable.
2. Mount Maroon (Scenic Rim)
- Distance from Brisbane: about 2 hours
- Hike distance/time: 6 km (3–4 hours)
- Difficulty: moderate/hard
Next to Mount Barney, Mount Maroon offers a shorter but still adventurous climb with equally spectacular views. The trail involves some scrambling through a rocky gully, but it’s much less demanding than Barney. It’s the perfect option if you want a half-day hike that still feels like an achievement.
3. Flinders Peak (Ipswich area)
- Distance from Brisbane: 1 hour
- Hike distance/time: 7.4 km (2–3 hours)
- Difficulty: moderate/hard
At less than 50 km from the CBD, Flinders Peak is one of the closest mountain hikes to Brisbane. The trail includes some fun rocky sections, making it more interesting than a straightforward walk. Time-wise, it was similar to Mount Maroon for us, so you can easily fit it into half a day. If you’re short on time, Mount Blaine – right next door – is a shorter alternative.
4. Mount Joyce (Wyaralong Dam)
- Distance from Brisbane: about 1.5 hours
- Hike distance/time: 14 km (5 hours return)
- Difficulty: moderate/hard
Mount Joyce, near Wyaralong Dam, is a very rewarding hike with panoramic views over the water and surrounding mounts in the Scenic Rim and Main Range National Park. The climb isn’t technically difficult, but there are steep parts that, in addition to the length, make it a solid workout.
5. Mount Greville (Scenic Rim)
- Distance from Brisbane: about 1.5 hours
- Hike distance/time: 7 km (3–4 hours)
- Difficulty: moderate/hard
One of my favourites in the Scenic Rim, Mount Greville offers a mix of exercise, views, and variety. The climb is steady, but the real highlight for me was descending through Palm Gorge – a narrow passage surrounded by dramatic cliffs and vegetation. Another one that only took us half a day.
6. Mount Cordeaux (Main Range National Park)
- Distance from Brisbane: about 1.5 hours
- Hike distance/time: 7 km (3 hours)
- Difficulty: easy
Mount Cordeaux, along with its neighbour Mount Mitchell, is a more accessible option that still rewards you with excellent views. The summit track is relatively easy compared to others on this list, making it a great choice if you’re building up your hiking fitness. If you have time, continue to Bare Rock (an extra hour return) for even better views.
7. Mount Mathieson (Main Range National Park)
- Distance from Brisbane: about 1.5 hours
- Hike distance/time: 10 km (around 3 hours)
- Difficulty: moderate
Tucked between Mount Greville and Mount Cordeaux, Mount Mathieson is a fantastic loop walk that deserves a spot on this list. The trail has a bit of everything – varied forest, a touch of scrambling to make it fun, ridge sections with sweeping views, and one of the best lookouts in the Scenic Rim, Governors Chair. The loop format is a bonus, and the descent follows a gentle gradient that’s much kinder on the knees than steeper trails.
8. Mount Tibberoowuccum (Glass House Mountains)
- Distance from Brisbane: about 1.5 hours
- Hike distance/time: 2 km (1–1.5 hours)
- Difficulty: moderate
Mount Tibberoowuccum is one of my favourite walks in the Glasshouse Mountains. It feels more adventurous and far less crowded than the popular Mount Ngungun. The final push to the summit requires scrambling – almost like rock climbing – so it’s not for those afraid of heights. But for a short, fun hike with fantastic views, it’s a gem. We finished it in just over one hour. You can also combine it with other peaks in the national park to make the most of your visit.
9. Mount Coo-Tha (Brisbane)
- Distance from Brisbane: about 15 minutes
- Hike distance/time: 6 km (2 hours)
- Difficulty: easy
Mount Coo-Tha isn’t as wild or scenic as the other hikes on this list – you can even drive or catch a bus to the summit where you’ll find a car park, a lookout, a restaurant and a café. But given how close it is to the city, it’s worth including on the list of the best mountain hikes near Brisbane. The walking trails through the forest give you a workout, and the lookout offers sweeping views over Brisbane without a long drive.
Which Brisbane mountain hike is your favourite? Share your experience in the comments below!
Map of the best mountain hikes near Brisbane
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