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Sometimes it’s nice to have a slow start to the weekend – or maybe brunch ran longer than expected. The good news is that if the sun’s still a couple of hours from setting, you don’t have to miss out on connecting with nature and exercising. Here are some short walks near Brisbane that take less than three hours, including the drive, perfect for a last-minute outing.
The numbers match the map at the end of the article, and I’ve listed the walks in order of my personal favourites per category – though of course that’s subjective.
Short walks near Brisbane for a nice stroll
1. Whites Hill Reserve
Drive time: 15 minutes
Hike duration: 1-2 hours
Whites Hill Reserve, located just south of Brisbane City, is a nature oasis in the midst of an urban area. It’s known for its stunning lookout of Brisbane and as the best place to spot wild koalas in Brisbane. Although the trail isn’t completely flat, it’s an easy walk to complete.
2. Mount Nebo
Drive time: 45 minutes
Hike duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Mount Nebo has a mix of short walks and lookouts with sweeping views back over Brisbane. The Jolly’s Lookout area is a favourite, with a short circuit through eucalypt forest that pairs well with a picnic. Atrax Circuit and Morelia Track (6km return) go through a beautiful forest leading to the Mount Nebo Lookout.
3. King Island
Drive time: 40 minutes
Hike duration: 1 hour
At low tide, you can walk across the sandbar from Wellington Point to King Island. It’s an easy and unique walk where you’re surrounded by water on both sides, but you’ll need to check the tide times before you go. It’s a stunning place to watch the sunset.
4. Boondall Wetlands
Drive time: 25 minutes
Hike duration: 1 hour
There are a few walks at Boondall Wetlands, and the 1.5-kilometre boardwalk is a nice option if you have limited time and love birds. It will take you through the mangrove to a bird hide on the bank of the river. We also love the one on the other side of the river, in Nudgee, that ends with bay views.
5. Mount Glorious
Drive time: 45 minutes
Hike duration: 1-1.5 hours
The Cedar Creek walk is a short, easy outing that follows the creek through bushland. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy running water, rock pools, and a quick escape from the city. If you’d prefer to skip the rock hopping, head up to the 2 km Rainforest Circuit, an easy shaded track under towering trees.
6. Coombabah Lake Conservation Park
Drive time: 1 hour
Hike duration: from 15 minutes to 2 hours
If you want to see wildlife, Coombabah Lake Conservation Park is the place to go on this list. It’s a good thing you’re starting late in the day: that’s when wallabies are more active. Koalas are harder to spot, so take your time!
7. Gold Creek Reservoir
Drive time: 40 minutes
Hike duration: 1.5 hours
Gold Creek Reservoir has a 5.5 km circuit track that loops around the water through eucalypt forest. It’s a peaceful walk, best done counter-clockwise so you tackle the hilly sections first and then enjoy the lake views on the way back.
8. Enogerra Reservoir
Drive time: 20 minutes
Hike duration: 1.5-2 hours
The Araucaria walking track in D’Aguillar National Park is the shortest walk (5km) at Enogerra Reservoir. The other ones will all take longer than three hours. It’s a great place for bird watching and ideal if you want to swim after your walk.
9. Toohey Forest
Drive time: 15 minutes
Hike duration: 1-2 hours
You’ll find a few walks to explore the Toohey Forest: the Toohey Ridge Track (5km return), Planchoniana/Nathan & Toohey Ridge Track (3km) and the Sandstone Circuit (1km). It’s a good place to spot koalas and you might also be interested in the eco-centre there.
10. Minnippi Parkland
Drive time: 20 minutes
Hike duration: 1 hour
The Minnippi Parkland Circuit is an easy loop walk on the south side of Brisbane, perfect for a relaxed stroll. With its wetlands, open spaces, and birdlife, it’s more about a peaceful nature escape than a workout.
11. Mungarra Reserve
Drive time: 40 minutes
Hike duration: 40 minutes
Mungarra Reserve isn’t really a hike, but it offers a nice, easy walk in a natural environment along the banks of the North Pine River. Koalas live in the reserve, so keep your eyes open.
12. Venman Bushland
Drive time: 35 minutes
Hike duration: 40 minutes – 2 hours
Venman Bushland National Park, south of Brisbane, has two main circuits: the short 2.5 km Tingalpa Creek Track and the longer 7.5 km Venman Circuit. Both take you through eucalypt forest and creek crossings, offering a quiet bush experience not far from the city.
Short walks for a workout (mounts or stairs)
13. Mt Coot-tha
Drive time: 15 minutes
Hike duration: 2 hours
Mount Coo-Tha is probably the most famous and closest walk near Brisbane. You’ll find many walks in the Mt Coot-tha forest (see map here). The most popular one is the Summit Circuit. Park your car at JC Slaughter Falls to take the Summit Track to the lookout and return via Mahogany Trail.
14. Mt Blaine
Drive time: 1h
Hike duration: 2 hours
If you’re after a leg workout, Mount Blaine is a good option. It only takes 2.5 kilometres to reach the summit and enjoy nice views, but it’s steep!
15. Keperra Bushland Reserve
Drive time: 30 minutes
Hike duration: 1 hour
The Keperra Bushland Reserve walk is a short loop close to Brisbane with a steep climb and a modest lookout. It’s less about big views and more about getting a solid workout in nature.
16. Springwood Conservation Park
Drive time: 45 minutes
Hike duration: 40 minutes
The Gorge Discovery Circuit (1.45 km) will take you along the old quarry. Do it anti-clockwise to go down the Springwood Stairs of Death (130 stairs) and back up gradually.
Bonus: Ngungun summit (17)
Drive time: 1 hour
Hike duration: 1.5 hours
Ngungun is not my favourite Glasshouse Mountain walk, but it’s a fantastic option when you’re running out of time. I hesitated to put it on the list as it will take longer than three hours. But as it’s worth doing even if you start it just before sunset (magic hour up there is stunning), I thought it would be interesting to include it. It takes about 45 minutes to go up, but you can easily half that time if you’re fit and ready to test your cardio.
What’s your go-to short walk near Brisbane for a quick nature fix? Share your experience in the comments below!
