Living up to its name of the Sunshine State, we’ve got some of the best spots for a climb, so you can be at one with nature in no time. Whether you’re up for a challenge or just a leisurely stroll and a much-needed debrief with your bestie, here are five of the best hikes around Brissie – according to us.
MT COOT-THA | MT COOT-THA
In just a short 15-minute drive from the heart of Brisbane, you can step right onto nature’s doorstep. With a range of paths to choose from, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you’ve got to spare and how brave – or hungover – you’re feeling on the day. But by far the most popular and simplest climb is the hour-round summit trek, leading from the base picnic area to the lookout, where you’ll be rewarded with an epically grammable view of the city. For a full list of the trails, click here.
MT TAMBORINE | SCENIC RIM
Located in the Gold Coast hinterland, there are an array of trails to explore at Mt Tamborine, where surrounded by the dense lush greenery and palms along the tracks, it’s hard to believe you’re in the Gold Coast. Each walk takes no more than a couple of hours to complete and you can choose according to your level. One of the more challenging tracks is the hour-long Palm Grove Circuit, taking you through the subtropics of the park where you can get lost in the soft rustlings of the canopies.
GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS | HINTERLAND
With 11 equally stunning ranges to explore, each mountain is roughly an hour away from Brissie, all with varying track difficulties. Just off the Bruce highway, you’ll find one of the quickest walks – a 700m trek to the top of Wild Horse Mountain. After stopping off here for a quick warm-up, you can head to the nearby Mt Ngungun for a more challenging 2.8km track. Once you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with the best of both worlds – a split view of the coast and hinterland.
The Indigenous Dreaming stories of the mountains are also a rewarding read before you climb. You’ll find that some of the mountains are best not climbed due to their spiritual significance, but you can still explore the surrounding summit tracks.
KONDALILLA NATIONAL PARK | HINTERLAND
Kondalilla Falls National Park is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and hidden gems throughout the park – perfect for exploring with a group of friends. This one is about an hour and forty drive from Brissie but it’s well worth it with plenty of short walks to explore and streams and falls to refresh your mind. Visit the Park’s website here to download a walking trail map. For a more rejuvenating than heart-pumping way to explore nature, this one is definitely a must!
MT COOLUM | SUNSHINE COAST
About an hour and forty drive from Brissie, you’ll find the relaxed and picturesque Mt Coolum, which provides stunning coastal views and a mildly heart-pumping walk to the peak. Afterwards, you can cool off with a dip at Coolum Beach or even head a little further up the coast and visit the picturesque Noosa where you’ll find stunning beaches, walks and an abundance of eateries and shops to wind down for the day.
So slip, slop, slap and get climbing Brisbanites!
