When it comes to finding sensational bushwalks around Brisbane, you don’t need to go far! Grab your snacks, maps, and rucksacks, because we have unearthed some of the best short bush walks that Brisbane has to offer! From lush wetlands to rugged mountains, we’ve got your next outdoor exploration covered!
Stockyard Creek Circuit – Burbank
Located in the Brisbane Koala Bushland, this 1.4km track is nestled between Logan City and Redland City and is an easy, flat bush walk that is perfect for beginners or families with young children. The circuit takes walkers through an open eucalypt forest before crossing over a flowing creek bed, which is rarely dry even in drought. The local long-necked turtles, frogs, and water dragons can be seen from the creek’s viewing platform. The track then leads to an open boardwalk that follows the creek, boasting spectacular views of the surrounding rainforest and ephemeral waterholes. Keep your eyes peeled for sleeping koalas, swamp wallabies, rosellas, Scarlett honeyeaters and sacred kingfishers!
The Brisbane Koala Bushland area features plenty of picnic shelters, electric barbeques, and public toilets, so be sure to pack a picnic for a fantastic day of family fun!
Where: Stockyard Creek Circuit,137 Alperton Rd, Burbank QLD 4156
Distance: 1.4km
Walkers Tip: This circuit is well sign-posted and is suitable for children.
Araucaria Circuit – New Beith
Walkabout Creek consists of two sensational bush walk circuits. The 5km Araucaria Circuit takes walkers along the banks of the hoop pine-addled historic Enoggera Reservoir. Walkers can marvel at the picturesque reservoir before plunging into the wet forestland. While the path does not lead walkers close to the damn wall, the original 1866 built weatherboard valve house can be spotted at its base along with many other heritage-listed remnants.
The Walkabout Creek circuits are serenaded by a multitude of birds and is also home to local birds and snakes. Best of all, walker can cool off with a swim in the nearby Enoggera Reservoir or grab a snack at the onsite cafe!
Where: Araucaria Circuit, 60 Mount Nebo Rd, Enoggera Reservoir QLD 4520
Distance: 5km
Walkers Tip: This walk is best during Autumn, Winter, and Spring, as this area is prone to snakes during the Summer.
Corymbia Circuit – New Beith
If you are after a more leisurely walk through the Walkabout Creek region, then the Corymbia Circuit is the perfect trail for you! This 1.5km eucalypt circuit makes for a beautifully brief bush walk just outside of the city. While steep at times, walkers are treated to the sensational spotted gum and bloodwood foliage and easy access to the Enoggera Reservoir!
Where: Corymbia Circuit, 60 Mount Nebo Rd, Enoggera Reservoir QLD 4520
Distance: 1.5km
Walkers Tip: At times the path may become uneven with rocks and tree roots.
Mt Coot-Tha Summit Circuit – Mt Coot-Tha
Just a short 15-minute drive from Brisbane City is the 5km Mt Coot-Tha Summit Circuit, which combines the original Mt Coot-Tha Summit Track with the Mahogany Trail (the old fire road), creating a complete walking circuit from the JC Slaughter Falls to the Mt Coot-Tha Lookout. This scenic circuit is dog friendly, meaning that the whole family can enjoy the fun! The Summit Track is a paved walk of around 2km that features a few staircases along the way, and the joining Mahogany Trail is a mostly dirt track that runs for 3km. This circuit gradually rises and loops through glades of shady trees, ancient rocks, and scrub bush until opening at a clearing on the edge of the mountain that leads walkers to the summit. Walkers are rewarded with the most spectacular panoramic views of Brisbane City and its surrounding areas.
Begin or end the circuit with a picnic at the base of the JC Slaughter Falls, or grab a refreshing drink at the summit’s 1930’s cafe and restaurant.
Where: Mount Coot-Tha, 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066
Distance: 5 km
Walkers Tip: This circuit is dog friendly. Be wary of fellow mountain bikers and horse riders that share this trail.
Rainforest Circuit – Mt Glorious
Mt Glorious’ 1.9km Rainforest circuit is one of the best walks for the least amount of effort. Descend a flight of stairs and stroll along a boardwalk hugged by the roots of a yellow carabbeen, a gigantic Watkins fig, and a large Sydney blue gum and brush box. The circuit then meanders through a tropical palm valley, ancient trees, and a crisp flowing stream. This area was once used as a sawmill and the relics of a steam boiler and the hoop pine plantation can still be seen today.
Where: Maiala Picnic Area, Mount Glorious Rd, Mount Glorious 4520
Distance: 1.9km
Walkers Tip: This circuit is suitable for children. Be wary that the staircase will become slippery when wet.
Venman Circuit – Mount Cotton
Venman Bushland National Park is 415 hectares of preserved melaleuca and eucalypt bushland in Mount Cotton. Named after Jack Burnett Venman, the original owner of the land, the Venman Circuit is a scenic 7.5km track that meanders along sensational paper-bark bushland. Red-necked wallabies, koalas, and sugar gliders have been known to make an appearance or two along this track. The Venman Circuit does feature a few steep inclines, however, we guarantee that it’s worth every step!
The Venman Bushland National Park offers plenty of outdoor picnic tables, outdoor wood-fired barbeques (firewood provided), and public toilets which makes for the perfect pre or post walk lunch destination! There is plenty of parking at the entrance to the trail, however this car park closes at 6pm.
Where: Venman Bushland National Park, West Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton 4165
Distance: 7.5km
Walkers Tip: This circuit includes a few steep inclines and is not suitable for those with back, knee, and other associated issues. Dogs, horses, and mountain bikes are not permitted on this track.
Tingalpa Creek Circuit – Mount Cotton
If the Venman Circuit is a little too long for your liking, then the Tingalpa Creek Circuit is the perfect track for you! This lowland rainforest track follows the creek through melaleuca swamp and out into open eucalypt forest, linking to the Venman Circuit. This easy 2km bush circuit embraces both the scenic and secluded banks of Tingalpa Creek, with fishing outposts and marshes as well as paperbark trees. Keep your eyes peeled for the local water dragons and frogs that live in and around the creek!
Where: Venman Bushland National Park, West Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton 4165
Distance: 2km
Walkers Tip: This circuit is well sign-posted and is suitable for children.
Turrbal Circuit – Enoggera
Located in the D’Aguilar National Park as part of the Bellbird Walking Tracks is the 1.7km Turrbal Circuit. This winding walk passes through an open forest, down into a wet eucalypt gully along Cedar Creek. Walkers can marvel at the beautiful canopy of weeping lilly-pillys and grey myrtle. Lewin’s honeyeaters, eastern yellow robins, and plenty of other native wildlife have been known to make an appearance or two along this spectacular circuit.
The Bellbird Walking Tracks also host plenty of picnic tables, outdoor barbeques, and recreational areas for a brilliant day out with the family.
Where: Bellbird Grove Walking Tracks, 113 Mount Nebo Rd, Enoggera Reservoir 4520
Distance: 1.7km
Walkers Tip: Pack a picnic blanket to enjoy the surrounding recreational area after your walk
Golden Boulder Circuit – Enoggera
Another sensational Bellbird Grove Walking Track is the Golden Boulder Circuit. This gently sloping 1.8km walk has a rich history – literally! This track is the site of one of the three goldmines that from 1860 to the 1930s saw the surrounding hills flooded with gold prospectors. The track is lined with visible signposting documenting the history of the area. Remnants of the shafts can be found along the trail as well as a recreated shanty hut, similar to those used during the era of the Australian gold rushes!
Where: Bellbird Grove Walking Tracks, 113 Mount Nebo Rd, Enoggera Reservoir 4520
Distance: 1.8km
Walkers Tip: While the remnants of the mining shafts are still visible, be wary of shifting rocks.
Bunyaville Track – Albany Creek
The Bunyaville Conservation Park is a wildlife sanctuary hidden right in the middle of Brisbane suburbia. With well-maintained tracks, large grassy recreational areas, outdoor barbecues, ten designated bike tracks, and a plethora of wildlife, it’s safe to say that this is the perfect bushwalking location to keep the whole family entertained!
The Bunyaville Track is a gentle 1.7km walk through the bushland and features clear signposting along the way explaining facts about the local wildlife and the surrounding area. Koalas, wallabies, reptiles, insects, and thousands of native birds and plants can be spotted along the Bunyaville Track and the Tree Discovery Circuit (a short loop track division off the Bunyaville Track). Along with these great walks, there are plenty of wildfire trails, quiet gullies, eucalypt forests, and a small lake.
Where: Bunyaville Conservation Park, Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek 4035
Distance: 1.7km
Walkers Tip: There is a designated parking area within the parklands, however gates close at 6pm.
