Top Walking Trails in Brisbane Rated by Distance and Difficulty

Brisbane locals seeking to stretch their legs this winter have a growing list of walking trails to choose from, each offering a different challenge and view of the city. With daylight hours shrinking and fitness on the mind of many heading into the second half of the year, the city’s best-rated tracks are seeing steady foot traffic – and not just from weekend warriors.

As city gyms fill up and fitness groups like Healthy Active Moreton and South Bank Parklands Walkers hit capacity, outdoor exercise remains a favourite for Brisbanites. The burst of cool, dry weather typical of July in south-east Queensland also means it’s prime season for walkers hoping for clear skies without the summer heat. Several local parks and trails have reported increased usage in recent months, especially from first-timers eager to reset after the mid-year break or as part of 'Dry July' wellness challenges.

The City’s Top Tracks: How They Compare

Perhaps Brisbane’s most walked circuit is the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Riverwalk, a relatively easy, flat 2.5km loop hugging the river from Thornton St Ferry Terminal to the Maritime Museum and back. This sealed path is ideal for families or those new to walking, with plentiful rest spots, drinking fountains, and uninterrupted river city views. Moving up a level, the New Farm Park to Teneriffe Boardwalk is a moderate 4.3km one-way track, blending heritage-listed fig trees at New Farm with lively cafe stops along Vernon Terrace and the tightly coiled river bends towards Teneriffe. The total elevation gain here is gentle, rarely exceeding 15 metres, making it suitable for brisk walkers or active commuters.

For those after a bigger challenge, Mt Coot-tha Summit Track is Brisbane’s most popular hill climb, clocking in at 4.5km return with an elevation change of over 200m. Accessible from the base at Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, the trail threads through remnant bushland and leads to sweeping city views at the summit cafe. CityCycle racks and plentiful parking mean access is straightforward, though walkers report the final 800m can be strenuous for the unprepared. South of the river, the Toohey Forest Ridge Track offers a more secluded experience – around 8km of undulating trail weaving between Tarragindi and Mount Gravatt, through eucalypt forest frequented by lorikeets and wallabies. Here, some inclines reach 12% grade; local walking group statistics show that the average loop is completed in roughly 90 minutes.

Increasing Numbers and Community Impact

Council figures released in May 2026 showed more than 320,000 separate entries on the city’s formal walking tracks during April – an 18% rise compared with April last year. Participation in volunteer-managed walks, such as the Saturday 7am South Bank to West End river loop (organised through Meetup), also reached new highs over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, attracting upwards of 70 participants. Regular users cite affordability – council-maintained paths remain free – and regular on-trail signage as key factors behind the city’s active community. At New Farm Park, the City’s Active Parks Program continues to offer guided walks and group fitness classes, both free and low-cost (most under $10 per session), augmenting personal routines for many residents and newcomers.

Trail surface and difficulty information are available on the Brisbane City Council website, enabling locals to match their route to fitness goals or mobility needs. For individuals with accessibility requirements, much of South Bank’s river path and the Botanic Gardens circuit is wheelchair-friendly and clearly marked on council maps. The website ‘Walking Maps’ (walkingmaps.com.au) also provides user-generated reviews and recent photos to help plan outings, and local outdoor stores like Paddy Pallin in Fortitude Valley supply printed maps and water supplies for those venturing into longer, more challenging trails.

For first-timers, starting with shorter loops at South Bank or the Roma Street Parkland before gradually progressing to hillier tracks like Mt Coot-tha is a reliable formula, say local organisers. Walkers are advised to prepare for weather conditions, take plenty of water, and let someone know their planned route, particularly on the longer bushland circuits. With crisp mornings expected to continue through July and early August, Brisbane’s trails look set to remain a magnet for locals chasing fitness, fresh air and perhaps a new view of the river city.