wellness
Top Walking Trails in Brisbane Rated by Distance and Difficulty
Brisbane's riverfront paths and park loops offer clear options graded from short flat walks to longer climbs.
How we reported this
Brisbane walkers can now pick from five mapped trails graded by exact distance and elevation gain after city council updates posted on 7 July.
Cooler July mornings have drawn more residents outdoors along the Brisbane River, where daily exercise supports both physical health and mental recovery from work pressures. South Bank Parklands and New Farm Park each run free guided group walks on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the Brisbane City Council Active Parks program.
Short and flat options
The New Farm Park loop measures 2.8 kilometres with no elevation change and takes most people 35 minutes at a steady pace. It starts at the corner of Brunswick Street and Oxlade Drive, passes the rotunda and finishes near the river edge. South Bank Parklands offers a 3.4 kilometre flat circuit that begins at the Goodwill Bridge entrance, circles the beach and returns via the Mangrove Boardwalk. Both routes stay under five kilometres and suit beginners or those recovering from injury.
Moderate and longer routes
A 6.1 kilometre trail from Kangaroo Point Cliffs to the Story Bridge and back adds 45 metres of stairs and slopes, rated moderate by council maps. The path follows the river edge along Main Street then climbs the cliff steps before descending to the parkland below. A separate 8.2 kilometre out-and-back from Newstead Park to Teneriffe Wharf includes one short hill near the old gasworks site and takes roughly 90 minutes for fit walkers. Both trails remain open year-round and connect directly to ferry stops for easy return trips.
A 2025 Brisbane City Council survey of 4,200 residents found 62 percent walk at least three times each week, with river paths listed as the most used locations. Entry to all these trails remains free, though paid parking near South Bank costs $3.40 per hour on weekdays. Local running groups meet at 6:30 am on Saturdays at the South Bank fountain for the longer routes.
Check the Brisbane City Council website or the Active Parks app before heading out to confirm any temporary closures after recent rain. Start with the shorter loops if new to the area, then add distance each week while carrying water and wearing sturdy shoes.