Trying to maintain 10,000 steps a day? That’s roughly 8km (5mi) with slight variations for different stride lengths. Here are some scenic, round-trip walks in Brisbane that will help you knock that 10k out of the park.
Note, all of these beautiful walks around Brisbane are circuits, so the suggested starting points are just that: suggestions. You can really start anywhere along the loop that is most convenient for you.
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Round trip walks in Brisbane
Kangaroo Point – City Loop (6km, 1hr 20min)
Start your urban wander on The Cliffs Boardwalk near the Maritime Museum (South Bank end of the Goodwill Bridge). When you almost reach the Captain Cook Bridge, take the steps to the top of Kangaroo Point Cliffs. You’ll no doubt want to take a break here to take a few photos of this amazing city vista.
Follow the clifftop walking trail towards the Story Bridge. Cross the Bridge and take the short walking trail that links up with Ivory Lane. Descend Ivory Lane to the City Reach Boardwalk and continue down the boardwalk to the Botanic Gardens. Here the City Reach Boardwalk becomes the Bunya Walk which follow the riverbanks back around to the Goodwill Bridge. Cross the Bridge and you’re back to you’ve completed your circuit!
New Farm – Teneriffe Circuit (7km, 1hr 30min)
Begin at Wilson Outlook Reserve on Bowen Terrace, New Farm with lovely Story Bridge views. Cut across Kent Street to the Teneriffe Ferry Terminal. From there, follow the River back around the bend past the Brisbane Powerhouse, through Merthyr Park.
Turn inland at the Sydney Street Ferry Terminal walk a block along Griffith St, before rejoining the River at the beginning of the New Farm City Walk. When you almost reach the Story Bridge, turn back up Bowen Terrace to close the loop.
John Oxley River Loop, St Lucia (4km, 50min)
This shorter circuit is a great way to top-up your steps on a day where you’ve done plenty of incidental exercise or are short on time. Commence at the Toowong Rowing Club and follow the John Oxley River Walk signs which will take you on a route around UQ’s scenic St Lucia Campus.
This walk is especially pretty during the Jacaranda bloom in October. The walk follows Sir William McGregor Drive around the River bend, crossing back across the campus at Emmanuel College.
South Bank – West End Circuit (7km, 1hr 35min)
Beginning where the Victoria Bridge crosses the South Bank boardwalk, head towards QAGOMA. Follow the extensive trails that track the fig-lined, southern banks of the Brisbane River. Continue until you reach the West End Ferry Terminal in Orleigh Park. This route is busy but provides great people-watching in the early mornings and evenings, while it is quieter during the day.
Once you hit the Ferry Terminal, turn up Hoogley St, and follow the road right as it curves into Ganges St. When you reach the little strip of cafes turn into Dornoch Terrace. Where Dornoch Terrace crosses Boundary St, over an old railway bridge, there is a pedestrian path that will take you down to Boundary Road. Follow Boundary back through West End and allow yourself to be tempted with a stop in one of the numerous cafes – we walk to eat right?! Turn right at Russell St to return to your starting point at South Bank.
Mt Coot-tha Summit Circuit (5km, 1hr)
Just 12-mins out of the CBD, Mt Coot-tha and its plethora of bushy walking trails are so accessible for the inner-city dweller. One of the longer walks takes you from the JC Slaughter Falls picnic area to the peak of Mount Coot-tha on the Summit Trail. This is one of the best uphill walks in Brisbane to really get the heart pumping. The Summit Trail is one way and stops just short of the Lookout. You’ll want to allow yourself a little extra time to make the last 50m walk to the Summit Lookout proper and take in the view.
On a clear day you’ll see as far as Moreton Bay, Main Range and Flinders Peak. Maybe even stop for a drink at the kiosk before making your return journey on the Mahogany Trail. There aren’t any signs marking the Mahogany Trail as such, however there is a signboard with a trail map to help you figure it out. The Mt Coot-tha Summit Trail is heavily trafficked on weekends, but it’s a nice wide walking path with room for everyone.
South Brisbane – Roma Street Parklands Loop (5km, 1hr)
Departing South Brisbane, cross the River using Go-Between Bridge, named after Brisbane band, The Go-Betweens. Tread the Bicentennial Bikeway (don’t worry, it’s for pedestrians too) until you reach the sign for Roma Street Parklands. Follow the signs to Makerston St and walk through the Roma St Station subway to the Parklands. While there is construction of the new railway line, you will need to pass through the ticketed area of the station. A friendly word to the gatekeeper and they will scan you through.
Take a long loop around the Parklands. You can easily add some steps by zig-zagging your way through all the inspiring themed gardens including my personal favourite, the Spectacle Garden at Colin Campbell Place. Return via Albert Street and double back into Roma St at the intersection. Use Tank St to access the Kurilpa Bridge to return to South Brisbane.
South Bank – Bicentennial Bikeway (6km, 1hr 10min)
Cross the Goodwill Bridge from South Bank to the edge of the Botanical Gardens. Veer left and follow the Bicentennial Bikeway all the way around to the Go-Between Bridge. Turn left and follow the River past QAGOMA and the State Library until you reach South Bank Parklands. Saunter the always Insta-worthy Arbour which snakes its way 1km back to the foot of the Goodwill Bridge, in a tunnel of magenta bougainvilleas.
Scenic walks in Brisbane map
This Google Map includes all but the Mt Coot-tha trails mention, as the Mountain walking tracks have not yet been added to Google. Never fear, you can find a copy of the Mt Coot-tha Forest Track Map here.
What’s the best walk around Brisbane? Share your fav urban trails with us in the comments.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo
