Bushwalking — hiking, for non-Australians — is one of the best things you can do in Queensland, and one of the cheapest. Most national parks are free to enter. The trails range from flat boardwalks through ancient rainforest to gentle climbs with hinterland panoramas. Here are 10 walks that are genuinely beginner-friendly: short enough to not exhaust you, well-marked enough to not lose you, and beautiful enough to make you want to do more.
Gold Coast Hinterland
The Gold Coast's hinterland — Springbrook, Tamborine Mountain, Lamington — is world-heritage-listed rainforest less than an hour from Surfers Paradise. These trails feel like a different planet from the beaches below.
1. Purling Brook Falls Circuit
One of the most rewarding short walks in southeast Queensland. A paved path leads to a lookout over the 106-metre falls, then the trail descends through rainforest to the base of the falls and loops back. The section behind the waterfall — walking through the spray under the overhang — is unforgettable. Some steps on the descent; the rest is well-graded track.
2. Twin Falls Circuit
A gentle rainforest loop that passes two waterfalls and a natural rock pool popular for swimming. The trail is mostly flat boardwalk and well-maintained path through subtropical rainforest — tall strangler figs, ferns, and vines. The rock pool at the base of the lower falls is one of the best natural swimming spots on the Gold Coast. Bring swimmers.
3. Curtis Falls Track
The shortest walk on this list and one of the most accessible — a gentle descent through rainforest to a plunge pool and waterfall. The rock pool is home to freshwater turtles you can usually spot from the viewing platform. The walk is entirely on a formed path and boardwalk. Good for families and people with limited mobility (some steps near the end).
4. Best of All Lookout
The name is earned. A short, flat walk through Antarctic beech forest (Gondwanan relics — trees that predate the dinosaurs) to a lookout with views over the Numinbah Valley, Lamington plateau, and on clear days, the coast. This is the kind of walk that makes people go silent for a minute. Combine it with Purling Brook Falls for a half-day in Springbrook.
Brisbane & Surrounds
5. Mt Coot-tha Summit Track
Brisbane's backyard mountain. Multiple trails wind through eucalypt forest to the summit lookout with panoramic views of the city, Moreton Bay, and the Glass House Mountains. The main summit track from JC Slaughter Falls is gently graded and popular with local runners and families. Stop at the cafe at the top. Accessible by public bus from the city.
6. Gorge Walk, Mermaid Pools
A short walk in D'Aguilar National Park — Brisbane's own national park, just 20 minutes from the CBD. The trail follows a creek through spotted gum forest to a series of rock pools. Quiet, shady, and a genuine surprise for visitors who don't expect wilderness this close to a city. Best after rain when the pools are full.
7. Glass House Mountains Lookout Circuit
A gentle walk through open forest with views of the volcanic peaks — dramatic remnants of ancient volcanic activity. The circuit connects several lookouts offering different perspectives on the mountains. Flat and well-graded, suitable for all fitness levels. About an hour north of Brisbane. The mountains are significant to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi people.
Cairns & Tropical North
8. Marjorie Creek Section, Daintree
A boardwalk loop through the world's oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest — the Daintree is estimated at 180 million years old. The boardwalk is elevated, accessible, and interpretive signs explain the ecology as you go. The canopy above you is dense enough to block most sunlight. Listen for the distinctive calls of the Wompoo fruit-dove. One of the easiest ways to experience genuinely primeval forest.
9. Josephine Falls Walking Track
A short, paved trail through tropical rainforest to a series of cascading falls and a natural rock slide — a smooth granite slope where water flows into a clear pool below. One of Queensland's most photogenic swimming spots. The rock slide is a genuine thrill (check water levels — it's closed when flow is too high). Located between Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands.
10. Red Arrow Circuit, Cairns Botanic Gardens to Rainforest
Start at the Cairns Botanic Gardens (free entry, excellent in their own right) and follow the Red Arrow track through lowland tropical rainforest. The trail climbs gently to lookouts over the city and coast before looping back. Well-marked, well-maintained, and popular with locals. The longest walk on this list but the elevation gain is gentle. Accessible without a car — walk or bus from Cairns CBD.
What to Bring
You don't need specialist gear for these walks. Here's the essentials:
- Water — 1L minimum, more in summer
- Closed-toe shoes with grip (not thongs)
- Sunscreen + hat
- Insect repellent (especially hinterland/rainforest)
- Light rain jacket (hinterland rain is sudden)
- Phone with offline map downloaded
- A snack
- Swimwear (for walks with swimming holes)
For a complete checklist, see our Australia packing list.