5 best hikes near Brisbane
If it’s a nature fix you’re seeking but don’t want to have to venture too far away from Brisbane, then these five hiking trails make for the perfect day trip to the Southern Downs & Granite Belt. These hiking trails will see you walking past waterfalls, around impressive rock formations and taking in sprawling views. Get your hiking boots laced up as we walk you through our pick for the five best hikes near Brisbane:
1. Granite Arch, Girraween National Park
Ready for a hiking trail that will rock your world? Head straight to Girraween National Park, about 30 minutes south of Stanthorpe. As you hike through Girraween National Park you’ll quickly notice the abundance of natural rock formations and spectacular boulders balancing precariously on mountaintops, making Girraween National Park a treasure trove of photos for your camera roll. Make sure you check out The Pyramid Walk, where you’ll see the unbelievable ‘Balancing Rock’, a site that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip.
If you prefer a short walk opposed to a full day of hiking through Girraween National Park, try the Granite Arch Walk (1.6km, 30 minutes return), a gentle stroll that takes you through Girraween’s own granite archway. For more hiking trails and tips, check out our local’s guide to Girraween National Park and get ready for some seriously insta-worthy views!
Getting to Girraween National Park from Brisbane: Follow the New England Highway south of Stanthorpe and continue past Ballandean before turning left on Pyramids Road. There is parking available at the Information Centre of the Bald Rock Creek day-use area.
Hiking trail distance: 1.6km
Hike time: 30 mins return
2. Queen Mary Falls Circuit, Main Range National Park
Visiting Queen Mary Falls is a must do on any Southern Downs & Granite Belt trip. The Queen Mary Falls circuit is an easy hike, taking around 40 minutes to complete the walk, guiding you from the lookouts at the top of the falls to the creek below. Take a leisurely stroll through luscious forests then continue your hike towards the base of the waterfall and you’ll be able to witness the spectacle of Queen Mary Falls.
From the Queen Mary Falls picnic area, your hiking adventure will then take you along a fragrant eucalypt-topped ridgeline to the lush, rainforest gorge. Main Range National Park rangers suggest walking the circuit in a clockwise direction as it is easier on the legs. But if a challenge is the aim of your hike, then you’re more than welcome to embrace the challenge and do the trail anticlockwise.
This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity (especially of rare, threatened and endemic species).
Getting to Queen Mary Falls Circuit from Brisbane: Take the highways southwest through Ipswich and Boonah, then continue on State Route 93 past Coochin. Turn right onto Carneys Creek Road, follow it through the ranges to Head Road and onto Road Spring Creek Road until you reach Queen Mary Falls.
Hiking trail distance: 2km
Hike time: 40 mins
3. Dalrymple Circuit, Goomburra section of Main Range National Park
You’ll be swapping screen time for green time as you hike through the Goomburra section of Main Range National Park. Along this hiking trail, you’ll be treated to rugged mountain ranges, spectacular lookouts, lush subtropical rainforest and some of the region’s most beautiful swimming spots. With plenty of hiking trails available, the Dalrymple Circuit will only take about 30 minutes, but you’ll enter a whole new world. There are also private and national park campgrounds close by, as well as lodges if you were thinking of changing your hiking day trip into an overnight stay in the Southern Downs.
Getting to Dalrymple Circuit from Brisbane: The Goomburra section can be reached from both the New England and Cunningham highways. From the Cunningham Highway turn off at Gladfield, 25km west of Cunninghams Gap, and travel 8km to join Inverramsay Road, then follow Inverramsay Road, and Forestry Reserve Road to the park entrance. Make sure to keep up to date with track closures and accessibility via the QldParks website.
Hiking distance: 1.2km
Hike time: 30 mins
4. Mount Cordeaux track, Cunningham’s Gap section of Main Range National Park
It’s time to dust off your hiking boots and get your blood pumping! Travelling from Brisbane to Warwick, you’ll encounter the Cunningham’s Gap section of the Main Range National Park. The Mount Cordeaux track zigzags through rainforest to the exposed upper slopes of the Gap, providing spectacular mountaintop views back to Brisbane. The hike will take about 2.5hrs but it’ll be worth it for those views!
Getting to the Mount Cordeaux track from Brisbane: To get to the start of the track, which is located within the Cunningham’s Gap section, drive 116km south-west on the Cunningham Highway from Brisbane. If you are travelling from Warwick drive 50km east on the Cunningham Highway. The Crest car park is currently closed due to planned works, however, parking is available at the West Gap Creek car park and picnic area. Stay up to date with maintenance closures via the QldParks website.
Hiking distance: 6.8km return
Hike time: 2.5 hours return
5. Scenic Rim Trail, Maryvale
Hiking meets luxury on the Scenic Rim Trail. Sitting on the border of the Southern Downs and the Scenic Rim, this hiking trail is the jewel in the crown of Spicers Retreat’s nature-based eco offerings. The trail features small group all-inclusive walking adventures where your luggage is transported and knowledgeable guides lead the way for the hike. You can choose your desired hiking length and add on extra nights at nearby Spicers Retreats to complete your experience.
Getting to the Scenic Rim Trail from Brisbane: The Scenic Rim Trail starts at Spicers Peak Lodge, which is about 1hr 45 minutes from Brisbane. Follow the signs to Warwick.
Hiking distance: One guided hike has a distance of 28km, the other guided hike has a distance of 30km. We weren’t kidding about dusting off your hiking boots for this one.
Hike time: The shorter hike takes 2 days to complete, and the longer hike takes 5 days.
While You’re Here
Make a weekend of it by checking out these other things to do in the area:
- Find the perfect place to stay with our many accommodation options.
- Keen on exploring more of our great outdoors? Here’s a guide to our three national parks.
- If you’re travelling to Girraween from Brisbane you’ll drive right through Stanthorpe. Here’s a local’s guide on spending 24 hours there.
- Travelling in Spring or Summer? Here’s our top 7 must visit waterholes to check out.
- If you have the kids in tow, make sure you check out these 20 family activities in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.
https://southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Serenes-Chandlery-Landscape-Web.jpg
768
1024
Scott Rawstorne
https://southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SDGB_Logo_Jacaranda_600x195.png
Scott Rawstorne2025-08-14 05:44:292025-08-27 05:55:40Antique trails and quirky finds: Where to fossick for treasures in the Southern Downs & Granite Belt
https://southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Gordon-Country-NECI-9-1024px.jpg
682
1024
Scott Rawstorne
https://southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SDGB_Logo_Jacaranda_600x195.png
Scott Rawstorne2025-07-10 06:04:432025-08-13 01:06:21Rediscover ‘That Holiday Feeling’ on a camping trip to the Southern Downs
https://southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Girraween-National-Park-Image-by-TEQ-11-1024px.jpg
683
1024
Scott Rawstorne
https://southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/SDGB_Logo_Jacaranda_600x195.png
Scott Rawstorne2025-07-09 03:31:542025-08-04 22:09:32A first-timer’s guide to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt
