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AUSTRALIA: With gorgeous poinciana- and jacaranda-filled parks, heritage Queensland architecture, and picturesque Brisbane River winding its way through the city, Brisbane is a great city for walking. From inner-city park and river walks to strolls at a leisurely pace to working up a sweat on mountain hikes, here are a couple of trails you can take to soak up the outdoors in the River City.

Mt Coot-tha Forest Summit Walk

Mt Coot-tha Forest is just 15 minutes by car from the CBD and the Summit Walk offers the chance to see contemporary Aboriginal artwork on the way to the top to take in the impressive views of the city. The round trip is nearly 4 kilometres and can be completed in about 90 minutes.

Consider taking the Aboriginal Art Trail circuit for a short detour (about 30 minutes) to explore tree carvings, rock paintings and etchings. You can also walk to JC Slaughter Falls to view the waterfalls, but this is best visited after a heavy downpour. Stop at the summit to take in fantastic views of wider Brisbane and refuel after your climb at The Summit Café.

Brisbane Riverwalk

Once a floating walkway connecting New Farm and the city before it was washed away in the 2011 floods, the Brisbane Riverwalk pathway was replaced in 2014 with an 870-metre walkway that juts out onto the Brisbane River. The walk starts at Riverview Court off Merthyr Road and can be easily accessed from the Sydney Street ferry terminal, finishing at Howard Smith Wharves under the Story Bridge. There are several shelters along the way where you can rest and take in the scenic views of the river. 

At Howard Smith Wharves, you can cross the river to Kangaroo Point and continue on to South Bank, or follow the river into the city and around to Eagle Street Pier where you can find plenty of world-class dining options as well as bars and pubs where you can end your day.  

Paddington

Walk along the ridges of hilly Paddington and visit the many eclectic boutiques, cafés, galleries and some of Brisbane’s rich heritage including churches, memorial parks and the landmark Government House.  From Suncorp Stadium head down Dowse Street to Moreton Street and see St Brigid’s Church, which was designed to look like the 13th century French Albi Cathedral.

Further on at Latrobe Terrace is a mecca of vintage and preloved homewares and fashion. Follow Latrobe Terrace to the Paddington Antique Centre and explore the largely intact string of art deco shops. 

At Fernberg Road you’ll find Government House, which has been the home and workplace of Queensland governors since 1910. From Fernberg Road, head to Given Terrace and see some excellent views of Paddington and Mt Coot-tha on your way back to Paddington centre where an array of exciting eateries await.

Clontarf to Redcliffe

A 45-minute drive north of Brisbane is Pelican Park, which is the start of a 13-kilometre return walk from Clontarf to Redcliffe on the shores of Moreton Bay.  The walk is a bit of a stretch, so if you don’t have enough time, park your car in Bramble Bay and after some pelican spotting, head to Woody Point Jetty, a favourite local fishing spot. On the way you will pass the historic Belvedere Hotel, so stop in for lunch at this family-friendly restaurant and watering hole.

Continue along the water to Margate Beach, complete with a 1937 bathing pavilion, and Suttons Beach, the most popular swimming spot. If you’re feeling energetic, finish the walk off at Bee Gees Way on Redcliffe Parade, a tribute to the band complete with photos, murals, statues, and other memorabilia. The walk from Woody Point Jetty to here is about 10 kilometres return, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful sea views all the way.  

Rest your weary head at either the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane or Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Anzac Square. Both provide contemporary studio and apartment accommodation in beautiful heritage-listed buildings just a short walk from Brisbane River.

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