7 Best Family Bushwalks in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast
Going for a bushwalk is like hitting the refresh button for your body and mind.
It's a chance to escape the daily grind, reduce stress, and soak up nature's beauty. Plus, all that walking is a great workout for the whole family, it's really a win-win for physical and mental wellbeing.
We’ve put together a list of our favourite family-friendly bushwalks in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, just in time for spring and the school holidays! So grab your walking shoes and get ready for some natural therapy the whole family can enjoy.
Mary Cairncross Reserve
Enjoy an easy stroll through some of Australia’s best subtropical rainforest. This 1.7km circuit is great for little legs, and there’s so much to see. Keep an eye and an ear out for wrens, whipbirds, riflebirds, bowerbirds, bush turkeys, as well as Queensland native butterflies. The cool forest is also home to a range of wildlife including frogs, lizards and pademelons. Pack a picnic and get ready to marvel at the iconic panoramic views of the Glasshouse Mountains!
Kondalilla Falls
We think this spot has the best effort-to-reward ratio on the coast! The 1.7km Pick Creek Circuit offers gorgeous views and total rainforest immersion. Situated in Montville in the Blackall Ranges, enjoy views from Obi Valley Lookout and soak up the gorgeous waterfall and cascades. If you’re feeling energetic, you can do the full 4.7km circuit to the base of Kondalilla Falls – which is well worth the 300-step climb back to the starting point.
Karawatha Forest Park
Choose from over 42km of walking tracks in one of Brisbane’s largest bushland reserves. This park is an important refuge for over 200 species of wildlife, including rare and threatened species like the glossy black cockatoo, powerful owl and koalas. Wander along the Frog Hollow boardwalk, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area, spot an echidna or sit quietly and watch for birds. Check out the discovery centre and natural playground, and definitely bring a picnic because there’s so much to see and do.
Mt Coot-tha Summit Track
A wonderful spot for a family bushwalk, this 2km track has a moderate incline and features great views of Brisbane. Keep the family going with the promise of ice cream and stop at the café at the summit for a well-deserved break. J C Slaughter Falls comes alive after heavy rain, and this is a great spot for creek play and rock-hopping. Make sure you check out the Aboriginal Art Trail as well, which is an easy 20-minute walk that encompasses Aboriginal rock paintings and stick arrangements.
Mt Glorious Maiala Track
Located northwest of Brisbane city in South D’Aguilar National Park (formerly Brisbane Forest Park), Mount Glorious is a great family-friendly bushwalking destination. There’s something for everyone with three different walks ranging from 2-4km. Opt for the Rainforest Circuit for little legs, or check out the Greenes Falls Track if you want a view of the falls. Keep an eye out for pademelons and an incredible range of birds who call this magical rainforest home.
Bunyaville Conservation Park
Conveniently located in the heart of Brisbane’s northern suburbs, this is a great spot for a walk if you’re short on time. Wander through shady gullies, past cool waterholes and keep an eye out for koalas. Choose from 5 different walks, the longest of which is the Bunyaville Track. Allow about 30 minutes for this 1.6km track through open eucalypt forest, and you can even bring your dog as long as it’s on a leash.
Toohey Forest Park
Just 10km south of Brisbane CBD, Toohey Forest Park offers a variety of walking tracks and lookouts with spectacular views of Brisbane and surrounding suburbs. Wander through three different types of forest, keep an eye out for wildlife, and enjoy playing and climbing on the rocks. Bring your furry friends and enjoy the wildflowers in bloom from late winter into spring.
There you have it, seven family-friendly bushwalks to explore in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. There’s nothing like fresh air and forests for boosting our sense of wellbeing and bringing us back to centre.
Bookmark this list for when the kids are screen-frazzled or when there’s a severe case of cabin fever.
Better yet, share this list with a friend and turn your bushwalk into a time for social connection too!
Skip the over-priced café food and let the kids fill up on nature connection and blue skies. It’s always worth the effort to get outdoors, plus there’s nothing like a long walk to tire the kids out!
Did you know we run a school holiday bushwalking program in Brisbane? It’s a great day out for the kids if you can’t get time off work or just need a quiet moment for yourself. For more information, head to our bookings page and check out the huge range of programs on offer these holidays.
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.