6 Magical Nature Walks & Outdoor Adventures Around Brisbane

Australian parents, you're doing great! Sometimes the best reward for your little ones - and you! - is simply getting outside and soaking up that glorious Queensland sunshine and fresh air.

Brisbane is an absolute gem for connecting families with nature. From easy, pram-friendly forest strolls to heart-pumping climbs with spectacular city views, there’s an adventure waiting just around the corner. We’ve curated six must-do nature walks Brisbane families will adore, offering the perfect mix of relaxed picnic spots and thrilling outdoor activities.

Let's swap the screens for scenic views and make some affordable, memorable family moments in the great outdoors!

This is a fantastic spot for parents with toddlers or prams looking for easy, beautiful family outdoors QLD fun near the city. A wide, relatively flat loop track that circles a section of the beautiful Enoggera Reservoir. It’s perfect for little legs and offers stunning water views, bird-watching opportunities, and plenty of room for scooting (if not too busy). It’s an accessible slice of nature just outside The Gap.

Why You’ll Love It: The foreshore has a designated swimming beach area, making it a brilliant summer spot. The walk is manageable for almost all ages and is a peaceful escape.

• Street Address: Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, 60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap QLD 4061

• Dates: Open daily (Check Walkabout Creek hours for parking/facilities)

• Ticket Information: Free entry and parking at the Discovery Centre/Reservoir Access area.

• Family Tips: Start the 5km loop walk early to beat the heat, and pack swimmers and a towel for a dip afterwards! The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is nearby if you want to pair it with a wildlife encounter.

For the quintessential Brisbane experience and a rewarding climb, this iconic track delivers incredible value. Starting from the JC Slaughter Falls picnic area, the Summit Track is a well-maintained, moderately steep track that leads directly to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. It's a slightly more adventurous option for active kids (Age 6+).

Why You’ll Love It: The view! Reward your efforts with a panoramic view of the entire Brisbane city skyline, Moreton Bay, and the distant ranges. It's one of the best picnic spots Brisbane offers, both at the falls area below and the lookout at the top.

• Street Address: JC Slaughter Falls Picnic Area, Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mount Coot-tha QLD 4066

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free.

• Family Tips: The walk takes about 30-40 minutes one way (about 1.9km). Pack a basket for a picnic lunch at JC Slaughter Falls before or after the climb. Look out for the Aboriginal Art Trail markers near the falls.

Need a lush rainforest experience with a waterfall payoff? Head south for this enchanting family walk. A short, gentle walk through stunning subtropical rainforest that leads to the picturesque Curtis Falls. The track involves a descent into the gorge, offering a cool, shaded environment perfect for a hot day. It’s an accessible way to experience the Gondwana Rainforests.

Why You’ll Love It: Spotting glow worms and freshwater eels in the rockpools below the falls viewing platform is a magical moment for kids. The ancient trees and the sound of the waterfall are incredibly calming.

• Street Address: 14-18 Dapsang Drive, Eagle Heights, QLD, 4271

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free.

• Family Tips: This is a very popular spot, so arrive early (Morning) to secure parking and enjoy a quieter walk. The walk is only 1.1km return and is relatively easy, but is not pram-friendly due to stairs.

For a flat, unique, and educational walk, explore the wetlands environment on Brisbane’s north-east side. This flat, easy circuit introduces children to the tidal flats, mangroves, and open forest of the wetlands. The Nurri Millen Totem Trail features interpretive signs and indigenous-themed totems, adding a cultural element to the nature walks Brisbane families can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s pram-friendly and a bird-watcher's paradise! The flat terrain is ideal for very young children or those on a scooter/bike (in shared-use sections). It’s an excellent way to teach kids about a different ecosystem.

• Street Address: 31 Paperbark Drive, Boondall, QLD 4034, Australia

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free.

• Family Tips: Bring insect repellent, as the wetlands can be a bit buggy. The track takes about an hour to complete. Combine it with a trip to nearby Nudgee Beach Park for a fantastic playground and more ocean views.

Looking for a longer, more immersive adventure for primary-school-aged explorers (Age 8+)? This is it. A 7.5km loop track located in Mount Cotton that winds through open eucalypt forest and melaleuca swamp. This park forms part of the Koala Bushland Conservation Area, offering great wildlife spotting opportunities.

Why You’ll Love It: This loop is challenging enough to feel like a proper hike but is easy to navigate, making it a great step up for families looking for more adventurous family outdoors QLD experiences. It’s a genuine chance to spot koalas in the wild.

• Street Address: West Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton, QLD 4165

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free.

• Family Tips: Allow 3-4 hours and pack plenty of water and snacks. The start of the circuit has a lovely picnic area with facilities, perfect for a refuel. Pre Book your walk time on the QPWS site if visiting in school holidays.

A handy inner-city escape for a quick dose of nature without a long drive. Located close to Griffith University, Toohey Forest is a large, preserved bushland area just 10km from the CBD. The Nathan Ridge Track is a popular, wide, and well-graded path.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s so close to the city, yet you feel completely immersed in the bush. It’s home to over 75 species of birds, koalas, and echidnas. The wide track makes it excellent for walking side-by-side and connecting with your family.

• Street Address: Toohey Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia

• Dates: Open daily

• Ticket Information: Free.

• Family Tips: The Summit Track branches off to Mount Gravatt Lookout, which is another excellent picnic spots Brisbane option with stunning views. Keep an eye out for koalas in the eucalypt trees - a quiet Morning visit is best for wildlife spotting!