The great outdoors is calling, which means it’s time to get off the couch and put that active wear to good use! Here are some of the best walking tracks near Brisbane, so you can get out and experience all of the city’s natural beauty. We guarantee it will be good for the soul!

Wynnum to Manly Esplanade Walk

Stretched across eight kilometres of pristine coastline, the Wynnum/Manly trail is a gorgeous route to follow when the sun is shining. You can do as much or as little of the walk as you want, so it’s perfect for a full-on hike or a leisurely ramble over the fine white sands. Either way, you’ll have the chance to breathe in that fresh sea air and appreciate the unbeatable views of the sparkling ocean. What could be better?

Fish and chips are pretty much mandatory by the seaside, so we’d highly suggest a stop at Cooper’s Fish & Chips Cafe. Island View is also a top spot for a bit of light refreshment, and Frenchie’s is dog-friendly – which is great if you’ve brought your best mate along for walkies.

Brisbane Riverwalk

Everyone is probably already familiar with Brisbane’s Riverwalk – the huge, bridge-like construct winding across the waterfront – but that doesn’t make it any less awesome. The track is an absolute must-do, and it’s easy enough for anyone to try. There are even rest shelters along the way, which are the perfect spots to stop and admire the incredible views of the city, especially at dusk when everything starts to light up. Start off at New Farm Park, then follow the Riverwalk and the adjoining boardwalk to the City Botanic Gardens. Lovely!

Naturally, there’s no end of swanky eateries nearby. Moray Cafe’s wine list is fantastic, and fine dining is well covered by Watt. Meanwhile, The Pancake Manor is standing by with all the comfort food you could need.

Mount Coot-tha Forest Track

Lush, bushy and utterly stunning, the Mount Coot-tha Forest Track is brimming with tranquil little hideaways that are perfect for a picnic. We’d recommend walking from the JC Slaughter Falls to the summit of Mount Coot-tha, then branching off about halfway through to cover the Aboriginal Art Trail. Oh, and if you’re interested in bird life, keep an eye out for the cockatoos – there are heaps of them nearby!

If you need extra strength, Kuta Cafe offers tasty meals and splendid views over the city. Bean on Dean serves top-notch coffee, and Abode’s all-day breakfast menu is a real winner.

Curtis Falls Circuit

If you’re looking for an escape from the daily grind, you’ll definitely want to consider the Curtis Falls Circuit. It’s a shady 1.5km return walk, tucked away within the cool, tranquil rainforests of Mount Tamborine. If it happens to be a particularly hot day, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a refreshing splash, and Curtis Falls itself is a glorious sight to behold.

As for food? Spice of Life is a cafe/deli combo that does everything from fresh soup to wholesome meals, while Curtis Falls Cafe is a breakfast haven. But if your stomach is crying out for hearty pub grub, Drift is the perfect place to stop.

Boombana Walk

The Boombana Walk features two separate tracks that creep beneath the vast eucalypt canopies. The Pitta Circuit is gently sloping and about 1.1km return, while Thylogale Walking Track is a far heftier 8km trek. Which one you take is entirely up to you (and how energetic you’re feeling), but both are gorgeous, with towering ghost gums and bush orchids. There’s also plenty of bird life, so it’s well worth making the trip out to Mount Nebo for!

The charming Boombana Cafe is a must-visit spot, while Cafe Lagarto is tough to beat for a classic bacon and egg roll. If you can, venture out to Samford to visit The Flying Nun Cafe in the old church.