The article is written by Kelsa McIntyre
A fun way to stay active and explore new places is to check out the walking trails and hikes. This time of year is perfect to get out into the bush as its still blue skies with no humidity so being in the sun isn’t unbearable. With mountains and bushland surrounding Brisbane, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get up high and see the city and ocean from afar or get up close and personal with the native vegetation. Let’s start off with the easier walking trails and work ourselves up to the big mountains.
Mt Coot-tha
Mt Coot-tha is also known as the Brisbane Lookout is a short 15-minute drive from the city and is a great trail for anyone who’s just starting out. The lookout offers great views of Brisbane City and Moreton Bay. If you don’t have a car, there are public transport options such as Uber or catching a bus from Brisbane City directly to the bottom of the lookout. The walk to the summit takes approximately 30 minutes from JC Slaughter falls picnic area and if that’s not challenging enough there are plenty of other circuits that’ll get your heart rate up.
Araucaria Track
This track is a fairly easy bush walk just 25 minutes from the CBD. Expect to see many varieties of birds while also watching your step, as there are a number of signs stating that brown snakes are in the area #welcometoaustralia. This track takes up to 90 minutes and is also accessible via public buses or Ubers.
Boondall Wetlands Bikeway
This one is a serene walk as there are boardwalks and bitumen paths that make it easier to navigate. Whether you’re after a short stroll or a more challenging walk, the wetlands have it all. Walk or ride the 13km bikeway in 3 and a half hours or choose one of the shorter paths, either way, you’re bound to see endless amounts of mangroves and open forest in Brisbane’s largest wetlands area.
Mermaid Mountain
If you’re after something a bit more challenging Mermaid Mountain is the perfect trek. Starting from the town of Mt Crosby this 18km hike will take about 5 hours so best to have the whole day free for this epic trek. Bring along your camera as you’re in for some great snaps with a view of rolling hills and Lake Manchester.
Mt Tibrogargan
If you’re up for an even bigger challenge Mt Tibrogargan is the one for you. This mountain is no walk in the park; beginning at the base of the cliff this climb is more like a scramble than a hike. Once you are half way, it is best to decide if you wish to continue or not as past that point it is basically a 90-degree climb where you have to use hand and foot holds to pull yourself up. Once you are at the top, however, there is a great sense of accomplishment as you are at the 364-metre summit! I would only recommend this climb to people who are somewhat experienced and have a moderate fitness level. It’s also best to do this in pairs or in a group, as you are able to help and encourage each other. This climb and descent take up to 4 hours. I would also recommend wearing long pants that you don’t care about as you are sliding on your bottom for most of the way down so expect some rips and scratches.
Mt Beerwah
Tallest of the Glass House Mountains, Mt Beerwah is slightly harder than Tibrogargan. From the get-go it is a near 90-degree ascent, however, once you are past this point the climb begins to become easier. The spectacular 360-degree view of the other Glass House Mountains once at the top makes up for the 3 challenging hours it takes to complete. Again, this climbs not for the faint-hearted and is demanding not only physically but mentally but if you think you’re up for it why not give it a go this weekend and let us know how it went! @studyanywhere
