From a short city summit to a full rainforest circuit, roughly in order of effort.
Easy, about an hour
Mt Coot-tha Summit Track
A mostly paved track of about 1.9 km each way, climbing from the JC Slaughter Falls picnic area to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. Brisbane City Council rates it a relatively easy walk for all fitness levels, with big views over the city at the top.
Good to knowThere are some stairs, and a cafe at the lookout if you want a break. Some tracks in the reserve cross creeks that are unsafe after heavy rain, and parts of the mountain have no mobile coverage, so tell someone your plans.
Easy to moderate, about 2 hours
Greenes Falls track, D'Aguilar National Park
A grade 3 walk of about 4.3 km return from the Maiala day-use area at Mount Glorious, through cool subtropical rainforest to a lookout above Greenes Falls. Expect boardwalks over creeks, giant fig trees and the chance of spotting pademelons.
Good to knowThe walk to the falls is mostly downhill, so save some energy for the climb back. Take care crossing Browns Road on the way.
Moderate, about 2 hours
Mount Ngungun summit, Glass House Mountains
A grade 4 walk of about 2.8 km return that climbs through open forest to a 360 degree view of the coast, the hinterland and the neighbouring peaks of Tibrogargan, Coonowrin and Beerwah. It is short but steady, and a favourite first summit in the Glass House Mountains.
Good to knowThe track passes close to cliff edges, so stay on the track and keep a close eye on children. Rock gets slippery after rain, and Queensland Parks advises starting early to avoid the midday heat.
Easy, about 90 minutes
Tibrogargan circuit, Glass House Mountains
A loop of about 4.1 km that circles the base of Mount Tibrogargan, so you see the mountain from many angles. Queensland Parks describes it as a good family walk.
Good to knowThis walk stays around the base rather than climbing, and summit routes in the park need rock scrambling skills. Mount Beerwah's summit route has been closed at times for safety, so check Queensland Parks alerts before planning any peak.
Easy to moderate, about 2 hours
Twin Falls circuit, Springbrook National Park
A grade 3 circuit of about 4 km from Tallanbana or Canyon lookout that passes behind two waterfalls, through rock clefts and among palms and tree ferns. It is one of the most memorable short walks in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Good to knowQueensland Parks suggests walking it anticlockwise to follow the interpretive signs. For a quick extra, the 600 m Best of All lookout track leads through Antarctic beech forest to a view of Wollumbin (Mount Warning).
Moderate, half day
Box Forest circuit, Lamington National Park
A grade 4 circuit of about 10.9 km from the Green Mountains section, branching off the Border Track. It winds through rainforest and stands of pink-barked brush box, passing several waterfalls including Elabana Falls.
Good to knowAllow about 4 hours and walk it anticlockwise, as Queensland Parks recommends. Lamington has had storm damage in parts of the park, so check park alerts for track conditions before you go.
