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The Best Brisbane Walking Trails for Kids

Brisbane walking trails are some of the best kept secrets in the city and surrounds. You don’t have to take the family far – check out the local info we’ve collected!

Brisbane walking trails – a great way for the family to connect

Family bushwalking not only provides exercise but has a lot of added benefits. You’ll be together in a tech-free environment so expect the conversation to flow. Getting back to nature often promotes self-reflection and can have a calming effect on a stressed mind. Think of it as meditation while moving!

Here are some great Brisbane walking trails where you can take the family.

Chermside Hills Reserves

Chermside Hills Reserves

The Chermside Hills Reserves are located 12 kilometres north west of Brisbane’s CBD. They can be accessed from multiple locations around Chermside. The Chermside Hills Reserve are made up of a network of three natural areas in Chermside West and McDowall.

This group of natural areas includes:

  • Raven Street Reserve which is home to the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
  • Milne Hill Reserve
  • Chermside Hills Reserve

Find out about the Chermside Hills Reserves here.

Toohey Forest Park

Brisbane’s very own southside is home to the best walking trails that you’ve probably never been to! There are a number of family-friendly tracks here. You’ll also find picnic spots, great facilities and plenty of animals to spot! Perfect for a family day out. Read all about Toohey Forest Park here.

Karawatha Forest & Discovery Centre

karawatha forest walking tracks

Karawatha Forest Park, located 18 kilometres south of the Brisbane city centre, adjoins Compton Road at Karawatha and Kuraby. The Forest park is approximately 900 hectares in total and is one of the largest areas of natural bushland still part of and controlled by Brisbane City Council. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy picnics, bushwalks and nature study. We’ve got a detailed video review here.

JC Slaughter Falls

Don’t let the scary sounding name fool you – JC Slaughter Falls at Mt Coot-tha offers a number of great walking trails for families. You’ve got the added benefit of travelling up to the best vantage point our great city has to offer – perfect any day! Make sure you get the kids to spot the gorgeous Indigenous artwork that dots the walking trail as well. We wrote about the JC Slaughter Falls here.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens | Mt Coot-tha

Ok, so it’s not a ‘bush walk’ perse but the Botanic Gardens at the foot of Mt Coot-tha DO offer a great chance for families with younger children to still experience what bushwalking is like. Gently winding tracks, gorgeous natural landscape and that beautiful mountain-fresh air. If you’ve not been to this great Brisbane space yet – go!

Cedar Creek | Samford

Cedar_Creek_Samford

Some great, graded tracks here winding around and beautifully finished with a dip in the gorgeous natural wading holes. You’d be hard pressed to find a more gorgeous spot in Brisbane! Cedar Creek has long been a firm favourite of local families – make sure you click here to see why!

Brisbane walking trails

Did we miss any? Make sure to let us know in the comments and we’ll happily add them to our list! Walk on!

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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