The best city hikes and walks in Queensland

Glenugie is a heritage-listed timber villa in New Farm, built in 1884–85. Businessman John Archibald, a Member of the Queensland Legislative Council, bought the property in 1902, and after his passing in 1907, it remained his widow’s home until 1929. That year, the family donated the house to the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, who renamed it Archibald House and ran it as a hostel for girls and young women until 1980, providing low-cost board for those coming to Brisbane from the country. Since then, it has returned to use as a private residence.

The Formal Flower Garden is a memorable display of curved, sweeping garden beds within the City Botanic Gardens, edged in white alyssum and packed with vivid seasonal colour. Snapdragons, Dianthus, and ornamental cabbage are planted in bold, changing arrangements year-round, with one bed even shaped like a heart. Lit up after dark, it’s a beautiful spot to visit both day and night, right in the heart of the city.

Jezzine Fort, or the Kissing Point Fortification, or Jezzine Barracks, is a 15-hectare military outpost overlooking the ocean. It was built in the 1880s, used throughout World War II, and is now decommissioned and an Army Museum of North Queensland and restored barracks and cannons. The site honours the traditional owners, the Wulgurukaba people, with a dedicated ethno-botanical track and artwork. The grounds are always open, and the museum is open Friday, Sunday and Wednesday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and closed every other day.

Townsville is a bus stop and a ferry stop, with an indoor café. The café is called Maggie Link, and it has grab-and-go food and drinks. The bus stop includes a greyhound stop as well as connections to Townsville Shopping Centre and the Townsville Hospital. The ferry takes Palm Island and Magnetic Island.

The Strand and The Strand Park stand together as a family friendly recreational spot with 2.2 kilometres of golden sand beach and promenade with nice views of overlooking Magnetic Island. Backing the beach sits Strand Park, greenspace featuring shaded picnic tables, a large playground, and swimming area with stinger net protecting beach goers between November to May. Often in summer there are events held on the large grassy area.

South Bank Parklands combines riverfront paths, landscaped gardens, and public spaces across a large stretch of the city’s foreshore. The area includes the Streets Beach lagoon, shaded walkways like the Arbour, and open lawns with views across to the CBD. It connects directly into the riverside path network and forms one of the main public spaces along the river.

This viewpoint looks across the Brisbane River toward the modern towers that define the city’s central business district, along with landmarks including the Story Bridge and South Bank. The skyline rises in clean lines of glass and steel, often reflected in the water, with green riverbank parklands softening the urban edge. It’s a popular place to pause for photos, especially in the evening, when the changing light makes the buildings glow across the river.

Goodwill Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the Brisbane River between South Bank and Gardens Point. From the centre of the bridge, you get open views along the river toward the city skyline, with high-rise towers reflecting off the water below. The bridge sits slightly elevated above river level, giving you a clear view of boats passing beneath and the CBD rising beyond. It’s a popular crossing, so keep left and stay aware of cyclists as you pause to take in the view.