Self Guided Walks and Greeter Tours in Brisbane

October 30, 2026

On foot in Brisbane

Brisbane rewards walkers who pick a theme: history in the CBD, the river edge, or the laneways of the Valley. Here are five routes with the practical details. Wear a hat and carry water, as UV is extreme for most of the year.

Take a free walk with Brisbane Greeters

Volunteer locals lead free walks that last from 2 to 4 hours. The 2026 programme includes 7 city walks and 11 suburban ones. Reservations go through the Brisbane City Council events and booking page, and one example, a Greeter’s Choice walk, begins at City Hall. Sign up early, as places are limited. The programme is at brisbanegreeters.com.au .

Route one: the colonial and civic core

Start at King George Square and City Hall, which dates to 1930. Continue to the Albert Street Uniting Church, then climb Wickham Terrace to the Old Windmill, described as among the oldest surviving colonial structures in the city. St John’s Cathedral and Customs House, with its copper dome from 1889, finish the loop. Anzac Square, the state war memorial with an Eternal Flame, lies nearby, and visitors keep voices low there.

Route two: river edge to Howard Smith Wharves

From New Farm, the Riverwalk runs about 870 metres to the Wharves under the Story Bridge, a figure from one source. The walkway is a fixed structure, not a floating one, and its swing-bridge section has had servicing closures in 2026. Sections of the CBD Riverwalk near Waterfront Brisbane have also been shut, so read the closure notices on the Brisbane City Council site before you set out. Pause at Wilson Outlook Reserve, 231 Bowen Terrace, for a clifftop view of the bridge.

The Story Bridge’s vehicle lanes close from 27 December 2026 until about 18 January 2027. Its eastern footpath remains open to walkers, cyclists and scooters, while the western one shuts.

Route three: gardens and the Goodwill Bridge

Cross the City Botanic Gardens, take the pedestrian Goodwill Bridge over the river and arrive at the Arbour in South Bank. Streets Beach, a free lifeguarded lagoon, is a few minutes on. The river is off limits for swimming because bull sharks have been recorded far upstream.

Route four: laneways and shopfronts

James Street and Fortitude Valley’s laneways suit slow browsing, and Brunswick Street Mall is the hub of the Valley’s street life. Brisbane Powerhouse at New Farm is operating, with events listed for 2026.

Route five: Mt Coot-tha gardens

Mt Coot-tha’s botanic gardens are free, with opening hours of 8:00 to 18:00 from September to March and 8:00 to 17:00 from April to August. Council lists route 471 from Ann Street, but confirm in the TransLink journey planner because numbers changed in 2025.

Getting around between walks

TransLink buses, trams, City trains and CityCats cost 50 cents a journey. A guided option is also available through GetYourGuide .