The best cycling routes in Toohey Forest

This lookout sits on one of the highest points on Brisbane’s south side, with wide views across the city and surrounding suburbs. On clear days, the view extends beyond the urban area toward Moreton Bay and distant ranges. The summit is easily accessible by road or walking tracks, with open viewing areas, picnic spaces, and a café nearby. It’s a popular spot, especially around sunset, when visibility and lighting shift across the skyline.

The South East Freeway Bikeway is a shared walking and cycling route along the Pacific Motorway corridor. The mostly sealed path provides a direct route between the southern suburbs and the city, popular with both commuters and recreational users. It connects with other paths, such as the Norman Creek Bikeway and local parkland trails along the route, making it ideal for spending the day exploring the area free from traffic.

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.

Kangaroo Point Bikeway is a riverside shared path that runs along the Brisbane River at Kangaroo Point, linking the Story Bridge area with South Bank and the city’s broader cycling network. The paved route follows the waterfront, offering continuous views of the river and Brisbane’s skyline, and is a popular route with cyclists and walkers as a scenic connection between several inner-city parks and riverfront attractions.

The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge spanning the Brisbane River. This new bridge links the city center with Kangaroo Point and was completed at the end of 2024. Part of the city's "Green Bridges" project, designed to reduce car use and, as a bonus, offers super-scenic views of the skyline, cliffs, and river.

Newstead Park is a waterfront park with some interesting historical stops. In the middle of the park, the Newstead House, built in 1845, is the oldest surviving home in the area and is now a museum. For a nature-based historical stop, check out the Old Fig Tree, which has a plaque explaining its massive size and age. This is a great stop on the Lores Bonney Riverwalk, with public restrooms and plenty of places to take a break on the grass and soak up the sun.

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.

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is a heritage riverside park established in 1855 at the edge of the CBD, known for its mature trees, ornamental plantings, and mangrove boardwalks. Meandering paths connect lawns, ponds, and historic features, creating a shaded, peaceful stretch along the Riverwalk loop. Its location by the river serves as an important floodplain, emphasising the city's historical ties to the Brisbane River.