Mount Coot-tha Simpsons Falls Circuit is a 4.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
The trail is great for trail running and walking at only 15 minutes from the city withs great views of Brisbane and surrounding area from various vantage points along the mostly scenic tracks, especially when there’s water in the creek. It runs through mainly open eucalypt forest, with some rainforest gullies and creek lines and there are 370 fauna species and 450 native flora species in the area, so keep your eyes peeled while en route. The route has 4 sections on various walking tracks: Section 1: Paten Road to Maculata Track. A rocky fire trail and some single track that is a little strenuous minor technical steep ascent. Section 2: Maculata Track. A fabulous fast flat section - barefoot heaven, it is flat, easy and non-technical. Section 3:Stringy-Bark Track to Simpsons Falls Track. It runs along well maintained single track nice downhill through the beautiful Coot-tha bush into the lush area of Simpsons falls, it is non-technical descent via rock stairs. Stop off here for a rest at Simpson Falls Picnic Area. Section 4: Road return. A not very scenic return along the road but it is necessary to create the loop.
Not very interesting and large part on road. Simpson falls picnic area has been renovated so track a bit confusing.
Nice on a cool, overcast day. A few mountain bikes and not a lot of people but that was probably due to the weather as there was rain forecast. There didn’t seem to be a huge variety in flora or fauna. Eugenia circuit part was probably the prettiest, although quite a flat established path. Good if you want to get some exercise in close to the city but I probably won’t do it again, especially with having to walk a distance by the road.
Recommend for people that want to walk as exercise. Lots of nice ups and downs, nothing too hard. Only the first km is rough, the uphill will for sure give a nice heart rate. The trail itself was mostly wide. Some times really rocky and loose, especially coming down from the hill at the end, be careful! My watch showed that we walked 7,3km in total and that took 2h and 10mins, walked rather slower. Saw 36 people in that time, mostly at the end and in the beginning, wouldn’t say it’s much traffic for that length.
Not recommended for running. Too much loose pebbles & stones to pick up any speed. Otherwise an average walking trail. Nothing special & Simpsons fall is usually dried out
Was nice until you had to walk along the road. Should have doubled back & just went back the way I came to stay in the national park itself