Kangaroo Point has become a local favourite for those looking to get their daily 10,000 steps in, thanks to its collection of scenic walking routes that highlight some of the suburb’s most loved landmarks.
In the 1960s in Japan, in response to the “manpo-kei” pedometer, the global trend of attempting to accomplish 10,000 steps a day started which has now gained popularity due to numerous reported benefits including improved cardiac health, energy boost and helpful for weight gain.
As if social media platforms, such as TikTok or Instagram, had not already popularised the challenge enough, these added features have motivated all sorts of walkers to post their results online and in turn get others to take up the challenge as well.
Kangaroo Point is an ideal location for locals to achieve their daily 10,000 steps, offering Kangaroo Point walking routes with beautiful paths, scenic views, and convenient tracking devices like pedometers, Fitbits, Garmin watches, and Apple Watches to make the process even easier.
From quiet walks along the rivers to climbing the cliffs, Kangaroo Point has so much to do and sights to see whilst keeping active.
Exploring the Kangaroo Point Walking Routes: River Walk
The Kangaroo Point River Walk stands out as one of the suburb’s most popular walking routes. This 7-kilometre pathway runs alongside the Brisbane River, providing walkers with spectacular views of landmarks such as the Story Bridge and the Howard Smith Wharves. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of this route:
- Start at the Queensland Maritime Museum: The journey begins with a 500-step stroll along Lower River Terrace, leading to the Pelicans sculpture—a well-known landmark that signals the start of the River Walk.
- Take in the Man over Matter Sculptures: After another 800 steps, walkers encounter the unique Man over Matter sculptures, located near picnic areas that offer a perfect place to pause and enjoy the surroundings.
- Riverlife Adventure Centre: As they make their way along, walkers come across the Riverlife Adventure Centre, nestled within the heritage-listed Naval Stores under the iconic Kangaroo Point Cliffs. A vintage caravan serves up refreshments at this spot every weekend.
- End at Captain Burke Park: The final stretch of 1,000 steps leads to Captain Burke Park, positioned under the iconic Story Bridge. This marks the end of a scenic 3-kilometre segment, which is already a significant step toward reaching the 10,000-step target.
The Kangaroo Point River Walk is ideal for walkers of all fitness levels, offering a combination of exercise and picturesque views that make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
A More Challenging Route: The Kangaroo Point Cliffs
For those looking for something a bit more challenging, the steep stairs at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs provide a solid cardio workout, with the added bonus of breathtaking views over the city. Here’s how the cliffs can be worked into a daily routine to help hit the step count:
- Start at the River Walk: From where the Kangaroo Point River Walk ends, near the base of the cliffs, it’s a brisk 200 steps to reach the top.
- Enjoy the View: Once at the top, the surrounding views are well worth the climb. A walk around the top adds another 300 steps to the tally.
- Return to the Base: Coming back down the 200 steps, the walk along the boardwalk adds a further 400 steps, bringing the total climb and descent to about 1,100 steps.
By incorporating a couple of climbs, it’s easy to rack up 2,000 steps before long.
The Natural History Trail: A Relaxing Walk with a Historic Twist
The Natural History Trail at Kangaroo Point offers a leisurely walk through scenic parklands, providing an engaging way to explore the area’s rich history. Along the trail, educational plaques recount the stories of Kangaroo Point’s past, making it a walk that’s both peaceful and informative.
The journey begins with a 600-step stroll along the History Trail, where walkers encounter a series of interpretive signs that delve into the suburb’s fascinating heritage.
Continuing for another 800 steps, the route passes by the remnants of the Evans and Deakins Shipyard, a significant site that played a pivotal role in Brisbane’s maritime history.
The final stretch of the trail adds a kilometre, taking walkers past plaques honouring local pioneers and showcasing botanical features unique to the region.
Covering approximately 2,000 steps in total, the trail is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of Kangaroo Point.
Shorter Walks for the 10,000-Step Goal
For those who prefer to break up their steps, Kangaroo Point has plenty of shorter routes to help with the daily step target. Here are some favourites:
Riverside Park Walk: A stroll from the base of the cliffs to the nearby pavilions adds 400 steps. After a rest at one of the pavilions, another 600 steps will bring walkers to the next point.
Captain Burke Park to the Story Bridge: A quick 500-step walk from Captain Burke Park through the Holman Street, will bring locals under the Story Bridge, where the views along the river make for a nice halfway break.
These shorter walks, combined with the longer ones, make it easy to reach 10,000 steps without too much effort.
Convenient, Accessible Paths for All Fitness Levels
What’s great about Kangaroo Point walking routes is the variation. Whether it’s an easy morning stroll or an intense afternoon hike, something’s going to tickle everybody’s fitness level. Mixing up river views, landmarks, and green park space really makes it a pretty pleasant place to get fit and exercise in. Locals will be able to easily meet their step target while immersing themselves in all the best the suburb has to offer.
Whether it is a brisk walk along the river, stopping to enjoy one of the cafes, or taking on the invigorating climb up the cliffs at Kangaroo Point, staying on track with 10,000 steps each day becomes easy.
Published 22-Dec-2024
