Join the Queensland Geographical Society for immersive field trips that showcase the natural beauty and geographical diversity of Queensland. Our guided walks are designed for all skill levels, providing participants with the opportunity to learn about the region's unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Each field trip includes:

Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a curious beginner, our field trips offer a chance to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of Queensland's geography. Join us for an adventure that combines education with exploration!

Reading Queensland's Landscapes in the Field

Queensland is one of the best places in Australia to see how geology, climate and people shape a landscape, often within a short drive of Brisbane. A good field trip is less about covering distance and more about learning to read what is in front of you: the shape of a ridge, the colour of a soil profile, the way vegetation changes as you move from a creek bank to a dry slope.

Landscapes close to Brisbane

South-east Queensland packs remarkable variety into a small area. The Scenic Rim and the ranges along the New South Wales border preserve the remains of ancient volcanic activity, with rainforest pockets that are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Moreton Bay and its sand islands show how wind and waves build and reshape coastlines over thousands of years. Closer to the city, the Brisbane River and its floodplain are a living lesson in how rivers flood, deposit sediment and influence where and how a city grows.

What to bring and how to prepare

  • Sun and heat protection: a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen and plenty of water, even in the cooler months.
  • Sturdy footwear: tracks can be rocky, muddy or slippery after rain.
  • A notebook or phone for observations: sketching a landform or noting a rock type helps it stick.
  • Layers: conditions on ranges can be noticeably cooler and wetter than on the coast.

Check weather and park alerts before setting out, as tracks in Queensland national parks can close after heavy rain, during fire danger periods or for maintenance.

Respecting Country and place

Every landscape visited in Queensland is also the Country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with knowledge and connection stretching back tens of thousands of years. Staying on marked tracks, leaving rocks, plants and artefacts where they are, and taking rubbish home are simple ways to respect both the cultural and natural values of a site.

Keep exploring after the walk

Field days are richer when paired with some reading or listening beforehand. Browse our publications for background on regional geography, or keep an eye on upcoming events to find the next opportunity to get outdoors.

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