Yeronga To UQ

This picturesque Yeronga to University of Queensland walk is a flat easy grade walk passing through the riverside Brisbane Corso Reserve and alongside the historic South Brisbane Cemetery to cross the impressive green bridge and explore some of the scenic University of Queensland grounds. The 6km return walk can be taken in its entirety to include University of Queensland (around 6km return) or you can stop at the Eleanor Schonell Bridge for a shorter 3km return walk.

Families with young members on scooters or bikes and those looking for a non-taxing stroll may enjoy the first section of this semi-shaded walk along the river. Those who are vehicular-challenged may reverse the walk, arriving at the Uni via rivercat or bus as there is no public transport near the Corso itself.

Start at the corner of Otaki Dr, which is one of a cluster of Yeronga streets starting with the letter O due to a strange quirk that saw them all named after ships from the Orient Line that brought inter-war migrants to Brisbane. The pedestrian riverside path starts here and threads through the massive grassy park that is Brisbane Corso Reserve, which features a series of benches with views, picturesque picnic spots and kids playgrounds. On the way look out for the flood markers that depict the 1974 flood levels. 

The path veers in towards the road a couple of times including the Somerville House rowing shed and then for a short stretch to bypass some of the Corso's riverfront mansions. Be sure to stop at Newcastle Street Park, a tiny oasis in the dead-end extension of Newcastle Street.  Here, overlooking the river is a copse of trees and a deck with benches that enjoy water views towards the Eleanor Schonell Bridge.

Before you get to the bridge the path once again veers to the river via Princess Street Park, with playground, picnic and BBQ spots, shaded by lofty casuarina trees and a massive hundred year old fig tree. Adjacent Princess St is renowned for its jacaranda trees, which carpet the street with purple during jacaranda season. 

To reach the Eleanor Schonell Bridge you'll pass under it and past a small car park before following the signs via the circuitous path to reach the pedestrian side of the Bridge (the cycle path is on the opposite side, with its own entry).The bridge crossing affords impressive views along the river towards Highgate Hill and beyond, with water fountains and rest stops along the way before landing at the sprawling green University grounds, which were bequeathed to UQ in the late 1920’s by James and Amelia Mayne, children of the notorious Patrick Mayne.

From the bus terminus, veer left towards the Uni's beautiful lily-pad-covered lakes, some of which have fountains and nearby benches to relax and enjoy the scenery. In jacaranda season the trees around the lakes are in bloom and the lakes are at their prettiest.The largest lake has a raised walkway that passes  across it and from here head up the hill to the Lakeside Cafe for a coffee or refreshment with views over the lake.

From the Lakeside Cafe take Jocks Rd to the intersection with Staff Rd and turn right. Follow the road up the hill until it ends and becomes a pedestrian-only path. A little further on, opposite the Union Building, turn left at Campbell Place and you'll soon come to the entry of the Uni's iconic Great Court, surrounded by the majestic pink sandstone buildings which date from 1930. The first buildings to be built on this site was the Forgan Smith building and over the next 40 years the quadrangle was completed to become the Great Court, the heart of the university. More than 1000 stone carvings adorn the walls and columns of the Great Court, comprising a variety of subjects and artistic styles. Look out for the scholarly figures depicted her including William Shakespeare, Charles Darwin, Confucius and Plato.

The University is home to a handful of fascinating little museums (open during terms and subject to COVID regulation) including the Anthropology and the Antiquities Museum. No visit to the Uni should be without a visit to the UQ Art Museum (currently closed May 26) through the Great Court and opposite the Forgan Smith Building.

From the UQ Art Museum head back along the front of the Forgan Smith Building and continue until you reach Campbell Rd. Turn right and head up the hill to where once again the road becomes pedestrian only then turn left and go through the student union building, which leads down to Union Rd. From here turn right past the pool and out onto the river front and right again to head back to the bridge. On the right just before the bridge the Alumni Teaching Gardens, a mini rainforest, is worth checking out. 

From there retrace your steps across the bridge and back past South Brisbane Cemetery to Brisbane Corso and Brisbane Corso Reserve.