In Stafford, a narrow track carved through tall grass leads to the popular Q Roasters café. It’s not on any official map, but for locals, it’s the fastest way to get their morning coffee. This informal shortcut, worn down by countless footsteps, is what urban planners call a “desire path” — and it’s sparking a broader conversation about how cities should support pedestrians.
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Instead of taking the longer, less inviting route along industrial roads, many coffee-goers have opted to create their own direct path through the vegetation lining Kedron Brook. It’s a small but telling example of how people naturally move through their neighbourhoods, often ignoring rigid planning in favour of what makes practical sense.
Desire paths like this one are found all over Brisbane, from parks in Fortitude Valley to riverside areas in West End, revealing a quiet but consistent message: people prefer walking routes that are logical, shaded, and direct. Rather than viewing these informal tracks as nuisances, some advocates believe they should be embraced as indicators of how urban spaces could be better designed.
In Stafford, this unofficial route to Q Roasters eventually prompted action. What started as a dirt trail through the grass was later formalised with a paved path, making the walk safer and more accessible, especially for parents with prams or people with mobility issues. It’s now an important part of the daily routine for many residents, offering not just convenience, but also a chance to connect with others and enjoy the outdoors.
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games and continues to grow, there’s increasing recognition that walkability must be a priority. Projects like the Kedron Brook Vision and Master Plan, a 20-year, $85 million effort, aim to upgrade paths and bikeways across the city’s northern suburbs. Desire paths are being looked at as valuable clues for where infrastructure is truly needed.
Beyond improving mobility, these changes have economic benefits as well. Studies have shown that walkable suburbs support local businesses more effectively than car-oriented areas. Shoppers on foot or bike are more likely to stop and spend time in their communities, rather than simply passing through.
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Whether it’s a shortcut to a café or a quiet detour under shady trees, desire paths reveal a simple truth: people shape their environments based on lived experience. In places like Stafford, the trail to Q Roasters isn’t just a path — it’s a signpost for how Brisbane can better support its walkers.
Published 4-July-2025
