Within the Brisbane region there are dozens of places to go and things to see.
The forests and reserves of Brisbane make a great day trip for bushwalking, birdwatching or experiencing Brisbane’s natural environment. Most reserves are easily accessible and are the perfect spot for mountain bike riding, walking, picnics and observing the wildlife of Brisbane.
Travel time:
The reserves and forests are scattered across the city, but are all about 30 minutes drive or less from the city centre. Some are accessible by public transport.
Travel options:
Most locations around Brisbane are accessible via public transport. Look for bus, train and ferry options in our Getting Around section.
Highlights:
North
Brisbane Forest Park
Located at The Gap has 14 separate recreation areas, with over 30 kilometres of walking tracks and 60 kilometres of tourist roads.
Banks Street Reserve
Banks Street, Alderley. This reserve has walking tracks, sporting fields and playgrounds.
Chermside Hills Reserve and Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
Raven Street and Rode Road, McDowall. Situated along the Mountains to Mangrove corridor, there are well marked trails, an educational centre and barbeques. There are often environmental activities and events held here.
South
Toohey Forest
Toohey Road, Tarragindi. Just 10 kilometres south of downtown Brisbane, Toohey Forest and reserve has extensive walking tracks through open forest and heath. You get fantastic 360 degree views of Brisbane from Mt Gravatt lookout.
Karawatha Forest
Acacia Road, Karawatha Karawatha forest is home to a number of threatened and endangered species. The 9 kilometres of walking tracks range in length from 1 kilometre to 2.5 kilometres.
East
Brisbane Koala Bushland
Alperton Park, Burbank Home to up to 5000 koalas, Brisbane Koala Bushland area is one of the most important koala habitats in Australia. There is a trail accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Hemmant Quarry Reserve
Fleming Road, Hemmant This 24 hectare reserve has attractive picnic facilities and walking tracks. More information about Hemmant Quarry Reserve.
Seven Hills Reserve
Latina Avenue, Seven Hills 51 hectares of open eucalyptus forest with good walking tracks.
White Hills Reserve
Boundary Road, Camp Hill 171 hectares of nature-based and sport-based attractions, including walking tracks, lookouts, footbridges, playgrounds and picnic areas.
West
Anstead Bushland
Hawkesbury Road, Anstead A natural gem, measuring 80 hectares.
Mt Coot-tha Forest
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha Only 15 minutes from the centre of Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha Forest is one of Brisbane’s largest natural areas with more than 15 000 hectares of open eucalypt forest, with walking and mountain bike tracks, barbeques and picnic facilities. Mt Coot-tha lookout has sweeping views of the city, Moreton Bay and the southern ranges. A coffee shop and restaurant make it a good spot to stop.
National Parks and State Forests
There are quite a few national parks and state forests in South East Queensland. Many are in or close to the Brisbane region and easily reached in a day trip.
More information:
Brisbane City Council Call Centre (24 hours)
Phone: (07) 3403 8888
