Brisbane Forest Park
Getting there and getting around
Brisbane Forest Park is part of the D'Aguilar Range and lies on the doorstep of Brisbane, Queensland's capital city. Brisbane Forest Park Information Centre is located on Mt Nebo Road at The Gap, 12km from the city centre, and a bus service from the city stops right at the door (for timetables see www.transinfo.com.au).
Picnic areas, walking tracks and lookouts in the park can be accessed via Mt Nebo Road and are between 15 and 95 minutes drive from the city centre. You will need your own transport to reach these areas, as the bus service terminates at Brisbane Forest Park Information Centre.
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible facilities in the park include the information centre, parts of Bellbird Grove (Black Wattle shelter shed and Rose Gum toilets), Jolly's Lookout, Maiala picnic area, Bunyaville, Lomandra and Ironbark Gully. Contact the information centre for more details.
Park features
Brisbane Forest Park is striking in its diversity of environments and plant communities. Take a journey through open eucalypt woodlands, scribbly gum forests and lush subtropical rainforests. More than 800 species of plants are found in these forests, some of which are rare and threatened.
The cool mountain tops and forest flats of Brisbane Forest Park provide a rich and varied habitat for wildlife. The cooler mountain climate is ideal for plant species such as ferns and mosses. Giant barred frogs (endangered) inhabit the cool mountain streams while yellow-bellied gliders are active in the open forest at night. Owls also live here and catch prey such as possums and snakes. The park provides excellent birdwatching opportunities and bell miners can often be heard throughout the forest.
For a special, close-up look at some of our amazing native animals, visit Walk-About Creek Wildlife Centre at Brisbane Forest Park Information Centre.
- Read more about the nature, culture and history of Brisbane Forest Park.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
There are ten bush campgrounds in Brisbane Forest Park’s secluded back country. These are walk-in sites, requiring campers to be totally self-sufficient. You will need to be physically fit with bushwalking and navigation experience and have an emergency plan in place with a responsible friend or family member. Always carry a topographic map, compass, first-aid kit, water and food. Mobile phone reception in the park is unreliable.
Back country campgrounds have no facilities. Toilets and drinking water are not provided. Bury human waste at least 50m from any watercourse and at least 15cm deep. Rubbish bins are not provided, nor is rubbish collected so please take all your rubbish with you when you leave the park. Not all sites are provided with fire rings, please check individual campground information. So that you are well prepared, check weather conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology before you start your trip.
Camping permits are required and Fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.
Park-specific conditions
All bush campsites within Brisbane Forest Park are closed from 1 September to 30 November each year. This provides an opportunity for campsites to regenerate and coincides with a period of higher fire danger.
Read more about staying safe and looking after the park.
There are bush camping sites in Brisbane Forest Park's secluded back country. Sites are accessible by walking only and limited facilities are provided. You will need a camping permit to camp in the park. Fees apply.
- Find out more about camping in Brisbane Forest Park
- Book your campsite online.
- If you cannot book online, book by phone on 13 13 04.
Things to do
Walking
Brisbane Forest Park offers a range of walking tracks from beginner to advanced level. Each track is classified according to Australian Standards. You can purchase a more detailed topographic map of the area from the Brisbane Forest Park Information Centre.
Key to track standards
Class 2 track
- Easy, level, well-graded track, suitable for all fitness levels.
Class 3 track
- Gently sloping, well-defined track with slight inclines or few steps.
- Caution needed on loose gravel surfaces and exposed natural lookouts.
- Reasonable level of fitness and ankle-supporting footwear required.
Class 4 track
- Distinct track usually with steep exposed inclines or many steps.
- Caution needed on loose gravel surfaces and exposed natural lookouts.
- Moderate level of fitness and ankle-supporting footwear required.
From Mt Coot-tha
To obtain information and maps for walking on Mt Coot-tha, please contact the Brisbane City Council on (07) 3403 8888.From Brisbane Forest Park Information Centre
Corymbia Circuit — 1.5km return (Allow 45 minutes) Class 3
Beginning at the information centre, this track winds down through a wet sclerophyll forest gully and climbs back to the information centre. The track is quite steep in places.
Araucaria Trail — 5km return (Allow 1.5 hours) Class 3
This walking track begins at the information centre and continues around the shores of Enoggera Reservoir past hoop pines. The track loops back onto itself around one of the reservoir's peninsulas. There are opportunities for birdwatching here, especially early in the morning.
From Bellbird Grove
Turrbal Circuit — 1.7km circuit (Allow 50 minutes) Class 3
This circuit winds through open eucalypt forest, down into a wet sclerophyll gully and back to the picnic area. The track is quite steep in places. If you are quiet, you should see and hear various bird species.
Golden Boulder Track — 1km circuit (Allow 40 minutes) Class 3
A short walking track takes you along exposed ridges and past historic gold mines. This track is quite steep in places, so supervise children at all times. Along this circuit is a track that leads to Bellbird Grove day use area.
From Jolly's Lookout
Egernia Circuit — 1.5km circuit (Allow 1 hour) Class 3
From the road near Jolly's Lookout, this track loops around through open eucalypt forest and back to the road. Parking is available at the lookout and at the walking track entrance. Enjoy a walk early in the morning where you are likely to see and hear various birds.
Thylogale Walking Track — 8km return (Allow 3 hours) Class 3
This walking track connects Jolly's Lookout to Boombana with a walk through eucalypt forest and rainforest.
From Boombana
Rainforest Circuit — 1.1km circuit (Allow 40 minutes) Class 3
Beginning at the picnic area, this track takes you through open eucalypt forest and then into subtropical rainforest. See a huge strangler fig, palms, ferns, vines, orchids and other epiphytes. The shops at Mt Nebo can be reached from this circuit by a track from the boardwalk (600m).
From Manorina
Morelia Walking Track — 6km return (Allow 1-2 hours) Class 4
From Manorina carpark, this track leads to Mount Nebo lookout through open eucalypt forest and pockets of cabbage tree palm rainforest. See spectacular views of Samford Valley and Moreton Bay from the lookout.
From Maiala
Maiala Circuit — 2km circuit (Allow 1 hour) Class 3
This walking track starts at the Maiala picnic area and winds through subtropical rainforest. This track joins onto Greene's Falls walking track. Take your binoculars with you, as you are likely to see and hear a wide variety of bird species here. Parking is available at Maiala carpark.
Greene's Falls Walking Track — 2km return (Allow 1 hour) Class 3
Branching off the Maiala circuit, this walking track leads onto a boardwalk which finishes at a lookout over Greene's Falls. Be prepared for the walk back up the hill on the return trip. Parking is available at Maiala carpark.
Westside Track — 8km return (Allow 3 hours) Class 4
Enjoy a cool, scenic walk through subtropical rainforest starting at Maiala picnic area on the southern side of Mt Glorious Road. This walking track can also be reached from Lawton Road and Joyner's Ridge Road. From the picnic area, follow the escarpment to the Western Window, before walking down to a level track perched on the side of steep slopes. Parking is available at Maiala carpark.
From Lomandra and Ironbark Gully
Crebra Circuit — 900m circuit (Allow 35 minutes) Class 3
This circuit starts at the picnic area at Ironbark Gully and meanders through an ironbark forest before returning to the picnic area.
Ranger-guided tours and talks
Connect with Nature activities and events (previously known as Go Bush) at Brisbane Forest Park offer a range of activities, including short and long bushwalks, bird walks, evening activities, children's holiday activities and field skills workshops.
- Download the Connect with Nature events calendar.
The Connect with Nature schools program features environmental education activities designed to suit the school curriculum. The program gives students the opportunity to experience Queensland’s natural environment and cultural heritage through ranger guided activities.
- Download the Connect with Nature schools program.
Driving
These scenic drives are accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles.
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive
This drive winds around Mt Coot-tha and offers an excellent view of the city by day or a fairyland of lights by night.
Mt Nebo Road
A beautiful, scenic drive, winding through eucalypt forest, this road runs through the park, past Mt Nebo township to Mt Glorious. There are several lookouts along the way. Return to Brisbane along the same road or via the Samford-Mt Glorious Road.
The Northbrook Parkway
The Parkway continues on from Mt Glorious, linking Brisbane Forest Park with the eastern shore of Lake Wivenhoe. For an interesting round trip, travel back to Brisbane via the Samford-Mt Glorious Road or the Brisbane Valley Highway.
Lookouts
Mt Coot-tha
Mt Coot-tha Lookout, on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive just 15 minutes drive from the city centre, offers panoramic views of Brisbane city, east to Moreton Bay and south to the Border Ranges.
McAfee's Lookout
Named after long-term landholders in the area, McAfee's Lookout is a popular stopping point for visitors on the way to Mt Nebo. Located on Mt Nebo Road, 30 minutes from Brisbane city, this lookout provides breathtaking views of Brisbane city and Moreton Bay from the viewing platform.
Camp Mountain Lookout
On a clear day, stop and enjoy the amazing views of Moreton Bay and the Glass House Mountains from this vantage point, located on Mt Nebo Rd, 35 minutes from Brisbane City.
Jolly's Lookout
See expansive views of Moreton Island, Samford Valley and the Glass House Mountains from this lookout, and enjoy a picnic or barbecue at the picnic area. Established in the 1930s, it is the mountain's oldest formal lookout and bears the name of Brisbane's first Lord Mayor, William Jolly. There are two walking trails that lead from this area, which is located on Mt Nebo Rd, 45 minutes from Brisbane city.
Westridge Outlook
See views over Wivenhoe Dam with the Great Dividing Range in the distance. Surrounding this lookout is a mixed forest of grey gums, tallowwoods and spotted gums. Bellbirds can often be heard calling in the valley below. A short stroll along the boardwalk gives an interesting insight into the management of the state forests in the area. The lookout is beside Mt Glorious Rd, 60 minutes from Brisbane city.
Wivenhoe Outlook
This outlook offers scenic views of Wivenhoe Dam. Viewing platforms are only a short walk from parking and picnic facilities, on Mt Glorious Road, 80 minutes from Brisbane city.
Picnic and day use areas
Mt Coot-tha
Located only 15 minutes from the city centre, picnic areas are found at various points along Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. JC Slaughter Falls and Simpson Falls are among Brisbane's most popular picnic areas. Mt Coot-tha Lookout offers panoramic city views to Redcliffe, Moreton Bay and areas south to the Border Ranges.
Bellbird Grove
Off Mt Nebo Road, Bellbird Grove is only 15 minutes drive from Brisbane Forest Park Information Centre. Stop and enjoy a picnic or barbecue at the picnic area or take a short walk along a scenic walking track. Parking, toilets, picnic tables and electric barbecues are provided. Sheltered areas may be hired. For further information about bookings and fees, please contact the Brisbane Forest Park Information Centre.
Camp Mountain
Picnic shelters and wood barbecues are nestled among tall eucalypt trees. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Samford Valley and the city. This site is on Mt Nebo Rd, 35 minutes from Brisbane City.
Boombana
Boombana protects the closest accessible subtropical rainforest to Brisbane and is located at Mt Nebo, about 18km (20-minute drive) from the Information Centre at The Gap. There are toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues and water (boil before drinking).
Maiala
Maiala picnic area was once a flourishing sawmill site, cut out of the rainforest. Now part of D'Aguilar National Park, the rainforest and cool mountain air combine to make Maiala a day-trip destination that the family will enjoy . There are toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues and water (boil before drinking). This area is just past Mt Glorious township, about 70 minutes' drive from Brisbane city.
Wivenhoe Outlook
This outlook provides a picnic area and scenic views of Wivenhoe Dam. Stringybarks flower here during summer with pale yellow flowers, and the calls of bellbirds can often be heard in the valley below. There are toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues and water (boil before drinking). The outlook is on Mt Glorious Road, 80 minutes from Brisbane city.
Cedar Flats
This area is on the Northbrook Parkway, about 90 minutes from Brisbane city as you travel between the park and Lake Wivenhoe. With open grassy areas, this is a great place to stop for a picnic or barbecue or just enjoy the quiet scenery. There are toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues and water (boil before drinking).
Lomandra and Ironbark Gully
Located along Samford Road in Samford State Forest, about 40 minutes from Brisbane city, the facilities here include sheltered picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, water and walking tracks. Enjoy a walk through tall eucalypt trees on the slopes and gullies.
Viewing wildlife
A visit to Walk-About Creek Wildlife Centre is a great opportunity to enjoy Queensland's wildlife. This re-created natural environment is home to a platypus, lungfish, nocturnal wildlife in a night-house, many types of birds in a walk-through aviary, wallabies and many other interesting animals.
Admission times
- 9am–4.30pm every day (closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 January)
Admission prices
- Adults: $5.70
- Children: $2.80
- Concession: $3.95
- Family pass: $14.20 (A family pass includes 2 adults and 2 children.)
Please contact Brisbane Forest Park about tour, group and school concessions.
Horseriding and mountain biking
There is a network of forest roads throughout the park for horse riding and mountain biking. A leisurely ride through the park on horseback or by bicycle is a great way to experience the wonders of the bush. A special permit is not required unless it is a commercial activity, an organised group activity or a competitive event. Read about the horse riding trails networks.
Ride safely
- Always wear a helmet.
- Plan ahead, ride within your ability and according to track conditions.
- Slow down and consider other track users.
- Avoid riding in large groups.
- Avoid skidding and sliding around turns — this may result in a collision with other track users and personal injury.
- Avoid riding on soft, wet and muddy tracks.
- Stay on track and do not take shortcuts or form new tracks, as this damages the environment and causes erosion.
- Respect areas closed to riding.
- Most walking tracks are closed to horse and mountain bike access.
When using tracks, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders and alert others when approaching them.
Things to know before you go
Essentials to bring
Bring your own drinking water, as all water obtained in the park must be boiled before drinking.
As there are no bins provided at Brisbane Forest Park, please bring rubbish bags with you and ensure all rubbish is removed from the park. Film canisters are good for disposing of cigarette butts.
Wear sturdy shoes and take drinking water when walking.
Opening hours
Brisbane Forest Park Information Centre is open 9am – 4.30pm seven days a week (closed on some public holidays). The park is open 24 hours a day.
Permits and fees
Horses and bicycles may be ridden in Brisbane Forest Park. A special permit is not required unless it is a commercial activity, an organised group activity or a competitive event.Bookings are essential for large groups wishing to use picnic areas. Weddings are popular at Bellbird Grove and Lomandra picnic areas. To book an area for your event or function, contact the Brisbane Forest Park Information Centre.
You will need a camping permit to camp in the park. Fees apply.
- Book your campsite online.
- If you cannot book online, book by phone on 13 13 04.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in the following areas of Brisbane Forest Park:
- National Park
- Day-use areas or picnic areas
- Walking tracks
- Brisbane Forest Park information centre
Restrained dogs are permitted on forestry roads within Forest Reserve sections of Brisbane Forest Park.
Horses may be ridden on roads in these forests.
Please contact Brisbane Forest Park office for further information.
Climate and weather
The mountain tops and forest flats of the D'Aguilar Range may experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall than Brisbane city, which enjoys a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range in Brisbane city is 22 to 30 degrees Celsius in summer and 12 to 22 degrees Celsius in winter. For more information see the tourism information links below.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at The Gap and throughout Brisbane.
Staying safe
- Treat all water obtained from all sources in the park, including taps, creeks and lakes. Boil water for 10 minutes or use sterilisation tablets.
- Be aware that tracks can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay away from cliff edges.
- Never walk alone, and stay on the tracks unless you are a very experienced and well-equipped bushwalker.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Carry adequate drinking water, first aid kit and insect repellent.
- Be aware that mobile phone reception can be unreliable in this area.
- Wear suitable shoes.
- Plan to complete your walk well before dark.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days. Start longer walks at cooler times of the day to avoid heat exhaustion on hot days.
- Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans inform them.
- Reduce theft by removing valuables from your vehicle and taking them with you.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
Looking after the park
By following these guidelines you can help to protect the natural environment for future enjoyment, and help ensure the survival of native plants and animals living here.
- Everything within national parks and forests is protected. Do not take or interfere with plants or animals.
- Do not collect firewood — fallen timber provides homes to many insects and small animals.
- Domestic animals are only allowed on forestry roads in some forest areas of Brisbane Forest Park.
- Do not feed or leave food for animals. Human food can harm wildlife and cause some animals to become aggressive.
- Stay on track — do not cut corners or create new tracks.
- Take rubbish home with you as no bins are provided. Film canisters are good for disposing of cigarette butts.
See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.
Park management
Under the Brisbane Forest Park Act 1977, more than 28,000 hectares of forest bushland on the north-western outskirts of Brisbane have been constituted as the Brisbane Forest Park.
One of the largest parks in south-east Queensland, Brisbane Forest Park is managed for multiple uses. The traditional land uses within its boundaries are maintained and developed in conjunction with outdoor recreation. The planning, development and management of recreational activities within the park is the responsibility of the Brisbane Forest Park Administration Authority, and is undertaken with the co-operation of the Environmental Protection Agency (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) and Brisbane City Council.
Tourism information links
For more information about activities, tours and accommodation in the Brisbane region, contact:
- Brisbane Visitor Information Centre
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- www.visitbrisbane.com.au
- Queen Street Mall, Brisbane QLD 4002
- ph (07) 3006 6290
- fax (07) 3006 6250
- email visit@brisbanemarketing.com.au
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Further information
- Brisbane City Council (for information about Mt Coot-tha)
-
- www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
- 266 George Street
- BRISBANE QLD 4000
- ph (07) 3403 8888
- fax (07) 3403 9944
Last updated: 10 June 2009
