Top Ten Places To Go Hiking In Moreton Bay

The Moreton Region is an enormous area with diverse settings. The diversity of the area means that there is something for everyone when it comes to hiking trails for bush walkers. There are plenty of trails that also allow for horse riders and mountain bike riders. Trails that also accommodate parks, recreation areas and dog parks mean that you can plan a great day out for the family, with a little something for everyone

Ranging from easy for a leisurely stroll to intermediate and advanced for more experienced hikers, there are trips you can plan to fit in your daily exercise or just enjoy a lazy stroll on a Sunday with the family. It’s up to you.

Before heading off for any hikes, always make sure you are fully prepared. A map, water, sun protection and a mobile phone are just some of the items you should consider. Always let someone know where you are going before you head out.

To help you plan your trip before heading out, here are the top 10 hiking places in the Moreton Region.

#1

#1. Bunyaville Conservation Park

Bunyaville Conservation Park (also known as Bunyaville Regional Park) is approximately 15 kilometres north-west of central Brisbane, with access via Old Northern Road, Albany Creek.

With two bushwalking tracks available off the day-use area, there is also access to a range of horseriding and mountain bike riding trails. Dogs can also be taken on shared trails only and must be kept on a leash. The Tree Discovery Circuit is a Class 3 track according to Australian Standards. This 650m return track features a boardwalk from where the eucalypt trees can be seen. You may even spot a koala high up in the trees!

The 1.6km return track, named Bunyaville Track, is another track off the day-use area. Through the trees you may see various flora and fauna, including kookaburras or lorikeets.

Finish the walks off with a picnic in the day-use area and it’s a great day out.

#2. Godwin Beach Environmental Reserve

Godwin Beach Environmental Reserve is located opposite Bribe Island at Sandstone Point, at the southern end of Pumicestone Passage.

The reserve is generally used by local residents, but with the area recognised as one of the most significant archeological sites in south-east Queensland, it’s definitely one to add to your list. The reserve has high cultural values.

It’s likely you’ll spot plenty of wildlife including Forest Kingfishers on this intermediate track, which is approximately three kilometres in total. Dogs are prohibited from entry into the park at all times.

It’s important to make sure you take a map as some of the walking trails may not have directional signage.

#2

#3. Samford Conservation Park

Samford Conservation Park is located only 20 minutes’ drive from Brisbane city. The main entrance is located off Samford Road. There is a picnic ground at Ironbark which is a great base to start your walk from.

The Crebra Circuit is a 900-metre circuit which takes about 20-30 minutes to walk. The circuit is surrounded by a forest of dark-coloured ironbark trees. There are another four tracks in the park for hiking and range from 400 metres to 1170 metres. Horses, bicycles and mountain bikes are also allowed on some tracks.

#3

#4. Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park

Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park is located in Morayfield, approximately seven kilometres south-west of Caboolture and 40 kilometres from Brisbane.

The conservation park is abundant with wildlife including different species of birds, reptiles and butterflies to enjoy along the way.

There are several access points which are the best start for the walking tracks, including off Phelps Road, McLoughlin Road, Williamson Road or Mackney Road. The trail signage is located off Phelps Road.

There are three walking circuits, which are all within an easy walking classification. The Grey Gum Circuit is a 4.4-kilometre loop, which is suitable for walkers and horse riders. The Spotted Gum Trail is a 1.2-kilometre one-way track that generally takes 20 minutes and is suitable for walkers only. The Ironbark Ridge Trail is a 1.1-kilometre one-way track that is suitable for walkers only. The best starting point for this track is McLoughlin Road.

#5. Grogan Park

Grogan Park is located in Morayfield and is a park managed by Council, within a residential area. There is a recreation park that includes an enclosed dog off-leash area. Dogs are allowed in other areas of the park so long as they remain on a leash.

In the picnic area, there is also children’s play equipment and a basketball halfcourt.

There is a Grogan Park Trail which is in the easy walking classification. It is a 1.6-kilometre loop which generally takes 30 minutes for the loop. It is suitable for walkers and mountain bike riders.

All of these features mean it is great for a family day out, particularly for the littlies.

#4

#6. Bribie Island Recreation Area – Bicentennial Trail

Bribie Island is located 65 kilometres north of Brisbane. The island is linked by a road bridge to the mainland. The Bicentennial Trail begins at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre on Sunderland Drive. The trail is a sandy track.

You will encounter many colourful birds including eastern yellow robins and walk through eucalypt forests. The trail is an easy trail which is 3.8 kilometres return, so you should aim to leave an hour to complete the track.

It’s important to protect yourself against the sun and biting insects particularly in this area.

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#7. Lake Samsonvale – Bullocky Rest

Bullocky Rest is located at Lake Samsonvale which is a sparkling lake adjacent to suburbs including Warner and Joyner. The lake is teeming with birdlife including swans and pelicans and has a backdrop of mountains.

The walking trail in this area links the picnic areas of Bullocky Rest and Forgan Cove. It is approximately 8.5 kilometres return and is intermediate in difficulty. It links through a bushland setting.

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#8. Mount Mee

Located in the D’Aguilar National Park, there are numerous hiking trails, which are for walkers only and some can be used for horseriding. The trails vary in difficulty and some can depend on whether you have a four wheel drive to access them. The forest is jam-packed with wildlife and you may even see a koala nestled in a eucalyptus tree.

The views are magnificent. With some trails several kilometres long, there are lookouts such as Falls Lookout which can make the walk very worthwhile.

#9. Samford Valley

The Samford Valley Trail Network is a large network of multi-use trails which can be used by walkers, mountain bike riders and horse riders. Not all trails are sign posted so it is a good idea to make sure you have a map on hand for where you are headed.

While the trails have not been classified in difficulty there are several trails that have been developed for all to enjoy. The Samford Heritage Trail is a self-guided walk that guides you by interesting historic buildings to educate on the history of the area. Or you can follow the Rail Trail which explores from the old Dayboro to Ferny Grove Rail along Lanita Rail Trail and Currawong Rail Trail section.

With so many trails on offer, there will be something for all hikers to enjoy.

#7

#10. John Oxley Reserve

John Oxley Reserve is located in Murrumba Downs, approximately 30 minutes’ north of Brisbane.

The Carole Green Walkway located in the reserve is an easy walking trail, which is a 1.3-kilometre loop. There is a boardwalk section located approximately halfway through the loop, which allows you to walk through the mangroves. The trail is also educational, with signs dotted throughout providing information about the natural assets of the area and its pioneering past.

With so many glorious trails on offer in the Moreton region, plan one for your next weekend getaway. Whether you’re headed out with friends or family, there is a trail to suit all levels and interests. After a day out on the trails, why not head to a local restaurant for a hearty meal or explore neighbouring suburbs for more that Moreton Bay region has to offer.

Hashtag your next hiking near Brisbane adventure on Insta #visitmoretonbayregion or tag us @visitmoretonbayregion on Facebook!

Looking for more things to do and see? Pop into one of the region's Accredited Visitor Information Centres, the volunteers have a wealth of local knowledge.

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Acknowledgement of Country - We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of the Moreton Bay Region, the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Jinibara, and Turrbal people and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise the ongoing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to this land and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of this land.