A short drive west of Woodford is the often forgotten day trip near Brisbane, Bellthorpe National Park which boasts the best 4wd tracks Brisbane surrounds in Moreton Bay Region.
Bellthorpe National Park is located at the southern end of the Conondale Range, west of the Glass House Mountains and just 90 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. Whilst ideally suited to 4wd enthusiasts, or those willing to explore 4wd near Brisbane tracks on unsealed roads. It’s a great place for a day trip out in nature.
You can access the park from three primary entry points and also use any combination of these as entry and exit points.
This entry point into the park is sealed and located at the base of the mountain range. It is also the access point to the beautiful Stony Creek Day Use Area on Fletcher Road.
Stony Creek is a great place to enjoy a picnic, or take a splash in the natural Bellthorpe National Park swimming hole, popular with locals.
Note that Stony Creek is wheelchair accessible and has toilets.
4wd tracks Brisbane surrounds in Moreton Bay Region don’t get much more exciting than the drive north into Bellthorpe National Park via this steep incline onto the mountain ridge, a scenic drive through dense forestry. Considered an ‘all weather’ unsealed track, this route is suitable for soft roaders in dry conditions, but the gravel road could be hazardous during wet conditions for vehicles not sporting the correct off-road tires.
Beacon Road, Dog Road and Branch Creek Road are accessible from Brandons Road (north of Stony Creek Road), but should not be attempted by un-experienced drivers.
These 4wd tracks Brisbane surrounds in Moreton Bay Region are more suited to serious off-road vehicles that can tackle track washouts, ditches, boulders and other obstacles. Note that the far western edge of the park is popular with horse riders, so be aware that there may be horses about.
A sealed road skirts around the northern end of the park. This drive is both steep and windy offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley’s and farmland. You’ll want to be sure your passengers have their camera or phone ready to snap the amazing views to share with your families and friends through social media (don’t forget to hashtag #visitmoretonbayregion, we’d love to be part of your exploration of Bellthorpe National Park).
If you’re up for a walk through the bush, there are three gate entry points, where you can pull over, park and walk the network shared trail with the National Park Service. Be sure to pack lots of water, wear a hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes. Walking the trails can take you from Bellthorpe Range Road to Stony Creek and even the Woodford Folk Festival site.
On your picturesque 4wd near Brisbane adventure, be sure to pull over and take a stroll around the Bellthorpe Community Hall. It has the most beautiful view from the tennis courts and is just a great location for snapping a few country group photographs.
This hall is available for hire if you’re looking at hosting a country themed party in the mountains. Booking information here.
If you’re looking for the ‘long scenic way home’ from a camping trip, or just a full day of 4wd tracks Brisbane surrounds touring in Moreton Bay Region through beautiful eucalypt and rainforests, then pencil this drive into your bucket list.
The tracks are (for the most part) well maintained gravel roads, so towing an off road trail or caravan is possible, although steep on the descent. It’s simply a lovely drive through thick eucalyptus forest.
Like Mount Mee, which is south-west of the park, Bellthorpe was once home to a prosperous timber cutting industry. Remnants of this industry are located in the northern section of the park, with a ‘gantry’ still onsite for visitors to explore and photograph. Whilst not as impressive as ‘The Gantry’ at Mount Mee, it is a lovely spot to stop and stretch ones legs.
Access the park map here.
Bellthorpe Stays is a great place for you, your family or your friends to stay and enjoy the big outdoors.
Nestled atop Mt Mee is Birches Restaurant, a premier venue offering magnificent modern Australian meals and stunning views across the rolling hills of the rural countryside to the Redcliffe peninsula, Moreton Island and beyond.
If you’re looking for things to do in Woodford QLD, then pop into the Woodford Visitor Information Centre located beside the water tower on the D’Aguilar Highway. Staffed by 20 volunteers, this Centre sees around 15,000 visitors drop in on annually to collect information detailing the town and surrounding areas.
Looking for peaceful Mt Mee café dining amidst nature which offers both indoor and alfresco seating options? The Place2b Café is an excellent, family-friendly spot ideal for relaxed, high-quality breakfast, lunch or dinner homemade dining away from all the city crowds and noise.
Woodford Gardens is a family run and owned cafe in Woodford, Queensland. Woodford is situated less than one hours drive from North Lakes. Woodford Gardens is not only a cafe but also serves as a function centre. Woodford Gardens also has 4 acres of beautifully manicured lawns and gardens.