Cedar Creek is a picturesque waterway, which begins its life as water moving from the high altitudes of Mount Glorious in the D'Aguilar Ranges to the low lying areas of South Pine River. As the creek meanders towards the coastline of Moreton Bay, it is a treasure trove of rock pools, waterfalls, stunning picnic spots, plus home to a diversity of Australian native flora and fauna, including kookaburra's, platypus and wallabies. You can start your exploration from either the location called Cedar Creek (near Samford) or Draper (near Eatons Hill), both just thirty minutes from the Brisbane city centre. Cedar Creek is one of the go-to spots for North Brisbane families and one of the must-dos for Moreton residents.
The fifteen plus kilometres of road which (mostly) runs alongside the Cedar Creek bank, can be driven in approximately 17 minutes, one direction only, from start (-27.324276, 152.794168) to finish (-27.348701, 152.916208). Along the drive is a patchwork of parks and reserves where visitors can pull up, enjoy a picnic or a splash in the rock pools.
PLEASE, when entering the parks and reserves, be respectful of private property.
The covered barbecues and riverfront picnic tables make a lovely day out for families. Andy Williams Park, located at 744 Cedar Creek Road, has public toilets and potable water but the park is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Kids can play in the shallows at the creek, spot little fish and enjoy some relatively safe creek swimming. There are no large swimming holes at Andy Williams Park, but it is very refreshing to sit in the shallows of the rock pools, enjoying the cool water flowing by on its way to the South Pine River.
At one time, the upper creek with its rock pool, semi-submerged cave and a rather scary jumping spot was the go-to place for Brisbane day trips, but with the land now privately owned and it is illegal to access the water hole, it’s time to find other options for swimming and playing at Cedar Creek or visit other popular swimming spots, Rocky Hole and Stony Creek!
If stopping at the crossing close to Kirk Road, be on the lookout for a platypus or two.
Halls Road Crossing is a quiet picnic spot with no amenities but with knee deep water for kids to paddle in – and turtles to spot. This relatively quiet spot is dog free.
To really experience the wonders of Edward Allison Park, you need to walk down the gravel track from the carpark area and south across the grassy paddock. What you will discover is a nature playground, as the freshwaters of Cedar Creek flows over boulders, pebbles and logs.
The naturally formed pools create great swimming holes for kids, but it is a good idea to have them wear aqua shoes when swimming to avoid cutting the bottoms of their feet on sharp rocks and sticks. Some areas are deeper than others, so treat the creek like a swimming pool and don’t leave children unattended. For some extra fun with older kids, play a game of water brandy, using a foam ball to tag participants! They’ll love running through the small rock pools to miss being ‘tagged’.
Weaving through 1.3km of the history-rich town of Samford, this heritage trail walk near Brisbane stops at 13 local historical sites.
Greenes Falls hikes near Brisbane is situated on the border of the Moreton Bay Region in Mount Glorious, the park enables visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and wildlife whilst mountain hiking. DISCOVER!
Mount Glorious, located in the D’Aguilar Range north-west of Brisbane City, is home to some of the most spectacular rainforests around Brisbane. Accessible by a winding mountain road, Mount Glorious is a hilltop that offers great walking trails, picnic and barbecue areas along with cafes.
From one region, looking into another, you can spot the beautiful Lake Wivenhoe right here in the Moreton Bay Region. Grab a picnic basket and enjoy the view.
Located in the town of Ferny Hills near Samford is a Conservation Park that provides refuge for flora and fauna, also protecting important habitats for reptiles, mammals and birds.