A day trip in a serene natural setting is for you! D’Aguilar National Park is a truly stunning region just north of Brisbane, with beautiful subtropical rainforests, eucalypt woodlands, and scribbly gum forests. The park’s picnic areas and walking tracks are between 15 and 95 minutes’ drive from Brisbane city centre and make a great day trip from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and within Moreton. Lookouts dot the landscape, providing amazing views of Moreton Bay, the Glasshouse Mountains, and crystal clear rainforest pools. You and your family will love your day trip out at D’Aguilar National Park!
The park boasts two spectacular regions – the South D’Aguilar section at the southern end of the park, and the Mount Mee section at the northern end of the park. South D’Aguilar has abundant picnic areas and walking tracks, and a beautiful scenic drive through eucalyptus forests past Mount Nebo and on to Mount Glorious. Mount Mee in the north extends to Woodford, about a 90 minute drive north-west of Brisbane. Four-wheel drive vehicles are advised for any unsealed roads. Whether planning an entire day trip with one activity or packing as much as possible into your journey, there’s something at D’Aguilar National Park for everyone.
For a brilliant day out at the D’Aguilar National Park, check out these popular picnic spots, lookouts and other attractions.
A 10-minute walk from Walkabout Creek, this lovely spot has an open picnic area and walking tracks for you to explore. Enjoy a picnic or a barbeque, or hire the Red Ash sheltered picnic area for exclusive use.
This is a popular stopping point for day-trippers on the way to Mount Nebo. This lookout provides amazing views of Moreton Island from the viewing platform.
This lookout offers expansive views of Moreton Island, the Glasshouse Mountains and the Brisbane Valley. Why not bring a picnic or enjoy a barbeque while you take in the view at Jollys Lookout?
Dotted with ancient rocks and surrounded by spectacular views to the west, this is a terrific place to stop on Mt Glorious. The boardwalk widens at the very best spot, making it a great place to sit awhile with a cool drink or a picnic lunch. Take a virtual tour here.
Our top tip is to check out the JM Jones Tea Rooms where you can hand-feed wild birds! They’re just outside Mt Nebo town centre on the way to Westridge Outlook.
This is a popular swimming spot in summer, surrounded by eucalypt forest. The walk to and from the car park on Neurum Creek Road is only a 200 metre return trip. Discover more about the beautiful Rocky Hole location.
Broadwater is a little 4WD adventure located at the northern end of the national park, Mount Mee section, only a short walking distance from Archer Camp Sites and off Neurum Creek Road. The waterhole, one of many along Neurum Creek, is accessible via a walking track from the picnic area. A short distance of 200 metres brings you to a lovely little swimming spot, perfect for small kayaks and floatation devices. There is also a nice bank area along the waterhole, to lay out in the sun and dry off before heading back to the 4wd.
Anyone can enjoy a scenic drive in the South D’Aguilar section of the Park, as there are no four wheel drive tracks in this region. The Mount Nebo Road scenic drive winds through beautiful eucalypt forest through Mount Nebo and on to Mount Glorious, with several superb lookouts on the way. The Northbrook Parkway continues from Mount Glorious and links D’Aguilar with Wivenhoe. Both are a great day’s drive.
In the Mount Mee section, all vehicles, including trail bikes and four wheel drives, are permitted on forest roads unless otherwise signed .Check out the Western Escarpment forest drive for beautiful views of Lake Somerset, the Mount Mee drive for Falls lookout and Bulls Falls, and the Range Forest drive for beautiful rainforest and stunning views of the mountain range.
A leisurely ride on horseback or on a mountain bike is a great way to explore the D’Aguilar National Park. Both are permitted on certain forest trails within the park and there are no special permits required unless it is a commercial or group activity.
The walking trails of D’Aguilar National Park are suitable for bushwalkers of all abilities. Each track is classified according to its most difficult section, so certain areas might be easier than others. Walkers can also access the trails used by horse riders and mountain bike riders. You’re sure to stumble across some beautiful scenery and amazing local wildlife. For more information on bush-walking in the park, check out this easy to follow guide. For more hiking spots in Moreton, click here.
Campers will love the bush settings of Archer and Neurum Creek Campsites in the Mount Mee section of D'Aguilar National Park. There are also a number of walk-in only sites for those that love a hiking adventure, you can read more about them here.
To get to D’Aguilar National Park, access from Brisbane is via Mount Nebo Road (Tourist Route Number 8) from the Gap. From Samford, you can access D’Aguilar National Park via Samford and Mt Glorious Roads (Tourist Route Number 9).
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.