One of Brisbane’s most famous picnic spots, Jollys Lookout in D’Aguilar National Park is known for its panoramic views over Enoggera Forest Reserve out toward the city, further up to the Glasshouse Mountains and even Moreton Bay. The lookout is named after Brisbane’s first mayor, William Jolly, who thought the sizable, rolling mountain ridge reserve was the perfect place for a picnic and it seems today many are still in agreement with him.
Set among the backdrop of the lush, dense rainforest and eucalypt forest of Mount Nebo, Jollys Lookout is a sweeping opening featuring numerous barbeques, sheltered and exposed picnic tables as well as a well-maintained toilet block with a baby change room.
The lookout is wheelchair accessible and offers a wonderful way to enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic with the family, friends or a loved one. Visiting at sunrise or sunset is sure to provide breath-taking views and a great opportunity for that spectacular snapshot you’ve been dying to post on Instagram.
Weave your way through a trail of towering trees where native birds sing and local wildlife skit across the walking track. The Thylogale Walking Track is fairly level, passing through rainforest and crossing a 4WD dirt road before continuing to the Boombana Picnic Area. If you begin this walk at the Jollys Lookout end, it will take approximately 2 hours to walk the 8km return track. There is an additional 1.5km loop track called Pitta Circuit branching off from the Boombana Picnic Area that has child-friendly signs with information about the local flora and fauna that call the forest their home.
After admiring a romantic sunset and it’s time to head home, why not stop by Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge for a nice decadent dinner for 2 and an overnight stay?
Looking for something more family friendly? Eatons Hill Hotel is just down the way and features a beautiful family restaurant and a massive indoor playground for the little ones!
The villages of Mount Glorious and Mount Nebo, in the southern section of the D’Aguilar Range, are home to many native plants, animals and birds. A great place to relax and unwind from the pressures of life, the D’Aguilar National Park is reputedly the largest tract of bushland near an Australian state capital and is the closest rainforest to the city. By visiting Thylogale Walking Track or Jolly’s Lookout, you’ll understand just how special D’Aguilar National Park is and why it is referred to as a nature haven.
The two mountains are famous for their many bushwalks, most of which are suitable for people of varying fitness levels. As one of the best bushwalking destinations north of Brisbane, Mount Glorious has seven family-friendly tracks that feature boardwalks to safely traverse tricky terrain. Likewise, Mount Nebo offers many tracks that can introduce you to eucalypt and rainforest wonderland of D’Aguilar.
Thanks to a partnership between Google and Queensland National Parks you can now explore Jollys Lookout virtually before you embark on the physical hike. Take a look virtual tour here.
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.