This is a pleasant and easily accessible spot for outdoor gatherings, horse riding, bush walking and mountain bike riding. The park is part of the ‘Mangroves to Mountains’ nature corridor, which connects remnant bushland from the D'Aguilar Range through the suburbs into Moreton Bay Region, protecting vital wildlife habitats.
Ironbark Gully picnic area is a grassy space in the centre of Samford Conservation Park (formerly Samford Regional Park). You’ll find plenty of shady trees, plus wood fire barbecues, wheelchair accessible toilets and undercover picnic tables.
The Crebra Circuit is a 20 minute walk beginning and ending from the back corner of the Ironbark Gully picnic area. This short 900 metre walking track crosses several wooden bridges and flights of steps as it loops around Ironbark Gully. The walk is aptly named after the Red Ironbark Eucalyptus Crebra which can be found growing in the sheltered gully. These flowering hardwood trees attract much native birdlife including Rosellas, Rainbow Lorikeets, Kookaburras and Australia's largest owl, the Powerful Owl, so be sure to pack some bird watching binoculars.
Crebra Circuit is rated as a Class 3 walking track according to Australian Standards. For those wishing to walk a little further, the Crebra Circuit can easily be extended to include the Bergin Creek, or 3 Sisters fire trails which are also located within this part of the ‘Mangroves to Mountains’ nature corridor.
Wahminda Park is located directly across Samford Road and also has picnic tables, a small playground, tennis courts and a short circuit track which crosses the upper section of Kedron Brook. It is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll in nature, or to bring children interested in observing fresh water native fish and frogs.
The Lomandra day-use area is closer to Samford and has its own car park and an excellent mountain biking Brisbane north-side track with jumps suitable for beginner riders. More experienced mountain bike riders will enjoy the mixture of challenging, steeper single tracks and easier fire trails – with the addition of a number of some new single tracks including, Humpty and Kombi. The designated mountain bike tracks within Samford Conservation Park are listed below:
Track 1: Water Tank - Lower (700m)
Track 2: Water Tank - Upper (400m)
Track 3: Trickles Drop (750m)
Track 4: Ball Buster (850m)
Track 5: Sunset Ridge (1.2km)
Samford Conservation Park (624 ha) is located 20 minutes drive north-west of Brisbane CBD along Samford Road, Ferny Hills. There are parking spaces located at the Ironbark Gully picnic area and Lomandra day-use area carpark is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Samford Valley Rail Trail.
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From the bar serving cold brews to the hotel restaurant with delicious eats, the Samford Hotel in Moreton Bay Region is a favourite pub near Brisbane for locals and tourists alike.
Whether travelling for business or pleasure, Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge set amidst natural surrounds is your ideal north Brisbane accommodation retreat from the city, just 40 minutes north of Brisbane CBD.
This pet-friendly café opposite John Scott Park is quickly establishing itself as a popular meeting place in the Moreton Bay Region. The Long Yard Larder Samford café’s friendly customer service and warm wood-panelled surrounds, pared back décor and minimalist vibes make for a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.
Hosted by St Paul’s Anglican Church this 50-stall market is a whimsical, local institution. With a mountain range backdrop, the enticing smell of fresh baking and the charm of pretty church grounds, Samford Valley is an idyllic Saturday morning outing.
If you’re looking for things to do in Samford and surrounding areas then visit Samford Visitor Information Centre.