D'Aguilar National Park Brisbane

Marvel at views stretching over Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe from the lookout. Photo credit: Tomek Z Genek © Queensland Government

D'Aguilar National Park is a breathtaking escape from the city! Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government

Be inspired: A family camping favourite, D’Aguilar is right on Brisbane’s doorstep!

Are we there yet? Well kids, almost! D’Aguilar National Park is the closest, large-scale national park to any Australian capital city and is beckoning you for an easy weekend getaway. Photo credit: Tom Genek © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Why Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is the hidden gem Brisbane families love

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is a hidden gem right on Brisbane’s doorstep! Hidden in plain sight, that is! Photo credit: Tomek Z Genek © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Favourite hikes for groups of ‘besties and buddies’ around Brisbane

When it comes to bushwalking with your ‘besties’ (friends or family), in Queensland National Parks near Brisbane, you’re truly spoilt for choice! Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Somerset trail

Venture through a variety of forest types on this lovely half-day hike with stunning views to the western horizon.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
13km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
Time suggested
Allow 4hr walking time
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Walking

Starting opposite The Gantry, this track winds through lush rainforest, scribbly gum forest, montane heath and piccabeen palm groves.

Spy colourful fruit-doves and flying foxes tucking into rainforest fruits. In the dry, open forest, possums, goannas and other tree-dwelling animals give away their presence by leaving scratch marks on tree trunks. Look for squiggly trails covering the surface of the scribbly gum's trunk, made by the larvae of wood-boring moths.

Stop at Somerset lookout halfway along the track and take in magnificent vistas stretching west to Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe—unquestionably the park's best view.

WARNING! Unfenced cliff edges. This track leads close to unfenced cliff edges.
Reduce your risk of falling and sustaining serious or fatal injuries:

  • Stay on the formed walking track.
  • Stay well back from cliff edges.
  • Do not climb rocks around the cliffs.
  • Supervise children carefully.

Getting there and getting around

Somerset trail is in the North D'Aguilar section of D'Aguilar National Park, about 70km from the city of Brisbane.

From the south

  • Drive 24km from Dayboro via Mount Mee Road (tourist route number 29) and Sellin Road to the park's entrance.
  • Continue 920m to The Gantry. The road to The Gantry is suitable for conventional (2WD) vehicles.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

From the north

  • You will need a 4WD or trail bike to access this walk from the north. The maximum speed limit on forest roads is 40km/hr and all road rules apply.
  • Drive 17km from Woodford via the D'Aguilar Highway, Neurum, Stanton and Rassmussen roads to the park's northern entrance.
  • Continue south along the Mount Mee forest drive to The Gantry.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities on this trail. There are wheelchair-accessible facilities located at The Gantry day-use area.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Somerset trail is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting D'Aguilar National Park safely and Walk with care.