Things to do

Remote bush camping in south D'Aguilar section, D'Aguilar National Park. Photo: Queensland Government.

Camping and accommodation

Camping

There is vehicle-based and bush camping facilities located throughout D’Aguilar National Park (see the South D’Aguilar forest trail map (PDF, 732.8KB) and Mount Mee forest trail and drive map (PDF, 344.6KB) for camp site locations).

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

• Find out more about camping in D’Aguilar National Park.
• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Other accommodation

Camping is also available at Blue Gum Flats located near the shores of Lake Manchester. To book a site, contact Seqwater.

There is a range of holiday accommodation in and around Brisbane, Mount Glorious, Samford and Dayboro. For more information see the tourism information links.

Take a bushwalk along one of the many walking tracks in D'Aguilar National Park. Photo: Queensland Government.

Enjoy a scenic forest drive in the Mount Mee section of the park. Photo: Queensland Government.

Driving and trail-bike riding

South D'Aguilar section

• South D'Aguilar forest trail map (PDF, 732.8KB)
• D'Aguilar National Park locality map (PDF, 1.9MB)

These scenic drives are accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicle in south D’Aguilar section. There are no four-wheel-driving or trail-bike riding opportunities in the south D’Aguilar section of the park.

Mount Nebo Road

A beautiful scenic drive winding through eucalypt forest, this road runs through the park past Mount Nebo township to Mount Glorious. There are several lookouts along the way. Return to Brisbane along the same road or via Samford–Mount Glorious Road.

The Northbrook Parkway

The Northbrook Parkway continues from Mount Glorious, linking D’Aguilar National Park with the eastern shore of Lake Wivenhoe. For an interesting round trip, travel back to Brisbane via Samford–Mount Glorious Road or the Brisbane Valley Highway.

Mount Mee section

• Mount Mee forest trail and drive map (PDF, 344.6KB)

Vehicles, including trail bikes, are permitted on all forest drives and unsealed roads in Mount Mee unless otherwise signed. Some roads and trails are designated non-motorised areas in the interest of visitor safety. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are advised for all unsealed roads in Mount Mee. Vehicle permits are not required; however, all vehicles (including trail bikes) must be registered and driven by a licensed driver.

Please obey all park closure notices. Mount Mee is closed after heavy rain—check park alerts before visiting for the latest information about park access, closures and conditions.

• Obey speed limits. The maximum speed limit on forest drives is 40km/hr. Normal road rules apply. All forest drives allow two-way traffic.
• Watch out for the unexpected. Drive slowly to allow time to react to changed road conditions and other park users.
• Forest drives are unsealed with some sharp curves, narrow sections, loose surfaces and steep grades that require careful driving.
• Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound.

The following drives in Mount Mee section are accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle, motorbike and trail bike.

• Take a virtual tour of some of the forest drive road network captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Western escarpment forest drive

For a 14km scenic drive, journey along the Western escarpment forest drive through scribbly gum forest and stop at Somerset lookout to take in spectacular views to the west over lakes Somerset and Wivenhoe. Access to Somerset is recommended for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.

Mount Mee forest drive

Start a 16km adventure on the Mount Mee forest drive at The Gantry. Head north-west through native and plantation forests to Falls lookout and Bulls Falls. Continue on to Mill rainforest walk and stop for a tranquil walk, then head to Rocky Hole and relax by the cool water before driving to Broadwater—a great picnic spot. Return to The Gantry or continue north through the small township of Woodford.

Access to Falls lookout and Bulls Falls is recommended for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.

Range Road forest drive

For a 27km experience start at The Gantry and travel south-east along Peggs Road onto the Range Road forest drive and is recommended for four-wheel-drive vehicles only. This drive takes you through open eucalypt forest and rainforest along the highest point of the range. Stop at Kluvers lookout for spectacular views. Exit the park via Laceys Creek Road and finish your drive by visiting the small township of Dayboro.

See the Mount Mee forest trail and drive map (PDF, 344.6KB) for other roads accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles and trail bikes.

Picnic areas and attractions

• D’Aguilar National Park locality map (PDF, 1.9MB)

Attractions in South D’Aguilar section

Mount Coot-tha

Managed by Brisbane City Council, Mount Coot-tha is located at the southern end of the D'Aguilar Range. Although not part of the national park, you can start your discovery of the D'Aguilar Range from this popular location.

Catch public transport or drive to the summit of Mount Coot-tha for expansive views over Brisbane city. Alternatively, embark on a short walk from any of the picnic areas at the foothills of the mountain or explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. For further information or to obtain brochures or maps, please visit Brisbane City Council or phone (07) 3403 8888.

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

Located at 60 Mount Nebo Road in The Gap, 12km from Brisbane’s city centre, Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre features: a visitor information centre, wildlife centre, Walkabout Creek Conference and Wedding Centre and the Green Tree Frog Cafe. For more information see the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.

Bellbird Grove

Off Mount Nebo Road, Bellbird Grove is just a 10min drive from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Stop and enjoy a picnic or barbecue at the large, open picnic area or take a short stroll along one of the walking tracks. Parking, toilets, picnic tables, gas barbecues are provided.

Camp Mountain lookout

Camp Mountain lookout is off Mount Nebo Road, a 15min drive from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Picnic shelters and wood barbecues are nestled among tall eucalypt trees. On a clear day enjoy amazing views of Moreton Bay and the Glass House Mountains from the lower north-facing lookout. Walk along the ridgeline to another lookout offering surprisingly close views of bustling Brisbane city, only 35min away by car. This second lookout has been named Bathersby lookout in honour of retired Archbishop John Bathersby of the Catholic Achdiocese of Brisbane, in recognition for his 20 years of service to the Brisbane community.

Jollys lookout

Named after Brisbane’s first Lord Mayor, William Jolly (from 1925 to 1931), this lookout offers expansive views of Moreton Island, Brisbane Valley and the Glass House Mountains. The Mayor was so taken with the view that he agreed to build a road to the lookout for better access.

Enjoy a picnic or wood barbecue at the picnic area, which is on Mount Nebo Road, a 20min drive from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Water at Jollys lookout must be treated before drinking.

• Take a virtual tour of Jollys lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Boombana

The name 'Boombana' means 'trees in bloom', which fits this area perfectly. During summer the lacebark tree Brachychiton discolor loses all its leaves but keeps its large pink flowers, creating a burst of colour through the greenery. Boombana is located just before Mount Nebo township, which is about a 20min drive from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. There are toilets and picnic tables provided.

Manorina

Two walking tracks wind through lush, wet eucalypt forest and offer views of Samford Valley. Manorina is located north of Mount Nebo township, which is about a 30min drive from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. No toilets, picnic facilities or water provided.

Westridge outlook

See views over Lake Wivenhoe with the Great Dividing Range in the distance. A mixed forest of grey gums, tallowwoods and spotted gums surrounds the lookout that is situated on a high rocky outcrop. Try to spot animal markings from goannas, possums and red triangle slugs on the smooth-barked eucalyptus trees. The lookout is off Mount Glorious Road, a 35min drive from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.

• Take a virtual tour of Westridge outlook captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Maiala

This area was the first national park declared on the D’Aguilar Range. Originally cleared for a timber mill, Maiala is now a spacious and peaceful place to visit. Some machinery and remnant hoop pine plantation remain as evidence of Maiala’s loud and laborious past. Enjoy a picnic, barbecue or rainforest walk. There are toilets, picnic tables, electric barbecues and water (treat before drinking). This area is located just past the Mount Glorious township, which is about a 45min drive from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.

Wivenhoe outlook

This outlook provides scenic views of Lake Wivenhoe. Stringybark trees flower during summer with pale yellow flowers that attract birds. The unusual cry of the cat bird can often be heard in the valley below. Viewing platforms are only a short walk from the car park. This area is located on Northbrook Pathway, a 50min drive from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.

• Take a virtual tour of Wivenhoe lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.

White Cedar

This area is on the Northbrook Parkway, about an hour drive from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, as you travel between the park and Lake Wivenhoe. With an open, grassy area and a picturesque stream running behind the day-use area, this is a great place to stop and enjoy the quiet scenery. There are toilets, picnic tables and wood barbecues.

Lake Manchester

Managed by Seqwater, this is an ideal location to enjoy a picnic or to take a short stroll to the lake’s grassy shores. Located an hour and 20min from Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, this day-use area offers toilets and picnic facilities. All tap water must be treated before drinking. For more information, contact Seqwater.

Attractions in Mount Mee section

The Gantry

The Gantry is 150m from the entrance to this section of the park, off Sellin Road. It is the most accessible day-use area in Mount Mee as the entry road is sealed and can accommodate conventional vehicles and bus parking is provided. The Gantry shelter is a legacy of the sawmill that operated here until 1981. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue at the grassy picnic area. There are two walks that start and finish opposite the picnic area. Wheelchair and parking facilities are provided. Water at The Gantry must be treated before drinking.

Somerset lookout

Enjoy spectacular views over the Great Dividing Range, Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe’s headwaters. The lookout can be accessed on foot by walking along the Somerset trail, or by four-wheel-drive vehicle along the Western Escarpment forest drive, a 30min drive from The Gantry. No toilets, picnic facilities or water provided.

Falls lookout and Bulls Falls

Falls lookout can be reached by a formed, unsealed gravel road from Neurum Creek Road, only a 5min drive from The Gantry. An easy 400m walk leads down to a viewing platform overlooking the northern side of the D’Aguilar Range and picturesque Neurum Valley. Walk a further 80m to Bulls Falls, offering beautiful views of sheltered rainforest pools and rocky crags.

Rocky Hole

Surrounded by dry, open eucalypt forest, this spot features a rock pool and is popular during summer. The walk to Rocky Hole is only 200m return and has steps in steeper sections. The car park is on Neurum Creek Road, 8km (25min) from The Gantry day-use area. There are no facilities at this site.

For your safety do not jump or dive into the water hole.

Broadwater

Enjoy a picnic at this small day-use area adjacent to a large waterhole. Only a 40min drive from The Gantry, parking, toilets and picnic tables are provided. For your safety do not jump or dive into the water hole.

Access to Broadwater is recommended for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.

Walking

• D’Aguilar National Park locality map (PDF, 1.9MB)
• D'Aguilar National Park (South D’Aguilar) walking tracks map (PDF, 267.6KB)
• Mount Mee forest trail and drive map (PDF, 344.6KB)
• Maiala day-use area walking track map (PDF, 187.7KB)

D'Aguilar National Park offers a range of walking tracks for beginner and experienced walkers. Each track is classified according to Australian Standards and only suitable for pedestrian use. Please note that while each track is classified according to its most difficult section, other sections may be easier.

Walkers can also access a number of forest trails throughout the range. These trails may be shared by horse and mountain-bike riders, four-wheel drivers and/or motorcyclists—please see driving and trail-bike riding and horse and mountain-bike riding for more information.

For walks nearby, visit Mt Coot-tha Forest—managed by Brisbane City Council. The forest has a diverse range of tracks and trails, picnic facilities, and seasonal creeks and waterfalls to explore. For information on other walking tracks around Brisbane, contact Brisbane City Council.

Before walking in the park read this information below and the guidelines on walking safely and walking softly to ensure a safe, enjoyable and sustainable experience.

Key to track standards

The classification system is based on Australian Standards. Please note that while each track is classified according to its most difficult section, other sections may be of an easier level.

Grade 2

• No bushwalking experience required.
• Easy level track, suitable for all fitness levels.
• All junctions signposted and may include interpretive signs.

Grade 3

• Some bushwalking experience recommended.
• Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
• Distinct tracks with junctions signposted.

Grade 4

• Bushwalking experience recommended.
• Tracks may be long, rough and very steep with muddy sections likely to be encountered.
• Limited signage.

Walking in south D'Aguilar section

To obtain information and maps for walking in Mt Coot-tha Forest, please visit the Brisbane City Council website.

Short walks—less than 2hr walking time

Access point	Track name	Track class	Distance/time	Description
Bellbird Grove	Turrbal circuit	Grade 3	1.7km circuit; allow 40–50min	This circuit winds through open eucalypt forest, down into a wet eucalypt gully and back to the day-use area. Cone-shaped holes, dug by the nocturnal northern brown bandicoot, are often seen beside the track.
Bellbird Grove	Golden Boulder track	Grade 3	1.8km circuit; allow 40–50min	Follow in the footsteps of the miners who once worked along the exposed ridges and deep in the mine shafts. Signs along the walking track tell of the area’s gold mining history. It is quite steep in places, so supervise children at all times. Take a virtual tour of the Golden Boulder track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Jollys lookout	Egernia circuit	Grade 3	1.5km circuit; allow 45min	From the road at the base of Jollys Lookout, this track loops through wet eucalypt forest and a gully of subtropical rainforest before returning back to the road. Parking is available at the lookout and at the walking track entrance below it. Early morning walkers may be rewarded with a host of different birdcalls.
Boombana	Pitta circuit	Grade 3	1km circuit; allow 20–30min	Beginning at the day-use area, this track explores open eucalypt forest and then subtropical rainforest. See a huge 300-year-old strangler fig, slender palms, climbing ferns and vines, orchids and other epiphytes. Mount Nebo village can be accessed from this circuit via a 600m track from the boardwalk. Take a virtual tour of the Pitta circuit captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Manorina	Atrax circuit	Grade 3	750m return; allow 15–20min	Walk through tall forest featuring cabbage tree palms. Along the track, keen-eyed walkers may find tiny, earthen moss-covered earth doors of secretive trapdoor spiders.
Maiala	Rainforest circuit	Grade 3	2km circuit; allow 1hr	This walking track starts at Maiala day-use area and winds through stunning subtropical rainforest. Appreciate the majestic beauty of the old Sydney blue gum, a sole survivor of the eucalypt forest that was once the dominant vegetation here. Cypress Grove and Greenes Falls walking tracks branch off this circuit at Browns Road. Parking is available at Maiala car park. Take a virtual tour of the Rainforest circuit captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Maiala	Cypress Grove circuit	Grade 3	2.5km return; allow 1hr 20min	This is a short walk branching off the Rainforest circuit at Browns Road. Quiet walkers may see white-browed scrub wrens darting around the disturbed leaf litter catching small insects.
Maiala	Western Window track	Grade 3	1.2km return; allow 35–45min	This track starts from the top of Maiala day-use area (the south side of Mount Glorious Road) and runs along the escarpment to the Western Window—an expansive undulating view to the west. Visit the window at sunset for an awe-inspiring day’s end.

Medium length walks—from 2 to 4hr walking time

Access point	Track name	Track class	Distance/time	Description
Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre	Araucaria track	Grade 3	5km return; allow 2hr	This walking track begins at the visitor centre and winds past giant hoop pines along the shores of Enoggera Reservoir, before looping back around one of the reservoir's peninsulas. There are excellent opportunities for birdwatching, especially early in the morning.
Jollys lookout	Thylogale walking track	Grade 3	8km return; allow 2–3hr	This walking track connects Jollys lookout to Boombana. Walk through pockets of dry rainforest—a vegetation type well known for its diversity and abundance of twisting vines. During spring, look on the forest floor for the dainty purple and white pea-like flowers that fall from the native wisteria vine.
Manorina	Morelia walking track	Grade 4	6km return; allow 2–2.5hr	This track takes walkers from the Manorina car park to Mount Nebo lookout. Trek through wet eucalypt forest containing groves of cabbage tree palms, recognised by their huge, fan-shaped leaves. At Mount Nebo lookout, enjoy spectacular views over the Samford Valley to Moreton Bay. Morelia walking track is mostly a gently-sloping, well-defined track but it is quite steep in some places. Return along the same track.
Maiala	Greenes Falls track	Grade 3	4.3km return; allow 2hr	The Greenes Falls track passes over rainforest pools and ends at a lookout above Greenes Falls. This track branched off Cypress Grove circuit, which begins where the Rainforest circuit reaches Browns Road. Be prepared for an uphill walk on the return trip. Parking is available at Maiala car park. Take a virtual tour of the Greenes Falls track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Maiala	Westside track	Grade 4	6.4km return; allow 2–3hr	Enjoy a cool, scenic walk through subtropical rainforest. This track branches off the Western Window track. Access is from the top of the Maiala day-use area (the southern side of Mount Glorious Road). From Maiala day-use area walk 600m to the Western Window, before walking down to a level track perched on the side of a steep slope that finishes at Lawton Road. Parking is available at Maiala car park. The Westside track can also be accessed from Lawton Road and Joyners Ridge Road.

Longer walks—from 4 to 10hr walking time

The following longer walks are suggested loops along management roads. They can be completed in one long day, or walkers can camp overnight at one of the secluded, back country bush camp sites. Keep a look out for small road signs and take a D’Aguilar National Park (South D’Aguilar section) topographic map with you. These maps can be purchased from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre (currently out of stock).

Access point	Track name	Track class	Distance/time	Description
Maiala	Aquila loop	Grade 4	24km return; allow 6–10hr	This walk begins at the Maiala day-use area and follows the Westside track past Western Window and down the steep stairs to a track junction. Walkers then follow a couple of management roads to England Creek (left branch) and England Creek bush camp. From this bush camp, the walk continues along England Creek Road to the top of Northbrook Mountain and Northbrook Mountain bush camp. Enjoy spectacular views of the England Creek catchment nearing the top of Northbrook Mountain. From Northbrook Mountain bush camp, the walk continues to the intersection of Lawton and England Creek roads and then follows Lawton Road down to a saddle and up again before reaching the Westside track entry sign. The Westside track leads back to the Maiala day-use area. This loop can be completed in either direction. More detailed instructions for this walk are provided on the topographic map that can be purchased from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre (currently out of stock).
Mount Nebo transfer station	Cabbage Tree Range loop	Grade 4	17km return; allow 4–7hr	This loop begins at the Mount Nebo transfer station, about 1.5km north-west of Manorina. It follows Dundas Road to the Dundas Road bush camp then heads along Cabbage Tree Range Road to Cabbage Tree Creek. After carefully crossing the creek, walkers head up Job 6 Break to Light Line Road and along the road to Light Line Road bush camp. Past the bush camp, the walk continues along Light Line Road, turns left down Double Break and proceeds around the gate onto Hammermeister Road, then Mount Nebo Road and back to the transfer station. Please leave room for rangers to drive through the gate when parking at the transfer station. More detailed instructions for this walk are provided on the topographic map that can be purchased from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.
Bullockys Dam	Augies loop	Grade 4	16km return; allow 4–7hr	Augies loop begins at Bullockys Dam, on South Boundary Road. From the dam, the walk follows South Boundary Road to Augies Road and along Augies Road to the intersection of Creek Road and then descends along Creek Road to the creek. After carefully crossing the creek, walkers head uphill to Gold Creek Boundary Break, along this break to South Boundary Road and then onto the Scrub Road bush camp. The walk continues along South Boundary Road, passes Augies Road and heads back to Bullockys Dam. Parking is available at the dam—please leave room for rangers to drive through the gate. More detailed instructions for this walk are provided on the topographic map that can be purchased from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre (currently out of stock).

Walking in Mount Mee section

Short walks—less than 2hr walking time

Access point	Track name	Track class	Distance/time	Description
The Gantry	Piccabeen walk	Grade 2	1km circuit; allow 20–30min	This short walk begins opposite The Gantry and follows a track and boardwalk through a grove of piccabeen palms.
Falls lookout and Bulls Falls	Falls lookout track	Grade 2	1km return; allow 20–30min	Falls lookout can be reached by a gravel road from Neurum Creek Road and has a short walk down to a viewing platform overlooking the northern side of D’Aguilar Range and picturesque Neurum Valley.
Off Neurum Creek Road between The Gantry and Neurum Creek camping area	Mill rainforest walk	Grade 3	1.4km circuit; allow 40–50min	This walking track winds through subtropical rainforest and provides opportunities for birdwatching, so bring binoculars. The track entrance is accessed via a short unsealed, formed gravel road off Neurum Creek Road.
From Neurum Creek camping area	Lophostemon walk	Grade 3	750m circuit; allow 20min	This circuit begins at the northern end of Neurum Creek camping area. Take a leisurely stroll through tall, open eucalypt forest with a rainforest understory.

Medium length walks—from 2 to 4hr walking time

Access point	Track name	Track class	Distance/time	Description
The Gantry	Somerset trail	Grade 4	13km circuit; allow 4hr	Beginning opposite The Gantry, this track passes through scribbly gum forests, rainforest and dry open forest. About halfway along enjoy views to the west overlooking Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe. Parking is available at The Gantry car park. Bring water as there is no drinking water available along the trail.

Horse and mountain-bike riding

• South D'Aguilar forest trail map (PDF, 732.8KB)
• Mount Mee forest trail map (PDF, 344.6KB)

A leisurely ride through the park on horseback or bicycle is a great way to experience the wonders of the bush. There is a network of forest trails throughout the park for horse and mountain-bike riding. A special permit is not required unless it is a commercial activity, or an organised event and/or competitive event.

Horse and mountain-bike riding is fun provided you stay safe.

Mountain-bike riding

Mountain-bike riding is permitted on all forest trails in D’Aguilar National Park, unless otherwise signed. See the South D’Aguilar forest trail map (PDF, 732.8KB) and Mount Mee forest trail map (PDF, 208K)* (PDF, 344.6KB) for more details. Bicycles are not permitted on designated walking tracks.

A high level of fitness and sound navigational skills are required to ride in D’Aguilar National Park. You will need to carry a D’Aguilar National Park (South D'Aguilar section topographic map), which can be purchased from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre (currently out of stock), if you are a new rider to the area as there are hundreds of kilometres of trails.

Designated mountain-bike and other shared forest trails can also be found in Bunyaville Conservation Park and Daisy Hill Conservation Park. Sections of Mt Coot-tha Forest, managed by Brisbane City Council, also have mountain-bike and multiple-use trails. A mountain-bike trail map is available for Mt Coot-tha Forest, visit Brisbane City Council.

Horseriding

Horseriding is permitted on specified forest trails in D’Aguilar National Park. Enjoy a half or day-long ride in the southern section of the D’Aguilar Range. A series of trails lead into the adjacent valleys of Brookfield and Gold Creek, or ride along the crest of South Boundary Road to Mount Nebo Road, and onto the township of Mount Nebo.

See the South D’Aguilar forest trail map (PDF, 732.8KB) and Mount Mee forest trail and drive map (PDF, 344.6KB) for more details. For more information about horseriding in South East Queensland’s protected areas, visit the SEQ horseriding trail network page.

To help reduce your impact on our natural areas:

• Do not allow horses to remain in the park overnight.
• Ride only on formed roads and trails designated for riding. Do not take shortcuts or form new tracks as this damages the environment and causes erosion.
• Do not allow horses to enter or remain in or near natural watercourses. Only allow horses to cross natural watercourses at designated crossing points on the trail for the protection of watercourses in the area.
• Minimise damage to vegetation. Do not allow horses to graze on any vegetation while in the area.
• Tether horses at hitching posts or resting areas only for short periods to minimise soil erosion and compaction.
• Avoid spreading weeds—ensure horses’ coats, hooves and equipment are free of seeds before park visits.

Guided tours and talks

Ranger guided activities and talks are conducted from the Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre. For more information on activities and times, visit Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.