Visiting Venman Bushland safely

Photo credit: Adam Creed, Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

• Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area (KBCCA) locality map (PDF, 1.5MB)
• View Google map

Venman Bushland National Park is 40km south of Brisbane city on West Mount Cotton Road. From the Pacific Motorway, take exit 30 and turn onto Beenleigh–Redland Bay Road, then left onto California Creek Road and left onto West Mount Cotton Road. The main entrance to the park is signposted.

Walkers are also able to access the park through a number of gates around the boundary of the park.

Wheelchair accessibility

The toilets and a picnic table are wheelchair accessible and are in the day-use area and not far from the car park.

Staying safe

Emergency markers are located at all trail junctions in the park. Please take notice of the markers in case of an emergency. Knowing your location will save valuable time if you require assistance from emergency services.

Emergency markers (unique alphanumeric codes) are located:

• at formalised park entrances
• on shared trails
• at management road junctions.

In an emergency dial Triple Zero (000) and if possible, recite the closest emergency marker code to assist emergency services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) in locating the emergency within the conservation park.

Follow these general safety tips to ensure your visit is memorable for the right reasons:

• Check Park Alerts and current weather forecast before setting out into the park.
• Supervise children closely, especially near the road and use the pedestrian crossings provided.
• Leave sufficient daylight to complete your walk or ride.
• Leave walking plans with a reliable person to raise the alarm if you do not return when expected.
• Stay on the trails and follow signs to avoid getting lost. We recommend before you head off, to take a photo of the walking track map featured on the trailhead sign located at the entry to the day-use area or download a map from the maps and resources page.
• Have a fully charged mobile phone. Save battery life by minimising use—you might need it to make an emergency call.
• Have sufficient drinking water. All water collected should be treated before drinking.
• Wear sun protection, suitable footwear and protective clothing.
• Have a first-aid kit (including snake bite bandage)and know how to use it.Horseriders to include first-aid kit for your horse.
• Take care when using wood barbecues. Bring clean, milled timber and put the fire out with water. Supervise children to avoid burn injuries. Observe fire bans and prohibitions.
• Avoid walking or riding in the middleof the day, especially on hot days.
• Be aware that trails can be slippery, especially after rain.
• Keep away from creek banks; they may collapse under foot.
• Obey signs and regulations—they are in place to protect you and the park.
• Wear insect repellent to help prevent tick and other insect bites or stings.
• Venomous snakes live in the park, so watch for snakes on tracks and trails, and wait for them to move away. Never pick up, disturb or provoke a snake. If bitten, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Reduce theft by removing valuables from your vehicle and taking them with you.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Walking safety tips

• Be prepared, even on short walks, and judge your ability and conditions carefully before setting out.
• Choose walks that suit the skill and ability of your slowest walker.
• Walk with a recognised bushwalking club. This is a good way to gain experience.
• Walk with one or more friends. At least one member of each party should be a competent bushwalker and map reader.

Learn more about walking safely.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Protective clothing, a hat, sunscreen for protection from the sun and insect repellent for biting insects.
• Sturdy shoes for walking.
• Drinking water, especially in summer. Tap water should be boiled or treated with sterilisation tablets before drinking. Do not drink the creek water.
• First-aid kit and knowledge of how to use it.
• Rubbish bags to take rubbish home—no bins are provided.

Permits and fees

For groups wishing to conduct activities in the park, an organised event notification form must be completed. View permits and fees for further information.

Other permits

A special permit is not required for recreational activities in Venman Bushland National Park unless they are organised events or large scale competitive events. If an activity or visit to a protected area includes commercial photography or filming—that is, to sell photographs or film footage taken on a protected area or use photographs or footage in a product which will later be sold, such as a book or postcard—a permit must be obtained and a fee paid.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Venman Bushland National Park.

Climate and weather

Brisbane enjoys a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range is 22 to 30°C in summer and 12 to 22°C in winter. For more information see the tourism information links. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Loganholme and other nearby suburbs of Brisbane.