Environment and Resource Management

About D'Aguilar National Park

Getting there and getting around

Enoggera Reservoir serves as a scenic backdrop to Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre, the gateway to the southern section of the park. Photo courtesy of Jason Flesser.

Enoggera Reservoir serves as a scenic backdrop to Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre, the gateway to the southern section of the park. Photo courtesy of Jason Flesser.

Rocky Hole, Mount Mee section of D'Aguilar National Park. Photo: DERM

Rocky Hole, Mount Mee section of D'Aguilar National Park. Photo: DERM

D'Aguilar National Park lies on the doorstep of Brisbane, Queensland's capital city. The park is divided into two distinct sections—south D'Aguilar section (formerly Brisbane Forest Park) and Mount Mee section (formerly Mount Mee State Forest and Forest Reserve).

South D'Aguilar section

South D’Aguilar section is easily accessible from Brisbane. The park’s picnic areas, walking tracks and lookouts are between 15 and 95 minutes drive from the city centre. Access is via Mount Nebo Road (tourist route number 8) from The Gap, or via Samford along Samford Road (tourist route number 9). Visit Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre before you embark on your journey. Walkabout Creek is located at 60 Mount Nebo Road in The Gap, 12 km from the city centre. A bus service from the city stops right at the door (see TransLink for timetables). You will need your own transport to reach other areas in the park, as the bus service terminates at the Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre.

Mount Mee section

Mount Mee section encompasses the northern section of the park and extends to Woodford. This section of the park is about 90-minutes drive north-west of Brisbane. Travel through Samford and Dayboro then follow Mount Mee Road (tourist route number 29) and Sellin Road into the park. From the north, turn off the D’Aguilar Highway at D’Aguilar, south of Woodford, and follow Neurum Road as far as Stanton Road, before turning right and right again into Rassmussen Road which leads to the northern entrance of the Reserve. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended to access the park beyond The Gantry day-use area.

Wheelchair accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible facilities are provided at Walkabout Creek, parts of Bellbird Grove (Black Wattle shelter shed and Rose Gum toilets), Jollys Lookout, Maiala, Westridge outlook, Wivenhoe outlook, White and Red Cedar, The Gantry, Lomandra and Ironbark Gully day-use areas. The Piccabeen walk in Mt Mee section is suitable for wheelchairs with assistance. Refer to the D'Aguilar National Park locality map (PDF, 612K)* for these locations.

Park features

The view from Westridge outlook, D'Aguilar National Park. Photo courtesy of Jason Flesser.

The view from Westridge outlook, D'Aguilar National Park. Photo courtesy of Jason Flesser.

A large variety of plant communities, including subtropical rainforest, are found in the park. Photo courtesy of Jason Flesser.

A large variety of plant communities, including subtropical rainforest, are found in the park. Photo courtesy of Jason Flesser.

D’Aguilar National Park is striking in its diversity of environments and plant communities. Take a journey through open eucalypt woodlands, scribbly gum forests and lush subtropical rainforests. More than 800 plant species are found in these forests, some of which are rare and threatened.

The cool mountain tops and forest flats of D’Aguilar National Park provide a rich and varied habitat for wildlife. The cooler mountain climate is ideal for ferns and mosses. Endangered giant barred frogs inhabit the mountain streams and yellow-bellied gliders are active in the open forest at night. Owls also live here, preying on small animals, including possums and snakes. The park provides excellent birdwatching opportunities: bell miners can often be heard throughout the forest.

For a close-up look at some amazing native animals, visit Walkabout Creek. The complex features a visitor information centre, wedding centre, cafe and the South East Queensland Wildlife Centre, which showcases the area’s incredible wildlife.

Camping and accommodation

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

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

Camping

There is vehicle-based and bush camping facilities located throughout D’Aguilar National Park (see the South D'Aguilar forest trail map (PDF, 881K)* and Mount Mee forest trail and drive map (PDF, 197K)* for camp site locations).

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

Other accommodation 

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

Things to do

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

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

Enjoy a scenic forest drive in the Mt Mee section of the park. Photo: DERM

Enjoy a scenic forest drive in the Mt Mee section of the park. Photo: DERM

Visit the South East Queensland Wildlife Centre at Walkabout Creek—a living showcase of the region’s wildlife. Photo: DERM

Visit the South East Queensland Wildlife Centre at Walkabout Creek—a living showcase of the region’s wildlife. Photo: DERM

The D’Aguilar Range offers many opportunities for the visitor to explore and enjoy the natural surrounds:

Driving

South D'Aguilar section

These scenic drives are accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicle in south D’Aguilar section. There are no four-wheel-driving 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 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

Vehicles 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 currently required; however, all vehicles 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 you visit for the latest information about park access, closures and conditions.

The following drives are accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle in Mount Mee.

Western escarpment forest drive

For a two-hour scenic drive, journey along the Western escarpment forest drive through scribbly gum forest and take in spectacular views to the west over Lake Somerset and Wivenhoe.

Mount Mee forest drive

Start a half-day adventure on the Mount Mee forest drive at The Gantry and meander along the tranquil Mill rainforest walk. Continue onto Rocky Hole and relax by the cool water before driving to Broadwater, a great picnic spot overlooking a large waterhole.

Range Road forest drive

For a full-day experience start at The Gantry and drive along the Range Road forest drive. This drive takes you through open eucalypt forest and rainforest along the highest point of the range, offering views to either side. Finish your drive by visiting the small township of Dayboro.

Picnic areas and attractions

Attractions in south D’Aguilar section

Walkabout Creek

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

Bellbird Grove

Off Mount Nebo Road, Bellbird Grove is just a 10-minute drive from Walkabout Creek. Stop and enjoy a picnic or barbecue at the large, open picnic area or take a short bushwalk. Parking, toilets, picnic tables, gas barbecues and water (treat before drinking) are provided.

A sheltered picnic area (Red Ash) may be hired for exclusive use. For further information about bookings and fees, please contact DERM Permits and Licence Management.

McAfees lookout

Named after the first settlers in the area, McAfees lookout is a popular stopping point for visitors on the way to Mount Nebo. A 15-minute drive from Walkabout Creek off Mount Nebo Road, this lookout provides breathtaking views of Moreton Bay from the viewing platform.

Camp Mountain lookout

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 35 minutes away by car. Picnic shelters and wood barbecues are nestled among tall eucalypt trees. This site is off Mount Nebo Road, 15-minutes drive from Walkabout Creek. 

Jollys Lookout

Named after Brisbane's first Lord Mayor, William Jolly, this lookout offers expansive views of Moreton Island, Samford 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, 20-minutes drive from Walkabout Creek. Tap water at Jollys Lookout must be treated before drinking.

Boombana

Boombana means 'trees in bloom', which fits this area perfectly. During summer the lacebark tree loses all its leaves but keeps its large pink flowers, creating a burst of colour through the greenery. Enjoy a barbecue lunch or take a walk through the forest. Boombana is located just before Mount Nebo township, about 20-minutes drive from Walkabout Creek. There are toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues and water (treat before drinking).

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, which 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, 35-minutes drive from Walkabout Creek.

Maiala

This special 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, wood barbecues and water (treat before drinking). This area is located just past the Mount Glorious township, about 45-minutes drive from Walkabout Creek.

Wivenhoe outlook

This outlook provides a picnic area with scenic views of Lake Wivenhoe. Stringybark trees flower here 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 parking and picnic facilities. This area is located on Northbrook Pathway, 50-minutes drive from Walkabout Creek.

Red and White Cedar

This area is on the Northbrook Parkway, about a 1 hour drive from Walkabout Creek, as you travel between the park and Lake Wivenhoe. With open grassy areas 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, wood barbecues and water (treat before drinking). 

Attractions in Mount Mee section

The Gantry

The Gantry is 150 m 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 two-wheel-drive vehicles. 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.

Falls lookout

Falls lookout can be reached by a gravel road from Neurum Creek Road in Mount Mee and has an easy return walk down to a viewing platform overlooking the northern side of the D’Aguilar Range and picturesque Neurum Valley.

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 200 m return and has steps in steeper sections. The car park is on Neurum Creek Road, 8 km from The Gantry day-use area. For your safety do not jump or dive into the water hole.

Broadwater

Broadwater is a popular spot during the hot summer months. Enjoy a picnic at this small day-use area adjacent to a large waterhole. Parking, toilet and picnic tables facilities 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 offers a range of walking tracks for beginner and experienced walkers. Each track is classified according to Australian Standards. Please note that while each track is classified according to its most difficult section, other sections may be easier. 

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

Key to track standards

Class 2 walking track Class 2 (Australian Standards)
Class 3 walking track Class 3 (Australian Standards)
Class 4 walking track Class 4 (Australian Standards)

Walking in south D'Aguilar section

To obtain information and maps for walking in Mt Coot-tha Forest, please visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Access point Track name Track class Distance/time Description
From Walkabout Creek Corymbia circuit

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

1.5 km return; allow 45 minutes Beginning at the visitor centre, this track winds down through a wet sclerophyll forest gully and climbs back to the visitor centre. The track is quite steep in places.
Araucaria track

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

5 km return; allow 2 hours This walking track begins at the visitor centre and continues around the shores of Enoggera Reservoir past giant hoop pines. The track loops back around one of the reservoir's peninsulas. There are excellent opportunities for birdwatching here, especially early in the morning.
From Bellbird Grove Turrbal circuit

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

1.7 km circuit; allow 40–50 minutes This circuit winds through open eucalypt forest, down into a wet sclerophyll gully and back to the day-use area. Cone-shaped holes, dug by the nocturnal northern brown bandicoot, are often seen beside the track.
Golden Boulder track

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

1.8 km circuit; allow 40–50 minutes 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.
From Jollys Lookout Egernia circuit

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

1.5 km circuit; allow 45 minutes From the road at the base of Jollys Lookout, this track loops through open eucalypt forest and 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 to listen to.
  Thylogale walking track

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

8 km return; allow 2–3 hours This walking track connects Jollys Lookout with Boombana. Walk through pockets of dry rainforest, a vegetation type well known for its diversity and abundance of vines. Look out for the dainty purple and white pea-like flowers of the native wisteria vine that fall to the forest floor during spring.
From Boombana Pitta circuit

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

1 km circuit; allow 20–30 minutes Beginning at the day-use area, this track takes you through open eucalypt forest and then into 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 600 m track from the boardwalk.
From Manorina Atrax circuit

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

750 m return; allow 15–20 minutes Walk through tall forest featuring cabbage tree palms. Keen eyes may find the tiny earthen moss-covered doors of secretive trapdoor spiders along the track.
  Morelia walking track

Class 4 walking track

Class 4

6 km return; allow 2 hours Walk from the Manorina car park, along the track through wet eucalypt forest containing groves of cabbage tree palms, recognised by their huge, fan-shaped leaves. At Mount Nebo lookout you can enjoy quiet, spectacular views over Samford Valley and Moreton Bay. Morelia walking track is a gently-sloping, well-defined track. Return on the same track.
From Maiala Rainforest circuit

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

2 km circuit; allow 1 hour 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. This track joins Cypress Grove and a section of Greenes Falls walking tracks. Parking is available at Maiala car park.
  Greenes Falls walking track

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

4.3 km return; allow 2 hours The Greenes Falls walking track passes over rainforest pools and ends at a lookout above Greenes Falls. The Greenes Falls walking track is an extra 1 km walk branching off the Rainforest circuit. Be prepared for an uphill walk on the return trip. Parking is available at Maiala car park.
  Cypress Grove track

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

2.5 km return; allow 1 hour and 20 minutes This is a short walk branching off the Greenes Falls walking track. Walk quietly and you may see white-browed scrub wrens darting just above the leaf litter behind you, catching small insects disturbed by your tracks.
 

Western Window track

Class 4 walking track

Class 4

1.2 km return; allow 35–45 minutes

This track starts from the top of Maiala day-use area (the south side of Mount Glorious Road) and leads you 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.

 

Westside track

Class 4 walking track

Class 4

6.4 km return; allow 2–3 hours

Enjoy a cool, scenic walk through subtropical rainforest. This track branches off the Western Window track. Access this track from the top of Maiala day-use area (the southern side of Mount Glorious Road). The Westside track can also be accessed from Lawton Road and Joyners Ridge Road. From Maiala day-use area walk 600 m to the Western Window before walking down to a level track perched on the side of a steep slope. Parking is available at Maiala car park.  

Walking in Mount Mee section

Access point Track name Track class Distance/time Description
From The Gantry Piccabeen walk

Class 2 walking track

Class 2

1 km; allow 20–30 minutes

This short walk begins opposite The Gantry and takes you along a boardwalk and track through a grove of piccabeen palms. Signs provide information about the different forest types and timber-getting history of the area.

  Somerset trail

Class 4 walking track

Class 4

13 km; allow 4 hours

Beginning opposite The Gantry, this track passes through heath and scribbly gum forests, rainforest and dry open forest. About halfway along enjoy views to the west overlooking Somerset and Wivenhoe dams. Parking is available at The Gantry car park. Please bring your own water as there is no drinking water available along the trail.

From Falls lookout Falls lookout track

Class 2 walking track

Class 2

1 km return; allow 20–30 minutes

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.

From Neurum Creek Road 

Mill rainforest walk

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

1.4 km circuit; allow 40–50 minutes

You can reach the beginning of this walk by a gravel road from Neurum Creek Road. The walk winds through subtropical rainforest and provides opportunities for birdwatching. 

From Neurum Creek campground Lophostemon walk

Class 3 walking track

Class 3

750 m circuit; allow 20 minutes This circuit begins at the northern end of Neurum Creek campground. Take a leisurely stroll through tall, open eucalypt forest with a rainforest understory.

Guided tours and talks

The Connect with Nature program offers a range of nature-based activities and events every season for adults, children and families in and around parks and forests throughout Brisbane, Western Scenic Rim and Gold Coast and hinterland.

The Connect with Nature schools program features environmental education activities run in D'Aguilar National Park. The program is designed to suit the school curriculum and gives students the opportunity to experience Queensland's natural environment and cultural heritage through ranger-guided activities.

Horse and mountain bike riding

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 group activity and/or competitive event. 

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

Mountain bike riding

Mountain bike riding is permitted on specified forest trails in the south D'Aguilar section of D’Aguilar National Park. See the South D'Aguilar forest trail map (PDF, 881K)* for more details. Bicycles are not permitted on designated walking tracks or forest drives in Mount Mee as this area is set aside for motorised vehicle-based recreation.

A high level of fitness and sound navigational skills are required to ride in D’Aguilar National Park. You will need to carry a map if you are a new rider to the area as there are hundreds of kilometres of trails.  

Designated mountain bike and other multiple-use 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 at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Popular mountain bike trails
Trail name Description

South Boundary Road trail

This track follows a long forested ridge approximately 22 km (one way) to the cool rainforest township of Mount Nebo. The trail has several lengthy climbs (heading up the mountain and on the return run) and is enjoyed more in the cooler months of the year. This is a multiple-use forest trail­­—horse riders also utilise this area. 

Audax loop

Ride through subtropical rainforest and eucalypt forest on this spectacular mountainous trail through the D’Aguilar Range. The loop is of approximately 25 km, winding up Joyners Ridge and along Lawton Road before descending from the top of Northbrook Mountain down England Creek Road. . The trail begins by winding down Joyners Ridge Road onto England Creek Road. From England Ceek bush camp the trail climbs to the top of Northbrook Mountian before descending down Lawton Road back to Mount Glorious Road. This circuit ride requires a high level of fitness and good navigation skills—you will need to be conditioned to long, arduous hill climbs. Control your speed on the descents at all times, especially near steep edges. This ride is best enjoyed during cool weather. 

Horseriding

Horseriding in permitted on specified forest trails in D’Aguilar National Park. See the South D'Aguilar forest trail map (PDF, 881K)* and Mount Mee forest trail and drive map (PDF, 197K)* for more details. For more information about horse riding in south-east Queensland’s protected areas, visit the SEQ Horse Riding Trail Network page.

To help reduce your impact on our natural areas please:                                    

Things to know before you go

Be prepared for your visit to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time.

Essentials to bring

Opening hours

The park is open 24 hours a day.

Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre is open daily from 9.00 am to 4.15 pm (closed on some public holidays) and the South East Queensland Wildlife Centre is open daily from 9.00 am­ to 4.30 pm (closed on some public holidays).

Permits and fees

Camping permits

You will need to obtain a camping permit to camp in the park—fees apply.

Group and commercial activity permits

A special permit is not required for recreational activities in D’Aguilar National Park, unless they are commercial activities, or organised group activities and/or competitive events.

Bookings are essential for large groups wishing to use picnic areas. Weddings are popular at Red Ash day-use area at Bellbird Grove, and Lomandra, Wivenhoe outlook and Camp Mountain day-use areas. To book an area for your event or function, contact DERM Permits and Licence Management. Please note that Red Ash is the only area that may be booked for exclusive use.

Pets

Domestic animals (other than horses on permitted forest trails) are not permitted anywhere in D’Aguilar National Park.

Climate and weather

The mountain tops and forest flats of the D'Aguilar Range may experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall than Brisbane city, which enjoys a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range in Brisbane city is 22–30°C in summer and 12–22°C in winter. 

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at The Gap and throughout Brisbane, or from Dayboro and D’Aguilar townships in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

Staying safe

Follow the give-way code when on multi-use recreation trails.

Follow the give-way code when on multi-use recreation trails.

Expect the best, but prepare for the worst—you are responsible for your own safety.

Horse and mountain bike riding safety

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

Looking after the park

Help care for the park and its inhabitants—large and small. Photo: Bernard Hicks, DERM

Help care for the park and its inhabitants—large and small. Photo: Bernard Hicks, DERM

Please help to care for the D’Aguilar Range and the wildlife that lives here by following these guidelines.

General

Horse and mountain bike riding

Remote camping

Where no toilets are provided, take care with sanitation and hygiene and do not pollute the natural water supplies. For more information watch the 'bush toileting and washing' web clip.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages D'Aguilar National Park under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to preserve and present its remarkable natural and cultural values in perpetuity.

Tourism information links

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.

Further information

Contact us

Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre
60 Mount Nebo Road
The Gap Qld 4061

Brisbane City Council (for information about Mt Coot-tha Forest)
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au 
Phone: (07) 3403 8888

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Last updated 11 August 2011

D'Aguilar National Park

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