The best cycling routes in North Pine Dam Nature Refuge

The Lanita Rail Trail (also known as the Samford Cycle Link or part of the broader Ferny Grove to Samford Rail Trail) is a historic rail path that is shared by runners, walkers and bikers. It's paved and follows the old Dayboro branch railway line. The Lanita Rail Trail is just a 30-minute drive from the Brisbane Central Business District and feels like a nice escape into nature. Look out for railway cuttings and large earth embankments along the route as the path passes under eucalyptus trees that wild wallabies call home.

Kedron Creek passes under the Lanita Rail Trail and is a lively creek with ducks, herons, egrets, and kingfishers hanging out by the water's edge. It's scenic, surrounded by greenery and the bridge passing over it is very modern, looking like a wooden work of art.

Lanita Court transitions into the most western end of the Lanita Rail Trail at this point. A metal gate restricts vehicles from entering, and there is signage about the conservation area. This trackhead is just the end of a road and not an official parking area. It's best to park at the eastern end of the Lanita Rail Trail at the car park for Wahminda Park.

Jollys Lookout is an awesome overlook of D'Aguilar National Park, with views of the Enoggera Forest Reserve, Moreton Bay, and the Glasshouse Mountains. Just at the parking area, this overlook is wheelchair accessible, has sheltered and exposed picnic tables, BBQs, and a public toilet. This viewpoint was named after William Jolly, the first Mayor of Greater Brisbane.

Stretching for over 150 kilometres, the Moreton Bay Cycleway runs along much of Brisbane’s northern coastline, linking areas from the city through to Redcliffe and beyond. This section between Shorncliffe and Woody Point follows the waterfront, with open views across Moreton Bay. The path is shared with pedestrians for much of the route, so expect mixed use and steady traffic.

Samford Conservation Park is a beautiful bushland reserve near the rural township of Samford Valley northwest of Brisbane. The park protects eucalypt forest and creek habitats that support native wildlife, including wallabies, koalas, and a variety of bird species, while also preserving part of the area’s natural catchment. There is a network of walking and cycling tracks and fire trails throughout the grounds, where you can explore the park’s ridgelines and gullies, making it an ideal location for quiet nature-based recreation close to the city.

Ironbark Gully picnic area is a popular day-use facility within Samford Conservation Park, set among open eucalypt forest near the park’s main access point at Samford Valley. There are picnic tables, shelters, and a trailhead for the short Crebra Circuit walking track, making it a convenient start or end point for exploring the park. Surrounded by ironbark woodland and native wildlife habitat, it’s a quiet bush setting ideal for a lovely picnic with access to the park’s wider trail network.

Enoggera Dam is a heritage-listed concrete gravity dam that was completed in 1866. It is Queensland's oldest dam and was originally a major source of drinking water for the city before it became a popular recreational hub. Today, the dam wall and the surrounding reserve are valued for their historical significance, natural beauty, and access to walking trails and water activities.