The best hikes from bus stations in Brian Burke Reserve Nature Refuge

Camp Mountain Lookout opens up sweeping views across Samford Valley, Brisbane, Moreton Bay, and out towards the Glass House Mountains on clear days. Reached via steep fire trails through the forest, the lookout is one of the main scenic rewards in this section of D’Aguilar National Park and a popular stop for walkers, cyclists, and trail runners tackling the climb. Toilets, picnic facilities, and parking are available near the lookout area.

Camp Mountain Track climbs steadily through open eucalypt forest and broad fire trails towards one of the highest points in the southern section of D’Aguilar National Park. The track is popular with walkers, mountain bikers, and trail runners thanks to its long climbs, rolling ridgelines, and wide views across Samford Valley, Moreton Bay, and the Glass House Mountains from higher sections near the lookout. Much of the route follows gravel management roads beneath spotted gums and ironbarks, with some steeper and rougher sections on the climb.

Sutton Court Track is a steep gravel fire trail climbing through open eucalypt forest towards Camp Mountain Lookout. The track is broad and easy to follow but gets rocky and eroded in sections from water runoff, especially on the steeper climbs near the ridgeline. As you gain elevation, the forest opens to wider views across the surrounding ranges and towards Brisbane in the distance.

D’Aguilar National Park protects a huge stretch of forested ranges northwest of Brisbane, with eucalypt woodland, subtropical rainforest pockets, creeks, and steep ridgelines spread across the park. Around Camp Mountain, the tracks climb through dry forest and fire trails with regular birdlife and wide views back towards Samford Valley and Moreton Bay from the higher ridges.

The Golden Boulder Track is a short, easy walking track that traces the legacy of the 1860s gold rush, passing fenced mineshafts and quartz remains from historic mining attempts that ultimately yielded little gold. It winds through open eucalypt forest, and if you’re here in the spring, there are beautiful wildflowers dotted on the forest floor. Birdlife is abundant here, so keep an eye out; you might even spot a kookaburra during your walk along the way.

Bellbird Grove is a popular picnic and recreation area within Brisbane Forest Park, nestled along Cedar Creek and surrounded by eucalypt forest. There are barbecues, shelters, toilets, and open grassy spaces, making it an ideal base for short walks and family outings. It’s also a trailhead for several walking tracks, with lots of birdlife, including whipbirds, cockatoos, and wonga pigeons. While you’re here, be sure to listen for the distinctive call of Bell Miners (or bellbirds), which call this area home.

This sandy swimming area at Enoggera Reservoir is a rare inland “beach” experience in Brisbane. A roped enclosure marks the designated swim zone, creating a safer space for cooling off while keeping paddlers and wildlife separate. The beach is open seven days a week, from 5.30 am to 6.30 pm between September and April, and from 6.00 am to 5.30 pm between May and August.

Lovely little recreation reserve- there's a wildlife centre you can enter for a small admission, wander the grounds (kids can"dig for dinosaur bones"), or do a bit of kayaking or swimming. Starting point for the Enoggera Reservoir Circuit (hike or bike).