Chermside Hills Reserve

Chermside Hills Reserves brings together three natural areas—Chermside Hills Reserve, Raven Street Reserve and Milne Hill Reserve—across 129 hectares of open eucalypt forest, woodland and dry rainforest. The reserves form part of Brisbane’s Mountains to Mangroves Corridor, which links the D’Aguilar Ranges with Boondall Wetlands and Moreton Bay. It is a substantial bushland setting for a walk, a picnic, birdwatching or a quiet break outdoors.

There are 11 walking tracks, with easy and moderate options ranging from 350 metres to 1.7 kilometres. The track network includes the wheelchair-accessible Senses Trail and routes to Spider Hill Outlook, where visitors can see Moreton Bay and the surrounding mountains. A longer walk can connect all three reserves. Boardwalks, a viewing deck, toilets, barbecues and playgrounds add practical facilities for families and groups, while the open tracks also make the area suitable for solo walkers and casual nature outings.

Wildlife is one of the reserve’s main draws. Depending on conditions, visitors may spot birds, reptiles, frogs, wallabies, gliders and possums, with Little Cabbage Tree Creek Bridge suggested as a birdwatching location. The reserves protect more than 200 native plant species, including grass trees, banksias, stringybarks, bloodwoods, spotted gums and weeping myrtles. The mix of habitats gives the walks more to look at than a straightforward suburban park.

At Raven Street Reserve, the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre adds an educational element, with information about local animal and plant life, environmental and cultural displays, nature-based programs and free native plants. Sheltered picnic tables, electric barbecues and a playground are located beside the centre. The reserves are open 24 hours, with parking at the entrances on Trouts Road, Rode Road and Hamilton Road. Leashed dogs are allowed, and there is an off-leash dog park near Milne Hill Reserve. Visitors should carry water and a track map, stay on designated trails and check updates before visiting, as the Giwadha Track is scheduled for repair works from late April to mid-May 2026.