The best walks and hikes in Clear Mountain Conservation Park

Bullocky Rest is set on the shores of Lake Samsonvale, making it popular for family picnics with its numerous shaded picnic shelters, electric barbecues, playground, public restrooms, and extensive parking. The long shoreline provides many quiet spots to cast a line for native freshwater species like Australian Bass, Yellow Belly, and Saratoga, just keep in mind that a fishing permit is required. Hikers will enjoy the many tracks that wind through the park and further on toward Forgan Cove & beyond. All in all, Bullocky Cove has something for everyone to enjoy and there's so much on offer you might find yourself returning just to see it all.

Set on a quiet arm of Lake Samsonvale, Forgan Cove is a designated launch point for paddle craft of all kinds. In addition to paddle sports the small park is also great for BBQs & picnics, fishing from the shoreline, and heading out on the walking tracks to explore the nearby bushland.

Forgan Park, on the shores of Lake Samsonvale, is a great place for a relaxing picnic, fishing from the shoreline, or going for a walk to nearby Bullocky Rest.

Sweeney Reserve is a lovely riverside park on the banks of the North Pine River, with open lawns, large shade trees, and peaceful walking paths. As you explore, you’ll find grassy picnic areas and beautiful views of the river, with the old Brisbane–Gympie crossing nearby adding a sense of local history to the landscape. Whether you stop for a peaceful walk or a picnic by the water, it’s an easy place to enjoy both nature and a peek into Petrie’s past.

The North Pine River winds through Petrie, with calm, slow-moving stretches of water, mangrove-lined edges, and wide riverbanks that support local birdlife and native vegetation. As you follow the river, you’ll find a mix of shaded parkland and open views, with several benches along the way, perfect for a place to stop to watch the river drift by.

Mungarra Reserve sits along the North Pine River with plenty of open green space, lagoons, and easy walking paths in a relaxed riverside setting. As you explore, you’ll pass shaded picnic areas, grassy riverbanks, and quiet pockets of bush that make it easy to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you stop for a walk, birdwatching, or simply a break by the water, it's a peaceful place to spend time in nature.

Samford Conservation Park includes a network of shared and specialised trails, with the main walking route being the Crebra Circuit—a short 900-metre Grade 3 loop that winds through ironbark forest from the Ironbark Gully picnic area. Beyond this, a more expansive system of multi-use trails (shared by walkers, horse riders, and cyclists) connects fire roads and forest tracks across the park, ideal for an extended walk with plenty of varied route options. There are also multiple designated mountain-bike-only trails, including Kombi, Bandicoot, and Sunset, offering purpose-built downhill and intermediate-to-difficult riding experiences within the park’s wider trail network.

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.