The best MTB trails in North Pine Dam 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.

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.

Samford Conservation Park protects a large area of open ironbark forest and shared bush trails on Brisbane’s northwestern fringe, popular with walkers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and horse riders. Ironbark Gully is the main day-use area, with picnic shelters, toilets, barbecues, drinking water, and access to several loop tracks through the reserve. The park is especially popular for fitness walks thanks to its rolling hills, wide gravel trails, and long shaded sections beneath the gums.

Geigers Road is one of the management trails through Samford Conservation Park, winding through open ironbark forest and spotted gums with steady climbs and long shaded sections. It’s popular with walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and horse riders thanks to its broad gravel surface and connections to several loop tracks through the reserve. Starting from the Ironbark Gully picnic area gives easy access to toilets, picnic tables, and nearby parking before heading deeper into the bush.

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.

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.