The best walks and hikes in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge
4.3
(23)
483
hikers
41
hikes
Hiking in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge offers diverse landscapes, including eucalypt forests, rainforest pockets, and wetlands. The refuge is dedicated to protecting significant koala habitat, providing opportunities for wildlife observation. The presence of the Leslie Harrison Dam, which forms the Tingalpa Reservoir, influences the surrounding natural environment. This area features a network of trails suitable for various fitness levels, from easy walks to more challenging moderate hikes.
Best hiking trails in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge
- The most popular hiking route is Koala Bushland Trail – Youles Break loop from Rochedale South, a 8.6 miles (13.9 km) moderate trail that takes 3 hours 44 minutes to complete. This route traverses koala habitat through open eucalypt forests and rainforest pockets.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Quarry Lookout – Quarry Road loop from Priestdale, a moderate 7.0 miles (11.2 km) path. This trail leads to Quarry Lookout, offering panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape.
- Local hikers also love the Summit of Mount Cotton loop from Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area, a 3.3 miles (5.4 km) trail leading through varied forest types, often completed in about 1 hour 39 minutes.
- Hiking in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge is defined by eucalypt forests, rainforest pockets, and wetlands, with trails offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. The network includes options for easy walks and more moderate hikes, catering to different ability levels.
- The routes in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 500 hikers have used komoot to explore Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
3.0
(1)
16
hikers
12.4km
03:20
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
5.37km
01:39
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
hikers
4.41km
01:12
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
30
hikers
3.60km
00:55
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Minnippi Wetlands Circuit loops around a series of lagoons and restored wetland habitat, with wide sealed paths that make for an easy walk or ride. The route stays mostly level and passes reed-lined water edges, open grassland, and scattered shaded sections where you’ll often spot ducks, ibis, egrets, and other waterbirds feeding around the shallows. There are benches, picnic areas, toilets, and parking nearby, making it an easy one for a relaxed lap without needing to venture far from the city.
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The Minnippi Wetlands add a quieter, more natural side to the parklands, with shallow lagoons, reed-lined edges, and pockets of restored habitat attracting plenty of birdlife. The wetlands were designed as part of a broader environmental rehabilitation project linked to Bulimba Creek, helping improve stormwater quality while creating habitat for aquatic species and migratory birds. Early mornings are especially good here, when the water is still and you’ll often spot ducks, ibis, egrets, and other waterbirds moving through the lagoons.
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Bulimba Creek forms one of Brisbane’s major urban wildlife corridors, flowing through wetlands, bushland remnants, and freshwater swamplands before eventually reaching the Brisbane River. Around Minnippi Parklands, the creek helps support a surprisingly diverse ecosystem within the suburbs, with waterbirds, wetland vegetation, microbats, and even squirrel gliders recorded in the area. Restoration work along the creek corridor has helped improve habitat around the lagoons and riparian zones, giving this stretch a much more natural feel than you’d expect so close to the city.
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Daisy Hill Quarry is a former quarry that has now become a quiet, sheltered lake, framed by lush bushland. This lookout perched on exposed sandy rock offers a stunning view of the still, dark blue waters, bordered by aquatic plants. Surrounded by eucalypt forest, the steep quarry walls, along with the regrowth of vegetation, soften the reminders of its industrial history, making it a peaceful place to pause and enjoy the scenery.
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Daisy Hill Conservation Park is a beautiful eucalypt forest reserve dedicated to both conservation efforts and recreational activities. It includes a well-established network of trails that are perfect for shared use and is home to koalas and a variety of native wildlife. While you're here, you can also explore the Daisy Hill Koala Centre within the park. The terrain is mostly gentle, with wide pathways and areas of denser bushland scattered throughout, making it an inviting destination for nature lovers.
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Very worth seeing, you have to see it
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Very worth seeing, you have to see it
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge?
Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with over 40 trails to explore. These range from easy walks to more moderate hikes, catering to various fitness levels.
What kind of terrain and difficulty can I expect on the trails?
The refuge features diverse terrain, including eucalypt forests, rainforest pockets, and wetland areas. You'll find a mix of easy walks and moderate hikes. For example, the Summit of Mount Cotton loop is an easy 5.4 km trail, while the Koala Bushland Trail – Youles Break loop is a moderate 13.9 km route with some elevation changes.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge?
Yes, the refuge has several easy trails suitable for families. The Quarry Lookout – Central Break loop is an easy 4.4 km path, offering a pleasant walk for all ages. Many of the 27 easy routes available are great for family outings.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
The region research does not explicitly state the dog policy for Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge. It's always best to check local signage or the official park website before bringing your dog to ensure compliance with any regulations.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge is dedicated to protecting vital koala habitat, so you have a good chance of spotting koalas. The diverse ecosystems, including eucalypt forests and wetlands, also support a variety of bird species and other native wildlife.
Are there any notable viewpoints or natural features to look out for?
Yes, the refuge offers several points of interest. The Quarry Lookout – Quarry Road loop leads to Quarry Lookout, providing panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape. The presence of the Leslie Harrison Dam (Tingalpa Reservoir) also contributes to the scenic beauty of the area.
Are there many circular hiking routes available?
Many of the popular trails in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Koala Bushland Trail – Youles Break loop and the Summit of Mount Cotton loop.
Is parking available at the trailheads?
While specific parking facilities are not detailed in the provided data, popular trailheads like those for the Koala Bushland Trail from Rochedale South and the Quarry Lookout trails from Priestdale typically have designated parking areas for hikers. It's advisable to check local maps or park information for precise parking locations.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge?
The region's climate generally allows for hiking year-round. However, for the most comfortable experience, consider visiting during the cooler, drier months to avoid intense heat and humidity, which are common in warmer seasons.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, including the peaceful eucalypt forests and rainforest pockets, and the opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly koalas.
Are there any cafes or pubs nearby for after a hike?
The provided information does not detail specific cafes or pubs directly within the nature refuge. However, given its proximity to areas like Rochedale South and Priestdale, you can likely find amenities in the surrounding towns a short drive away.
Most popular routes in Leslie Harrison Dam Nature Refuge
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