The best road cycling routes in Whites Hill Reserve

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.

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.

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.

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.

The South Bank Grand Arbour is a long, beautiful vine-covered walkway running through South Bank Parklands along the Brisbane River. The steel pergola structure stretches for about one kilometre and is draped with bougainvillea, creating a colourful shaded path for walking and cycling. Lined with gardens, seating and nearby cafés, it forms one of the central pedestrian corridors through the South Bank precinct.

Goodwill Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the Brisbane River between South Bank and Gardens Point. From the centre of the bridge, you get open views along the river toward the city skyline, with high-rise towers reflecting off the water below. The bridge sits slightly elevated above river level, giving you a clear view of boats passing beneath and the CBD rising beyond. It’s a popular crossing, so keep left and stay aware of cyclists as you pause to take in the view.

Opened in 2001, the Goodwill Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle crossing over the Brisbane River linking South Bank with the city near the Botanic Gardens. Its sleek, cable-stayed design and gentle curves make it a popular, traffic-free route with expansive river and skyline views. The bridge also hosts small lookout bays and often features public art and lighting displays during city events.

Whilst this highlight is already named Moreton Bay Cycleway, this location is actually the Gateway Bridge. Every Brisbane cyclist should take this challenge (a long but medium steep climb with a magnificent reward at the top) at least once