The best family-friendly hikes and walks 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 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.