The best MTB trails in North Pine Dam Nature Refuge

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.

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.

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.