The best cycling routes in Brian Burke Nature Reserve

The Lanita Rail Trail (also known as the Samford Cycle Link or part of the broader Ferny Grove to Samford Rail Trail) is a historic rail path that is shared by runners, walkers and bikers. It's paved and follows the old Dayboro branch railway line. The Lanita Rail Trail is just a 30-minute drive from the Brisbane Central Business District and feels like a nice escape into nature. Look out for railway cuttings and large earth embankments along the route as the path passes under eucalyptus trees that wild wallabies call home.

Kedron Creek passes under the Lanita Rail Trail and is a lively creek with ducks, herons, egrets, and kingfishers hanging out by the water's edge. It's scenic, surrounded by greenery and the bridge passing over it is very modern, looking like a wooden work of art.

Lanita Court transitions into the most western end of the Lanita Rail Trail at this point. A metal gate restricts vehicles from entering, and there is signage about the conservation area. This trackhead is just the end of a road and not an official parking area. It's best to park at the eastern end of the Lanita Rail Trail at the car park for Wahminda Park.

Jollys Lookout is an awesome overlook of D'Aguilar National Park, with views of the Enoggera Forest Reserve, Moreton Bay, and the Glasshouse Mountains. Just at the parking area, this overlook is wheelchair accessible, has sheltered and exposed picnic tables, BBQs, and a public toilet. This viewpoint was named after William Jolly, the first Mayor of Greater Brisbane.

Samford Conservation Park includes a network of shared and specialised trails, with the main walking route being the Crebra Circuit—a short 900-metre Grade 3 loop that winds through ironbark forest from the Ironbark Gully picnic area. Beyond this, a more expansive system of multi-use trails (shared by walkers, horse riders, and cyclists) connects fire roads and forest tracks across the park, ideal for an extended walk with plenty of varied route options. There are also multiple designated mountain-bike-only trails, including Kombi, Bandicoot, and Sunset, offering purpose-built downhill and intermediate-to-difficult riding experiences within the park’s wider trail network.

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.