The best gravel rides in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve

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.

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.

From this spot, the view opens to a sweeping panorama of the Brisbane skyline framed by surrounding bushland. The city’s cluster of high-rises stands out against the winding Brisbane River, and on clear days, long views across the metropolitan area. It’s a popular pause point along the track, and is one of the reserve’s most recognisable urban outlooks.

The Pinnacle Track winds along the slopes of Mount Coot-tha, climbing through dry eucalyptus forests and leading to several viewpoints within the reserve. There are beautiful views of Brisbane and the surrounding bushland as it approaches the Pinnacle area and is often used as a connection to longer circuits and junctions within the extensive trail network of Mount Coot-tha Reserve.

Mount Coot-tha is a 287-meter-high mountain located about eleven kilometers outside the center. You can easily reach the top of the mountain and the free parking spaces by car or camper. When you get to the top, if the weather is good, you will be treated to a gigantic panorama of Brisbane and the coast. Unfortunately, we were a little unlucky during our visit as the visibility was very hazy and therefore somewhat limited. Nevertheless, we could imagine how incredible the view must be with blue, clear skies! Mt. Coot-tha and the lookout point have a varied history that began in the late 1830s when trees were removed, with the exception of one tree that was left as a reference point for surveyors. This initially gave the mountain the name One Tree Hill. In the 1880s, the summit was cleared and a shelter and water tank were built for the popular tourist destination. The first kiosk was put into operation in the early 20th century and has been continuously expanded. Many of the current buildings were constructed in the late 1960s. During World War II, the mountain was occupied by the United States Seventh Fleet as a magazine depot. In 1995, the lookout was added to the permanent register of historic sites as a place of cultural significance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Coot-tha_Lookout

We’re grippy runners or hiking boots because the track is shaley

Great bridge, great view!