Easy hikes and walks in Samford Conservation Park

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.

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.

Camp Mountain Track climbs steadily through open eucalypt forest and broad fire trails towards one of the highest points in the southern section of D’Aguilar National Park. The track is popular with walkers, mountain bikers, and trail runners thanks to its long climbs, rolling ridgelines, and wide views across Samford Valley, Moreton Bay, and the Glass House Mountains from higher sections near the lookout. Much of the route follows gravel management roads beneath spotted gums and ironbarks, with some steeper and rougher sections on the climb.

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.

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.