Easy hikes and walks in Enoggera Reservoir

Mt Coot-tha Reserve is a large natural area on the western edge of Brisbane known for its bushland, scenic lookouts, and popular attractions, including the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and summit precinct. There is an extensive network of walking and cycling tracks in the reserve that wind through dry eucalypt forest and pockets of subtropical vegetation, connecting key areas across the mountain. With shaded bushland, abundant wildlife, and occasional views of the city, it offers plenty of options for outdoor recreation to immerse yourself in nature.

The Golden Boulder Track is a short, easy walking track that traces the legacy of the 1860s gold rush, passing fenced mineshafts and quartz remains from historic mining attempts that ultimately yielded little gold. It winds through open eucalypt forest, and if you’re here in the spring, there are beautiful wildflowers dotted on the forest floor. Birdlife is abundant here, so keep an eye out; you might even spot a kookaburra during your walk along the way.

Turrbal Circuit is a short, easy loop walk that winds through open eucalypt forest along Cedar Creek. The track crosses the creek several times via small bridges and follows an easy, family-friendly route through shaded bushland with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Named after the Turrbal people, the traditional custodians of the land, the circuit is an important part of the area’s cultural heritage while remaining a popular, accessible nature walk.

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.

This sandy swimming area at Enoggera Reservoir is a rare inland “beach” experience in Brisbane. A roped enclosure marks the designated swim zone, creating a safer space for cooling off while keeping paddlers and wildlife separate. The beach is open seven days a week, from 5.30 am to 6.30 pm between September and April, and from 6.00 am to 5.30 pm between May and August.

Enoggera Reservoir sits within D’Aguilar National Park on Brisbane’s north-western edge, offering a mix of bushwalking, mountain biking and non-motorised water activities. The reservoir is popular for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and designated swimming areas. Surrounding tracks wind through open eucalypt forest and shaded gullies. Carry water, and stay on marked tracks to protect surrounding bushland.

Araucaria Track is an easy-to-moderate route that follows the northern shoreline of Enoggera Reservoir that winds through open eucalypt forest with scattered hoop pines before looping a small peninsula and returning the same way. At roughly 5 km return, it typically takes about two hours and is popular for gentle hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying views of the water.

Gold Mine Picnic Area: from here follow Ghost Hole track for a slice of history on a bygone era of gold mining