Walkabout Creek Walk

Walkabout Creek walks consist of two bush tracks that originate at the Walkabout Creek Information Centre and car park – the shorter a wet eucalypt forest circuit and the other hemming the shores of historic Enoggera Reservoir before looping through a bird infested forest featuring hoop pine. Proper walking shoes should be worn, with leg and ankle protection recommended as the side grass is long at times and the path uneven with rocks and tree roots.

Approximately 1.5km (45 mins) of at times steep track through an established wet eucalypt forest of spotted gums and bloodwoods, this is a lovely brief bushwalk for a quick time out from the city. Beware that although lovely and cool in summer, the snakes think so too and can regularly be spotted on paths sunning themselves during peak summer months.

Approximately 5 km (1.5-2 hrs) return, this is by far the more popular of the two circuits, taking in the banks of the 1866 built Enoggera Reservoir and with a good chance of spotting plenty of bird action if done early morning or later afternoon and a bit of turtle action amongst the water reeds.

Regardless, there is plenty of serenading by birds at all times of day – predominantly the tinkle of the bell bird, striking back-up vocals of the whip bird, along with random choruses of water birds.

Roughly half of the walk navigates the banks of the peaceful and picturesque reservoir, where after the path plunges into the wet forest that is dotted with giant hoop pines which in the late 19th century were highly sought after as building supplies for the area’s Queenslander houses.

Although the path comes nowhere near the dam wall, in the distance at its base can be spotted the original 1866 built weatherboard valve house which sits at what was once the crest of the original dam, Brisbane’s first water storage facility. Scattered in this region are other heritage listed remnants including the timber 1913 built pump house.

Also prone to summertime snakes, this walk is at its best on an autumn, spring or summer morning, the earlier the better.

Looking for more ideas on short walks around Brisbane and SE Qld? Check out our 10 Best Short Bush Walks guide for a step in the right direction.