Why Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is the hidden gem Brisbane families love
Issued: 17 Oct 2019

Nestled in The Gap, Walkabout Creek features the Enoggera Reservoir and is the gateway to D’Aguilar National Park, only 12km from Brisbane’s city centre.

Once known as Brisbane Forest Park, today Walkabout Creek is loved by families ‘in the know’. And, for those who have only recently discovered this gem, well, you’re sure to join the fan club!

Whether you’re looking for healthy outdoor fun for the kids or grandkids (swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, and bushwalking), a relaxing picnic spot with ‘nature play’ for littlies (and coffee for the carers!), or even the chance to get up close with some of Queensland’s native wildlife, Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre can deliver!

So, for the next family day out, pop Walkabout Creek at the top of that list! Here's why.

You'll meet helpful staff in the Information Centre!

_{Virtual Lookout, Walkabout Creek Information Centre | Adam Creed © Queensland Government}

Your first port of call at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre should be the Information Centre to pick up a park map and find out about activities and times. A friendly Ranger will answer any questions and offer suggestions to help you plan your day. Be sure to spend some time at the Virtual Lookout, featuring magnificent sights and inspiring landscapes from other national parks in Queensland.

Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre is perfect for kids!

_{Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre | Anna Osetroff © Queensland Government}

Open your children’s eyes to the wonder of wildlife in the Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre. You’ll see some of the fascinating animals that share our backyards, as well as others that are more elusive. Peep at a python, smile at an estuarine crocodile and learn some quirky and interesting facts about our amphibians, fish, marsupials and more!

If you visit during school holidays or weekends, join in the Wildlife Discovery Show, to learn from our Rangers about looking after our native wildlife and their habitats.

Kids can explore the lakeside bushwalk

_{Araucaria track, Walkabout Creek | Anna Osetroff © Queensland Government}

Explore the 5km Araucaria track, a gently-sloping, well-defined track that hugs the reservoir edge. Pretend to be ‘nature detectives’ and look out for turtles basking on logs in the water, lace monitors climbing trees, and as many different birds as you can. If 5km is too far for little legs, you can always walk a shorter section as an alternative.

Kids love to swim!

_{Enoggera Reservoir | Outback Polaks © Queensland Government}

Splash in Brisbane’s largest natural swimming pool! Enoggera Reservoir, home to many plants and animals, is also great for a paddle or a swim. If you have older children, BYO canoes or kayaks; or hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board from Walkabout Creek Adventures hire.

Kids can dig for dinosaurs

_{Dinosaur dig, Walkabout Creek | Outback Polaks © Queensland Government}

While your ‘nature adventure’ begins as soon as you walk through the gate, our nature play area is designed to encourage unstructured and creative play in nature. Your budding palaeontologists will get a real kick out of digging for fossils in the purpose-built giant sandpit. Buried in the pit are numerous fossils waiting to be unearthed. Bring a bucket and spade or even a dry paintbrush for an exciting reveal!

Kids can ride their bikes!

_{Mountain bike trail, Walkabout Creek | Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government}

Feel like getting your wheels in motion? Bring your bikes for a leisurely cycle around the reservoir. You won’t have any traffic to contend with, unless you count the bush turkeys, and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush as you pedal along the gently sloping trail. A great family-bonding activity!

And build their MTB skills!

_{Walkabout Creek MTB Skills Course | Daniel Rosenthal © Queensland Government}

For keen mountain bikers, head to the Mountain Bike Skills Course to try out the four technically-challenging trails. Suitable for riders of all ages and abilities, this course is a great way to develop your skills before hitting the open trails.

There's a café and great picnic area!

_{Picnic at Enoggera Reservoir | Milly Bakker © Queensland Government}

Bring along a picnic to enjoy on the lawn overlooking the reservoir or head to the Walkabout Creek Café for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. Open every day, the café offers snacks, drinks and light meals. You can also order a picnic hamper from the café in advance to take to the reservoir edge!

Just do it!

_{Walkabout Creek Ranger with blue tongue lizard | Outback Polak © Queensland Government}

Now you know why so many families love Walkabout Creek. We know you will too! So pop it on your ‘to-do’ list and get set for a fun-filled family adventure!

Walkabout Creek is accessible by public transport; on weekends the car park becomes full so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or come later in the afternoon.

Find out all you need to know about Walkabout Creek or book your visit now!