Family Friendly Bushwalking at Walkabout Creek

If you’re looking to take the kids bushwalking but don’t want to venture too far from the city then Walkabout Creek at The Gap is a great place to start! From short and accessible tracks to longer and more adventurous walks, this beautiful section of the vast D’Aguilar National Park has something for the whole family.

Local Tip: You may also like to pack your swimming gear, mountain bikes and even some dinosaur digging tools as you’ll uncover a few unexpected treasures along the way.

Starting From the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

Before starting your journey, it’s best to pop by the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre which is also a logical place to begin as it is situated near the main car park.

It is here you’ll find all the information you need including detailed maps, directional signage and friendly national park staff for any additional questions you might have. There’s also a small but engaging native animal exhibit in the centre.

A rainforest cafe is a great spot to visit for a before bushwalking treat or a well earned lunch after your efforts.

In the lightly wooded area between the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and the swimmable Enoggera Reservoir, are a series of connected trails which are all paved and great beginner tracks for small children.

The Link Track and Mountain Bike Skills Course

The Link Track, as the name suggests, provides a pram and wheelchair-friendly connection between some of the key attractions including the swimming hole, events lawn and nature-based mountain bike skills course. This hidden gem is located on the southern end of the map and contains a rustic, bush-style pump track, junior trails and skills bowl to test a variety of experience levels.

The area was slightly overgrown on our last visit, but it’s an excellent use of the space and provides an opportunity for Brisbane Kids to interact with the natural environment.

Waterside Track and Dinosaur Dig

Further towards the reservoir is the gentle Waterside Track, which takes you to the water’s edge, where bird and animal life is bountiful. This leisurely stroll is only a few hundred metres long which makes it perfect for small children while parents and carers will enjoy the ambience of towering bamboo and gum tree forests.

Best and most surprising of all is the dinosaur dig found on the reservoir end of the track which is sure to delight budding archaeologists. Grab some makeshift tools and search beneath the sand for the remnants of prehistoric creatures who once roamed the land. Just remember to cover them back up for the next group to enjoy!

Araucaria Track For the Big Kids

If you want to level up your bushwalking experience, the Araucaria Track is an excellent option for primary school-aged children and above with its easy-to-moderate grading and scenic views.

The track begins at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and follows the reservoir shoreline, is approximately 5 kilometres long and takes around 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. You might want to allow extra time to stop and pull out the camera as you’ll encounter a variety of botanicals, birds, reptiles and plenty of turtles.

Many hikers opt for a post walk, refreshing dip in the Enoggera Reservoir so make sure the swimmers and towels are packed! You can also hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards right at the water’s edge from the folks at Walkabout Creek Adventures.

Be prepared to share this popular track as it does become busy during peak times and particularly over the weekend. Also be aware of your surroundings as the area is known to be frequented by snakes, especially in the warmer months.

Although the track is relatively flat, it is not considered to be wheelchair friendly due to some exposed tree roots, muddy sections and stairs.