Located only minutes from the centre of Ipswich is the Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve – a green space with over 11 hectares of native forest for you and the kids to explore. This bushland oasis is filled with easy bushwalking trails, plenty of picnic facilities and even a nature-based playground for mini adventurers.
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve Bushwalking Trails
There are five short bushwalking tracks to be discovered in Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve which are ideal for beginner bushwalkers and young children. As its name suggests The Water Tower Circuit leads to the massive water tower on Chelmsford Avenue and on a clear day offers spectacular views of Ipswich, Pine Mountain and Brisbane. Visitors were once able to climb to the top of the tower but access has since been indefinitely closed.
The Triassic Circuit is a nod to the hill’s fascinating history as a popular fossil digging site after the discovery of ancient plant and insect remains in the late 1800s. Other trails include the Quarry Circuit, the Waterfall Track which ends at the quarry pond and Bluey’s Circuit. According to locals, this track is named after a resident koala and not Brisbane’s most loveable Blue Heeler but the kids will probably still get a kick out of it all the same!
Signage is a little bit sparse and lacks detail so best to study up before departing on your trip although you’d be unlikely to get lost on these short tracks. All trails are in relatively good condition and mostly paved with bitumen making them safer and more accessible for little legs.
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve Playground
In amongst the trees at the Quarry Street entrance, you’ll find a delightful wooden playground which fits in seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The small playground consists of a climbing net, birds nest swing, balance beam and obstacle course made from ropes and stepping logs.
There’s also a couple of wooden platforms which make a great performance stage, pretend campfire site or relaxing rest spot. Young imaginations will be put to work as the natural environment provides as much inspiration as the playground itself which acts as a blank canvas for creative play.
An eye catching totem pole installation also aims to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and highlights the cultural significance of the area.
Another point of interest is the nearby quarry pond with viewing platform although it was looking a little unsightly upon last visit. Here you’ll also find several picnic shelters, tables and BBQs at your disposal as well as accessible toilets.
The east Quarry Street entrance provides the best access by car and the “picnic area” signs lead the way if travelling by foot on one of the bushwalking trails.
Accessibility
All bushwalking tracks are graded from very easy to easy however most contain steps and as such are not well suited for prams and wheelchairs. The picnic area with disabled toilets can be accessed by wheelchair via the Quarry Street entrance. The playground is partially shaded by the surrounding trees but there are no shade sails in place.
The Denmark Hill Conservation Park also participates in the Ipswich Libraries’ Tales and Trails program which offers a self-guided reading experience with large, metal, story book pages posted along local walking trails. These include braille for added inclusivity and are a fun and interesting way to incorporate learning while in an outdoor classroom environment.
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve Features
- Limited wheelchair accessibility on bushwalking tracks
- Accessible toilets at picnic area
- Family friendly bushwalking trails
- Dogs on leash allowed
- Partially shaded, nature-based playground
- Tales and Trails outdoor storytelling with braille
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
- Picnic shelters
- BBQs
- Small, grassy area
- On and off-street parking available on surrounding roads (some metered)
Nearby parks include the Lobley “Plane” Park at Churchill and River Heart Parklands with free water play at Ipswich.
What We Thought of Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve
We think having kid friendly bushwalking, open picnics spaces and a nature-based playground all in the one place make Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve a great destination for outdoorsy families. Experienced bushwalkers won’t find much of a challenge here but there’s plenty to keep Brisbane Kids happy for an hour or two. Who knows? You might even by lucky enough to find a fossil!
How to Get Here
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve is located at 20 Chelmsford Avenue, Ipswich QLD 4305. Parking is available on Outridge Street, Quarry Street and in the Deebing Street car park.
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve
20 Chelmsford Avenue, Ipswich 4305
For other great bush walks with kids you might like the 10 Best Brisbane Walks for Families.
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