Brisbanites, are you looking for a weekend escape not far from the city? D’Aguilar National Park starts right on Brisbane’s doorstep and features mountains, rivers and kilometres of trails.

Highlights

  • Northbrook River Trail
  • Greene’s Falls
  • Lookout points from both Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious

D’Aguilar National Park

It would take days to scratch the surface of the 36,000 hectare D’Aguilar National Park, that stretches from The Gap in Brisbane’s north west and across the expansive Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious. Here are a few highlights to get you started…

An Adventurous Brisbane Escape // D’Aguilar National Park (QLD), Lisa Owen, D'Aguilar, tree, roots, buttress, forest

The Northbrook River Trail

The Northbrook River Trail is an informal bush bash of a track that takes you along the banks of the river and to a gorge.

You’re guaranteed to get your feet wet on this trail as sometimes the only way forward is by wading through the river.An Adventurous Brisbane Escape // D’Aguilar National Park (QLD), Lisa Owen, River, Northbrook, wading, wet feet, rocks

You can access the Northbrook River and the gorge from the Northbrook Pathway off Mt Glorious Road. It will take you about an hour to reach the trailhead from Brisbane. Drive about 3km down the hill from the Wivenhoe Dam Lookout (on your left coming from Brisbane) until you see a long cleared dirt section on your right just before a hairpin turn marked with a 20km/h yellow sign. Park here and cross the road, jump over the guardrail between the 5th and 6th arrow sign and you’ll see a steep dirt path heading downhill.

This path will take you down to the creek and then you turn left. From here, you walk along a rough path, rock hop and wade through water to make your way down a pretty creek surrounded by steep cliffs and large rocks. It’s an adventure all the way as you never know what’s around the next corner but it will take at least an hour to reach the gorge.

Greene’s Falls Track

Mt Glorious is also home to the short but scenic 5km Greene’s Falls Track. The track weaves through rainforest and along timber boardwalks from the Maiala picnic area.

Across the road, you can embark on a 26km loop along the ridges of Northbrook Mountain from the Westside Track. Pick up a topographic map from the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at The Gap to guide you along the track.An Adventurous Brisbane Escape // D’Aguilar National Park (QLD), Lisa Owen, Trees, stream, hiker, pebbly beach

If you’re keen for a weekend escape from the bustle of city life, there’s bush camps spread throughout the Northbrook area of D’Aguilar National Park, so pack up your tent and spend a night in the bush.

You’ll probably be the only one out there and have the stars all to yourself.

Essential Gear

For the Northbrook areas of D’Aguilar National Park, you may need:

  • Hiking shoes you don’t mind getting wet
  • Drybag
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Topographic map
  • Insect repellent

How To Get There

D’Aguilar National Park can be accessed from Mt Nebo or Mt Glorious. Mt Nebo is accessible from Brisbane via Waterworks Road, The Gap. The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre marks the start of the Mt Nebo section. The Mt Glorious section can be reached via Samford. Key waypoints are the Maiala picnic area and Wivenhoe Lookout. Allow between a 30 to 90 minute drive from Brisbane CBD depending on the section you plan to reach.

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Rockhopping
  • Swimming
  • Photography

Skill Level

The Northbrook areas of the D’Aguilar National Park are challenging due to terrain and distance.

The Greene’s Falls trail is beginner level.

Distance Covered

Greene’s Falls: 5km return

Northbrook River Gorge Section: Approximately 2km return depending on starting point

Northbrook Mountain Loop: 26km

 

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