Moore Hill

Moore Hill is a bushwalking hill on the Whites Hill Reserve network at Carina Heights, on Brisbane's southside, where unsealed tracks wind through eucalypt bushland thick enough to feel properly out of the city. It is a leashed walk rather than an off-lead run, and the reason is the wildlife: this is genuine koala habitat, so the on-leash rule is strict and enforced by Brisbane City Council.

Leash status

Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times on Moore Hill and across the Whites Hill Reserve trail network, with no exceptions. Koalas rest in the canopy here and move along the ground between trees, and off-lead dogs are a direct stress and safety risk to them, which is why rangers do patrol. Keep your dog close and avoid letting them pull toward the base of trees, stay on the designated paths, and use the bins for waste. If you need off-lead time, build it in before or after at a designated dog park rather than here.

Water and terrain

There are no water stations on the Moore Hill tracks, so carry enough for both of you, especially through summer when the hills will have you both panting. The terrain is genuinely hilly, with gravel and natural dirt surfaces that turn loose underfoot on the steeper sections. Older dogs and dogs with mobility issues may find the descents tricky, and paws take more of a beating than on a paved path. The canopy gives solid shade in patches, and clearings open views across the surrounding suburbs.

Max: walk it early. You will get cooler air, quieter tracks and the best odds of spotting a koala, all with the leash firmly clipped on.

Getting there and parking

The easiest access is via the main Whites Hill Reserve entry points, which serve the wider trail network; from there you can work toward the Moore Hill section. Street parking is available near the reserve boundaries, and the suburb sits between Camp Hill and Carina on the southside.

When to go

Early morning is the standout window: cooler for the climb, quieter on the tracks and better for wildlife spotting. Midday in summer is hard going on the exposed climbs, and the tracks can stay slippery after rain on the loose gravel.

While you're out there

Let your dog run before or after at the Whites Hill Reserve Fenced Dog Park, which sits within the same reserve complex, or try Sankeys Lookout for another scenic leashed climb with summit views. The Cafe and Bar on Whites Hill is a dog-friendly stop for a post-walk coffee where muddy shoes get no second glance.

More options are on the Queensland dog walks guide and the Carina Heights destination page.