Chermside Hills and Raven Street Reserves

Chermside Hills and Raven Street Reserves give McDowall a proper patch of bush on the edge of the suburbs, with eucalypt forest, grass trees and eleven official tracks to string together. Dogs are welcome, but only on lead across the reserves.

Leads and where to run

Brisbane City Council keeps the whole reserve network on-lead. If your dog needs a run, the council points to designated off-leash areas nearby, such as the dog park near Milne Hill Reserve.

The walk

Surfaces change as you go, from sealed paths and boardwalks to compacted dirt. The tracks link up easily, so you can keep it short or build a longer loop.

The climb to Spider Hill Outlook is the reward, with views over the surrounding ranges and out to Moreton Bay. Wallabies and plenty of birds live in the reserves.

Max: Wallabies use these tracks too. Keep the lead short around corners and let them move off before you do.

Getting started

The Raven Street Reserve entry off Hamilton Road has off-street parking, picnic tables and a playground. Bins sit near the main entry points, and the forest canopy shades most of the tracks, but bring water for the dog on longer loops.

Make a day of it

Finish with a coffee at Deja Bru Cafe, or let the dog off properly at Sylvia Gibbs Park Fenced Dog Park.

The shade makes this one of the better summer walks on the northside. Go early, when the wildlife is about and the dirt sections are cool underfoot.