Ironbark Gully Loop

Ironbark Gully Loop is a 3.9 km circuit on the fire trails of Samford Conservation Park at Ferny Hills, under ironbarks and spotted gums about half an hour north-west of the Brisbane CBD. Queensland parks usually close the gate on dogs, and this one does not. Leashed dogs are welcome on the shared trails here, though not on the mountain-bike-only tracks.

The walk. Wide, undulating management trails rather than singletrack, graded moderate, and about an hour to an hour and a half for the loop. The surface is compacted gravel with some steep, loose sections where the trail drops into the gully. Shade is decent for most of it, and the tree cover is the point: red ironbark and spotted gum forest, with wallabies about early and late.

The rules. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages Samford Conservation Park, and dogs must be on lead and under control at all times. The line that matters is the trail network itself. Dogs are allowed on the authorised shared trails only, and are not permitted on the trails signed as mountain-bike-only. The signage at each junction tells you which is which, so read it rather than following the first track out of the car park. Bag droppings and carry them out. Fires only in the provided barbecues.

Water. There is a trough at the top car park that serves both horses and dogs, and nothing reliable on the loop itself. Carry water, especially in summer, when the exposed sections cook.

Hazards. Snakes are active in the warmer months and the gully holds long grass either side of the trail. Ticks are worth a check afterwards. The loose gravel on the steeper pitches is slippery for both of you.

Getting there. The Ironbark Gully car park is off Samford Road, on the right heading out from Ferny Hills towards Samford Village. There are wood-fire barbecues, picnic tables, a shelter and toilets at the picnic area. Translink runs to Ferny Grove Station, but it is a long walk or a short taxi from there to the entrance.

Nearby with the dogs. Samford Conservation Park covers the wider reserve. For fenced off-lead running, Thomsett Park Fenced Dog Park and Ferny Grove Dog Park are both close. In Samford Village, Bloom & Bean and Banksia & Birch take dogs outside.

When to go. Weekday mornings, or early afternoon, when the bike and horse traffic thins out. Weekend mornings, particularly Sunday, are the busiest and the car park fills. Go early in summer. Good for big runners who need hills and shade.

Sources

• Samford Conservation Park | Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service · parks.qld.gov.au
• Visiting safely | Samford Conservation Park · parks.qld.gov.au
• Ironbark Gully Loop, Queensland, Australia - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.