Mount Gravatt Summit Track

Mount Gravatt Summit Track climbs through Toohey Forest bushland to the Mount Gravatt Lookout, one of the better dog walks on Brisbane's southside if you don't mind a bit of a puff getting to the top. It's a steady 2.3 km with city and Glasshouse Mountains views waiting at the summit as your reward.

The walk. The track runs 2.3 km with a steady incline, some sections of steps and rocky ground underfoot. AllTrails rates it moderate, 3 out of 5, and most walkers take 30 to 60 minutes depending on pace and how many photo stops happen at the top. You can walk it as a there-and-back from either end, or link it with the Federation Trail for a longer outing.

The rules. Brisbane City Council manages the reserve and requires dogs to be kept on a lead at all times, no exceptions recorded. Koalas live in this pocket of forest and are more active in spring, so staying leashed and on the marked track isn't just a rule, it's what keeps a chance koala encounter from turning into a chase. No other no-go zones are documented for this track.

Water. No water source is documented on the track itself, so carry your own for both of you, especially in the middle of the day. The rocky sections and steps can be tough on paws and older joints, so take it slowly if your dog isn't used to uneven ground, and check for ticks afterwards in the warmer months.

Getting there. There are two free access points: the Gertrude Petty Place picnic area at the base, and the Mount Gravatt Outlook car park right at the summit. Buses run along nearby Logan Road but leave a walk to the track base, so driving is easier. The reserve is open 24 hours, though the summit car park gates generally close between 7pm and 8.30pm. Sunset is the busiest time and parking fills fast, so aim for a weekday morning for a quieter walk.

Nearby with the dogs. Toohey Forest and the Toohey Ridge Track sit within the same bushland system a short drive away, both leashed walks if you want to extend the day.

When to go. Weekday mornings are quiet and cool, with sunset drawing the crowds and the tightest parking. Good for owners who don't mind a climb, and for dogs that are steady on a lead around wildlife.

Sources

• Toohey Forest and Mount Gravatt Lookout | Brisbane City Council · www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
• Summit Track - AllTrails · alltrails.com

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