Toohey Ridge Track

Toohey Ridge Track runs 4.8 km along a forested ridge in Toohey Forest Park at Salisbury, on Brisbane's southside. Dogs are welcome on the walk and the lead stays on for all of it: this is active koala habitat, and Brisbane City Council enforces the rule rather than treating it as a suggestion.

The walk

The track starts at the Toohey Picnic Area and follows the ridge line towards the South East Freeway, with grass trees and sandstone boulders lining the route. The surface shifts from smooth bitumen near the start to natural dirt further along, and the moderate grade takes most owners and dogs one to one and a half hours.

Short detours branch out to Sandstone Lookout and Western Outlook if you want a breather with a view. The forest sits on the traditional lands of the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples and is one of the largest remnant bushland patches this close to the city.

Leash status

Dogs must stay on lead at all times through the forest. Beyond koalas, the reserve is home to wallabies, squirrel gliders and lace monitors, which is why compliance gets checked regularly rather than left to trust.

Water

Water is available back at the picnic area, which also has sheltered tables, BBQs and toilets. There is nothing along the ridge itself, so carry enough for your dog before you set off, especially on the full loop with lookout detours.

Max: the dirt sections hold onto moisture longer than you'd think after rain, so I'd check the ground before committing to the full ridge with an older dog that struggles on slippery footing.

Watch-outs

The unsealed stretches turn slippery, muddy and rutted after rain. Ticks and snakes are more active through spring and summer, and the track is sometimes closed for prescribed burns, so it is worth checking before you drive out.

Getting there

Driving is easiest, with a free car park at the Toohey Picnic Area. Salisbury station is a reasonable walk away for anyone coming by train, but the picnic area end is the practical trailhead if you are starting with a dog in tow.

More walks nearby

The Grey Gum STEPS Track climbs through the same forest from the Moorooka side, and the broader Toohey Forest network adds more on-lead kilometres if the ridge is not enough. If your dog has earned an off-lead run, the Salisbury Recreation Reserve Fenced Dog Park is a few minutes away.

When to go

Weekday mornings are the quiet window, and the forest canopy keeps much of the track shaded. Summer middays still bite on the open ridge sections, so go early in the warmer months.

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