Toohey Forest Park, Brisbane - Rainforest path
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Toohey Forest Park Brisbane

4.6
·702 reviews·Nathan, Australia

Urban bushland escape near Brisbane, offering diverse trails, koala spotting opportunities, and picnic facilities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Best chance for koala sightings

CrowdLow
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Toohey Forest Park, Brisbane - Rainforest path

Toohey Forest Park Brisbane

Best Time

Early mornings

Best chance for koala sightings

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Urban bushland escape near Brisbane, offering diverse trails, koala spotting opportunities, and picnic facilities.

4.6
(702 reviews)

"Beautiful trails and hard to believe you are so close to the city!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Terrain varies from bitumen to gravel and bush tracks; good footwear is essential.

📱 Download Trailforks

For detailed mountain biking and hiking trail maps, this app is highly recommended.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Koala Encounters

Koala Encounters

Keep your eyes peeled for these iconic marsupials in their natural habitat. Best spotted in the early morning or late evening.

Reddit
Diverse Walking Trails

Diverse Walking Trails

Explore a network of paths ranging from smooth concrete to rugged bush tracks, suitable for all fitness levels.

Reddit
Picnic & BBQ Areas

Picnic & BBQ Areas

Enjoy a meal amidst nature with well-equipped picnic spots, complete with seating, BBQs, and toilets.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Koala Spotting: Patience is Key

While Toohey Forest is a koala reserve, spotting them requires luck and timing. Early mornings or late evenings are best, as they are more active then. Don't expect a guaranteed sighting on a casual daytime stroll; they are well camouflaged. Reddit

Trail Variety & Accessibility

Toohey Forest offers a mix of paved, gravel, and single-track trails. A wide concrete path is ideal for prams, bikes, and those seeking an easier walk, while other paths cater to more adventurous hikers and mountain bikers. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Best chance for koala sightings
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

hiked the old trail up and down in 3.5 hours so I’m DEFINITELY feeling it, especially having to carry banana most of the way :’) also pls TikTok this is my 3rd time posting, don’t remove the sound!!
@annepham
28.9K likes • 150.4K views

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Terrain varies from bitumen to gravel and bush tracks; good footwear is essential. Reddit

📱 Download Trailforks

For detailed mountain biking and hiking trail maps, this app is highly recommended. Reddit

📍 Enoggera Reservoir - One of my favourite spots to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature 🌳 #brisbane #brisbanethingstodo #visitbrisbane #nature #queensland
@oliviamae18
24.3K likes • 251.5K views
another day another nature walk 📍Toohey Forest Park, Brisbane a 6.8km nature walk just 20mins from brisbane city 🦋🌿🪾 #naturewalk #brisbanewalks #forestwalk #tooheyforest #tooheyforestpark #naturetherapy #nature #peaceful #forest #birdsounds #travel #explore #brisbane #fyp
fayexf_
0 likes • 449 views

🐶 Dogs on leads welcome

Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the park's trails. Reddit

⏰ Aim for dawn/dusk

Koalas are most active and visible during these times. Reddit

This morning we walked around the Toohey Forest Conservation Park which is essentially just outside the Brisbane CBD. This is a great little escape in Brisbane, away from the hustle. It’s very well signed and easy to navigate with some bitumen, some gravel, and some single track hiking depending on how far you want to explore. Challenge rating: 1/10 Scenery rating: 4/10 Enjoyment rating: 5/10 #hik...
renee_jamie_kookaburrahealth
8 likes • 114 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Terrain varies from bitumen to gravel and bush tracks; good footwear is essential. Reddit

📱 Download Trailforks

For detailed mountain biking and hiking trail maps, this app is highly recommended. Reddit

🐶 Dogs on leads welcome

Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the park's trails. Reddit

⏰ Aim for dawn/dusk

Koalas are most active and visible during these times. Reddit

🚗 Parking can be limited

Arrive early or consider nearby streets if the main entrance is full. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(702 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Toohey Forest Park for its accessible trails, including paved options suitable for prams and bikes, and its proximity to the city. The well-maintained picnic areas with BBQs are a highlight for family outings. However, some note that koala sightings can be rare, and certain mountain bike trails can be challenging.

"There were also well-maintained paths, so it felt nice to walk around ☺️
The picnic area was different from what I expected, but there were toilets, trash bins, BBQ areas, and parking lots.
Quite a few people were walking around as well."

Yuki Egawa (Yuki500c)

"Toohey Forest Park is a huge park that’s available for anyone who likes the outdoors.

With walking tracks for the enthusiasts who like walking amongst an urban bushland.

I’ve seen bird watches here also! Because of the terrain walking shoes/boots are very much recommended!

So lucky to have a park like this 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟’s"

Filippo

"We went for a bike ride.
There are a lot of beautiful bike tracks .
In general It is easy for beginners, but there's some parts that are steep."

Nanahd Houdaifa

What People Like

Well-maintained paths
Proximity to city
Picnic facilities

What People Dislike

Rare koala sightings
Steep bike trails

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Toohey Forest Park is located about 10km south of the Brisbane CBD. You can drive there, with parking available at the main entrance and surrounding streets. Public transport options might involve buses to nearby areas, followed by a walk. Reddit

While direct public transport to the heart of the park might be limited, buses do service areas close to the park's perimeter. Check local bus routes for the most convenient drop-off points. Reddit

Yes, the park has dedicated bike paths, and it's accessible by bicycle from surrounding areas. Reddit

The main entrance offers parking, but it can fill up quickly. If it's full, explore nearby streets that connect to the park for alternative parking options. Reddit

The wide concrete path is suitable for assisted wheelchairs, making parts of the park accessible for those with mobility challenges. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Toohey Forest Park is a public park and is free to enter. Reddit

The park is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific areas might have different access times, but for general access, it's a daylight activity. Reddit

No booking is required to visit Toohey Forest Park. It's a public space open for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

Dogs are permitted on leads. Some specific trails may be designated for walking or cycling only. Reddit

While the park is generally accessible during daylight hours, night visits are possible for those seeking to spot nocturnal wildlife like koalas, though caution is advised. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Toohey Forest offers a variety of trails, from the paved 5km return path from Toohey Picnic Area to Griffith Uni, to more rugged bush tracks for hiking and mountain biking. Reddit+1

Yes, Toohey Forest is a koala reserve. While they are well-camouflaged, your best chances of spotting them are during early mornings or late evenings. Reddit

Yes, the park has well-equipped picnic areas with seating, BBQ facilities, and toilets. Reddit

Many visitors report seeing bird watchers in the park, suggesting it's a good location for observing local birdlife amidst the bushland. Reddit

The terrain varies significantly, including bitumen paths, gravel tracks, and rougher single tracks. Some areas can be hilly. Reddit+1

🎫 🚴‍♀️ Cycling & Mountain Biking

Yes, bikes are allowed, particularly on the designated bike paths. Some walking tracks are not suitable for mountain bikes. Reddit

The Trailforks app is highly recommended for detailed mountain biking trail maps in Toohey Forest. Reddit

While there are easy sections, some parts of the bike trails can be steep, so it's suitable for beginners with some caution. Reddit

You'll find a mix of paved, gravel, and single-track paths suitable for various cycling activities. Reddit

Generally, e-bikes are permitted on shared paths and roads where other bikes are allowed. Check local regulations for specific park rules. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Toohey Forest Park is a fantastic spot for families. The wide, paved paths are perfect for prams and young children learning to walk or ride bikes. Reddit+1 The picnic areas with BBQs and toilets make it easy to spend a whole day here. Reddit While koala spotting can be a fun treasure hunt for kids, manage expectations as sightings aren't guaranteed. Reddit The relatively low challenge rating of some trails makes it accessible for most family members. Instagram

🏃‍♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts

For runners, Toohey Forest offers a dynamic training ground. You'll find a mix of bitumen paths for speed work and gravel or single-track trails for varied terrain. Reddit The hilly sections provide a good challenge, making it a popular spot for morning runs. Reddit The park's extensive network means you can create diverse routes to keep your workouts interesting. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Toohey Forest Park welcomes dogs on leads, making it a great destination for dog owners looking for a scenic walk with their pets. Reddit The variety of trails means you can choose a path that suits your dog's energy levels and your preference for terrain. Remember to always keep your dog on a lead to ensure the safety of wildlife and other park visitors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Toohey Forest's Trails

Toohey Forest Park boasts a diverse trail system catering to various interests. For a leisurely stroll or a pram-friendly outing, the wide concrete path offers a smooth experience, extending for about 5km return from the Toohey Picnic Area towards Griffith University. Reddit This path is also suitable for cycling. Reddit For those seeking more adventure, a network of gravel and single-track trails winds through the bushland, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Reddit+1 It's advisable to download an app like Trailforks for detailed maps, especially for mountain biking, as foliage can obscure visibility from satellite views. Reddit

When exploring the bush tracks, be prepared for varied terrain. Some sections can be steep, offering a good workout, while others are more moderate. Reddit The park is generally well-signed, but having a map or app can enhance your experience and prevent you from getting lost. Instagram Remember that some trails are designated for walking only, so be mindful of signage to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all park users. Reddit

Wildlife Spotting: Koalas and Birds

Toohey Forest Park is a designated koala reserve, offering a chance to see these iconic marsupials in their natural habitat. Reddit While sightings are not guaranteed, your best bet is to visit during the early morning or late evening when koalas are most active. Reddit They tend to be found on lower branches or moving between trees, and their camouflage makes them surprisingly difficult to spot during the day. Patience and a keen eye are your best tools here. Reddit

Beyond koalas, the park is also a haven for birdlife. Visitors have noted seeing bird watchers, indicating a rich variety of avian species. Reddit The diverse vegetation and natural environment provide ample opportunities for bird observation. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just enjoy the sounds of nature, the park's wildlife adds another layer to the experience. Remember to tread lightly and respect the natural habitat of all the creatures that call Toohey Forest home. Instagram

Picnic and Recreation Facilities

Toohey Forest Park is well-equipped for visitors looking to spend a day outdoors. The Toohey Picnic Area offers a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings. Reddit Facilities include seating, BBQ areas, and toilets, making it convenient for families and groups. Reddit The presence of these amenities enhances the overall visitor experience, allowing for extended stays and comfortable outings. Reddit

Beyond picnicking, the park's open spaces and varied trails make it ideal for a range of recreational activities. Whether you're planning a family outing, a solo run, or a bike ride, the park provides the necessary infrastructure. Reddit The combination of natural beauty and practical facilities makes Toohey Forest Park a popular choice for those seeking an accessible escape into nature close to the city. Instagram

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