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Toohey Forest Park and Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve

Thinking about a day trip to Toohey Forest park? Why fight the crowds at other vantage points and hiking trails when your family can take advantage of this hidden gem on Brisbane’s southside?

Where is Toohey Forest Park?

Travel 10km south from Brisbane’s CBD to this gorgeous area owned and maintained by Griffith Uni.

Toohey Forest Park is home to Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve. From here you can take advantage of some of the most amazing views in our city without having to jostle for position with tourists! You can see all the way to Glasshouse Mountains and the D’Aguilar Ranges. In perfect conditions you just might sneak a peak of the Moreton Bay Islands as well.

Walking trails at Toohey Forest Park

Toohey Forest Park

There are a variety of trails for both walking and mountain biking. These differ in length, accessibility and difficulty. You can download this map to see which activities will best suit your family. Most walks take about an hour.

Our tip? If you’re hiking in this area be aware that you may become quite isolated. Take proper precautions including supplies and appropriate clothing, tell someone where you’re going and make sure you stay safe.

Are there picnic spots in Toohey Forest Park?

There certainly are! Limited rubbish bins and clean up areas mean that as long as you promise to clean up for yourself I’ll tell you where to lay your picnic rug. Deal? Ok!

• Gertrude Petty Place – Mt Gravatt Outlook Drive off Shire Road
• Mayne Estate and Toohey picnic area – Toohey Road
• Mt Gravatt Outlook picnic area – up the top! (There is also a basic playground and some good toilet facilities up here)

Remember to take your camera! The most glorious, natural views you’ll see for miles.

Are there any animals in Toohey Forest Park and Mt Gravatt Outlook?

Of course! Keep those peepers peeled for…
• Tawny-frog mouths, Kookaburras, Thrush, Tree-Creepers, Lorikeets, Spinebills, Honey-eaters
• Lizards, goannas, skinks, geckoes
• Gliders, possums, bats and flying foxes
• And cute little echnidnas!

Best views on the Southside – Toohey Forest Park and Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve

This is basic, old-fashioned family adventuring at its best. Take the kids for an afternoon or morning out at Toohey Forest Park to get back to nature and get closer with each other. You’ll be glad you did!

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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