How to do D'Aguilar National Park

Why it's special | Trails | Flora and fauna | Best photo spots | Where to stay | Local tips

We see your weekend plans and raise you D’Aguilar National Park – the 40,000-hectare national park hiding on Brisbane’s doorstep.

This leafy part of the world starts just 15 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD and extends about 90 minutes’ drive to the north.

Although the transport time to find D’Aguilar National Park from Brisbane might not be significant, you can bet the landscape change from the city is. Expect a combination of sub-tropical rainforests, eucalypt woodlands and scribbly gum forests, packaged between the Glasshouse Mountains, Mount Nebo and Mount Mee.

Start planning with this guide. 

What’s so special about D’Aguilar National Park?

D'Aguilar National Park is a true gem, offering visitors an extraordinary diversity of environments and experiences within its vast bushland. Protecting the scenic D'Aguilar Range, the park spans two distinct sections – southern and northern – each offering its own unique attractions. From lush subtropical rainforests to open eucalypt woodlands, the park’s rich variety of plant communities and landscapes makes it a special destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Most visitors begin their journey from the Brisbane suburb of The Gap, just 12 km from the city centre. From the minute you hit Mount Nebo Road you’ll feel worlds away, forgoing traffic lights for D’Aguilar’s green, lush, rainforest scenery. The short but scenic drive provides a perfect introduction to the park, with numerous opportunities to stop and take in breathtaking views at Camp Mountain Lookout, Somerset Lookout, and Wivenhoe Outlook.

In the southern part of the park, explore the cooler forests of Southern D'Aguilar. A visit to the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is a great starting point before venturing out to scenic lookouts, walking tracks, and shady picnic spots. Jolly’s Lookout is a highlight, where you can relax, enjoy a barbecue, and take in panoramic views over the Samford Valley. For a taste of the subtropical rainforest, head to Boombana for a short walk surrounded by towering strangler figs and winding vines – a truly immersive experience in nature.

The northern section, around Mount Mee, offers its own distinctive charm. History enthusiasts will appreciate the remains of a historic sawmill in the Gantry day-use area, while those seeking a refreshing dip can head to the rockpool at Rocky Hole, surrounded by eucalypt forests. It’s a serene spot to relax and cool off, especially during the warmer months.

The trails of D’Aguilar National Park

There’s plenty of trails to choose from – whether you’re new to hiking or your boots could be described as ‘well-seasoned’.

The Maiala day-use area provides access to several scenic tracks, including the Greenes Falls Track, a favourite for many. This 4.3 km, Grade 3 trail takes you through lush subtropical rainforest, where you’ll wander beneath towering fig trees, cross creeks, and reach a peaceful lookout above the cascading Greenes Falls. Keep an eye out for wildlife like pademelons and logrunners, and if you're lucky, the elusive Mount Glorious spiny crayfish.

For more experienced hikers, Somerset Trail in the Mount Mee section offers stunning views of Somerset and Wivenhoe lakes, while the Northbrook Gorge Trail is a popular 7.6 km return adventure, known for its natural beauty, rock hopping, and swimming opportunities.

For more information about which trail to take, pay a visit to the Walkabout Creek Visitor Information Centre as you enter the park and find which trail is for you. The 5km return Araucaria Track departs from the visitor centre and takes about two hours to complete - it's a great introduction to the park. 

You don’t need to only explore D’Aguilar National Park’s trails on foot either – 4WD, trail bike riding, horse and mountain bike riding are all equally accepted modes of transport on designated trails. Be sure to check signage before you head out. 

The flora and fauna of D’Aguilar National Park

To the naked eye it might look like you’re walking through open eucalypt forest, scribbly gums and lush sub-tropical forests, but if you look a little closer, there’s actually more than 800 plant species in this national park.

As you climb higher, you’ll notice the forest change as the altitude and rainfall increases across the region.

Pack your binoculars for twitching, you can expect to see the likes of bowerbirds, wompoo fruit-doves, bell liners and even black cockatoos, among the other 240 birds recorded in this park.

There’s no shortage of mammals either – 66 to be precise – including echidnas, pademelons and even a small number of koalas have been spotted here.

Want a guaranteed native animal sighting? Stop into Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Managed by Queensland Parks & Wildlife Services, it's a hub for learning about local wildlife, with exhibits showcasing Queensland's unique animals. Enjoy ranger-led Wildlife Discovery Shows on weekends and spot tree kangaroos and wombats from the café deck or along nearby walking paths.

Best photo spots in D’Aguilar National Park

You’ll want to pack your camera for the photo opportunities in this national park - soaking in the panoramas over the D’Aguilar Range from the park's many lookouts is essential viewing. 

Jollys Lookout is the oldest lookout on the range, taking in views of Glass House Mountains, Samford Valley, Moreton Bay and its islands. Make a morning out of your photo-stop with a picnic - facilities here include tables, BBQs and loos for the perfect family-friendly day out.

Where to stay in D’Aguilar National Park

Want to spend your nights under the stars? There are two designated camping areas in the Mount Mee section of D'Aguilar National Park which are accessible by 4WD - Neurum Creek and Archer. 

Either campsite you choose, take note: the windy roads of the national park make caravans a no-go, although some small off-road camper trailers may set up at Neurum Creek Camping Area.

For camping that’s even more off the grid, there are nine remote bush campsites accessible in the South D’Aguilar section, which will require you to walk or mountain bike everything in and out.

If you prefer your accommodation with solid foundations, four walls and private bathroom, there’s a range of holiday accommodation around Mount Glorious, Samford and Dayboro. Favourites include stunning Queenslander-style accommodation at Maiala Park Lodge, romantic private escapes at Turkeys Nest Rainforest Cottages, and the peaceful surrounds of Mt Glorious Getaways - complete with your own fireplace for those cooler nights.

Of course, you’re easily within a day trip of Brisbane if you want to make Queensland’s capital home base too.

Local tips

If you’re visiting in summer – pack your swimmers! There’s a number of bush rock pools in D’Aguilar National Park to reward your bush walk.

Our pick is Rocky Hole, which is only 200m return – perfect for a quick dip among the surrounding forest. Note, there are no facilities, so you’ll want to wear your swimmers underneath your hiking clothes.

Discover more of D’Aguilar National Park and surrounds with our guides to Samford Valley and Mount Mee. 

Feature image: Visit Moreton Bay Region