Just over an hour from Brisbane, the Somerset region is made for urban adventurers. Home to South East Queensland’s lakes (including Wivenhoe and Somerset), national parks and forests, there are plenty of places where you swap the hustle of the city for fresh air and birdsong.
Whether you’re after an easy walk with the kids or a challenging hike or trail, here are the best bushwalks to stretch the legs in Somerset.
Wivenhoe Hill Trails
Best for: Lake views, wildlife and mountain biking
Perched above Lake Wivenhoe, the Wivenhoe Hill Trails are one of the best places in Somerset to get a taste of the bush without committing to a lengthy hike.
There’s a 16km network of multi-use trails, with four individual tracks ranging from around 3km to 5km. The trails are rated Class 3 and wind through native bushland with spectacular views across Lake Wivenhoe.
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk – the surrounding bush is home to plenty of native flora and fauna, making this a good spot for a little wildlife spotting along the way.
Good to know: Carry plenty of water and check the weather before heading out. These are multi-use trails, so you may encounter mountain bikes and horse riders.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Best for: A longer wander, country scenery and history
Stretching 161km from Wulkuraka to Yarraman, the BVRT follows the old Brisbane Valley railway line past farmland, through bushland and some of Somerset’s most charming country towns including Esk, Toogoolawah and Linville.
The trail can be walked, cycled or explored on horseback and best of all, is in sections meaning you can choose the distance and grade that best suits.
Choose a shorter section, walk out and back, or make a day of it and trek between towns before finishing with a coffee or lunch at a country pub.
Good to know: The trail surface is predominantly gravel and compacted dirt, but conditions vary between sections. There are also limited facilities between towns, so pack water and snacks. See our BVRT Essentials Guide here.
Jensen’s Swamp
Best for: Birdwatching, wildlife and an easy nature walk
Sometimes a good bushwalk doesn’t need to involve conquering a mountain.
At Jensen’s Swamp Environmental Reserve near Lowood, around 20 hectares of natural bushland provides a peaceful place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
The reserve is home to more than 67 species of birds, along with brushtail possums, gliders, bandicoots and echidnas, making it particularly appealing to nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Bring the binoculars, take your time and see what you can spot amongst the trees.
Peach Trees, Jimna State Forest
Best for: Forest, wildlife and getting off the beaten track
Head north towards Jimna and you’ll find Peach Trees camping and day-use area, tucked beside Yabba Creek in Jimna State Forest.
There are three short walking tracks around the day-use area, making it an easy place to combine a bushwalk with a picnic or camping trip.
The surrounding forest is a wildlife watcher’s dream, with eastern grey kangaroos commonly spotted around the camping area. If you’re staying overnight, head down to Yabba Creek around dawn or dusk and keep an eye out for an elusive platypus.
Good to know: It’s a great option if you’re travelling with a four-legged friend. Dogs are allowed on a lead in the forest but not in the camping area. Always check the current rules before setting off.
Northbrook Gorges
Best for: Experienced hikers
Northbrook Gorges is not your standard stroll in the park. This remote adventure involves walking through and alongside creek beds, navigating freshwater gorges and, depending on conditions, getting wet at times too.
When you trek this 6km trail, you’ll pass through two freshwater gorges as you follow the creek. The second gorge has a crystal-clear pool, and a waterfall awaits a further 30 minutes in. Keep following the trail for spectacular views over Wivenhoe Dam and the Somerset region.
Good to know: Definitely not one for the fainthearted. You may be up to your waist in water in some parts of this trek so be prepared with waterproof bags, appropriate footwear and plenty of water.
Bushwalking essentials.
Water: Don’t rely on finding drinking water along the trail. Always bring your own bottled water for the trek.
Good shoes: Proper walking shoes or boots with good grip are your friend.
Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen and lightweight clothing are essential, even on cooler days.
Insect repellent: Particularly useful around wetter areas and waterways.
First aid kit: Always worth carrying, especially on longer or remote walks.
Mobile coverage. Check your provider will have mobile coverage where you plan to go.
Let someone know: Particularly if you have no mobile coverage, always let a friend or family member know where you are heading and when you are expecting to return.
Conditions: Check for park alerts and track conditions before setting off.
