The Complete Travel Guide to D’Aguilar National Park in Queensland Australia

D’Aguilar National Park is one of the closest National Parks to Brisbane. Yet, hardly anyone knows about it. We tried to explore the park on our first time in Brisbane, but due to the confusing information and maps provided, we didn’t go. On our last trip, however, we needed to at least attempt to see the park. After some intense searching and map reading, we were still confused about D’Aguilar Park but gave it a go.

The only way we can explain it is that it makes sense once you get there, and it kinda works itself out. Although, we are happy to break down the information into different sections in this Travel Guide, making it easier for you to go and explore!

The park is split into two main sections, the Northern section and the Southern section. The north has most of the hiking and bush experience, whereas the south is more of a “drive and stop” experience. Let me tell you more:

How to get to D’Aguilar National Park:

D’Aguilar National Park is very accessible, especially if you have your own car. While the park’s northern section requires personal transportation, some southern sections can be reached via public transport.

Getting to the north of the park from Brisbane is easy. The Gantry is the primary location for the park’s north, with access to incredible hikes, water holes and much more. It is just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane City, with a large car park that also provides picnic tables and toilets.

The main attraction of the south of the park is Walk About Creek Discovery Centre. It is located a 25-minute drive from the centre of Brisbane. Furthermore, it is also accessible via public transport from Brisbane, taking around 45 minutes from the city. The additional lookout stops are only easily accessed with your own vehicle. 

Things to know about D’Aguilar National Park:

• There are leeches in some parts of the park, so please be aware and prepared for them. Bring salt to sprinkle on them to make them fall off, and wear enclosed shoes, long socks and pants to help avoid them. If one does attach itself to you, don’t rip them off, as the head can get stuck, causing infection. Instead, as mentioned above, sprinkle salt on them as it irritates them, causing them to let go and allowing you to remove it safely.

• The information is confusing. While most tracks and roads all say 4WD only, many are acceptable for 2WD if you have good clearance. However, try to check up-to-date reviews about them and the weather, as that can impact them.

• Reception is sparse. Some hiking trails can have black spots, so ensure you tell someone your routes and expected time home in case something happens. Always be prepared. 

How long should you spend in D’aguliar National Park?

This is always a tricky question to answer, and it really is a personal choice. We choose to spend two days, one day each end, but you can easily do longer. Ideally, we would have preferred to spend two days in the north and one day in the south, which would have been perfect. However, the decision depends on your desired activities and attractions. D’Aguilar is a fantastic national park with lots on offer, so if you are not busy, spend as much time here as possible.

What can you do in D’Aguilar National Park?

D’Aguilar National Park has many different things on offer. Not only is it great for bushwalking and hiking, but also horse riding, mountain biking, four-wheel driving and swimming! With wheelchair-accessible facilities, this park really does cater for most people.

Can you camp in D’Aguilar National Park?

Yes, you can! D’Aguilar National Park is well known for its great camping. The park’s northern section has two main camping areas. Moreover, there are nine remote walk-in bush camping areas in the south. Archer and Neurum Creek are great for a leisurely camping trip, with toilets and fire pits! Archer Campground even boasts showers! The remote campgrounds have neither of these luxuries, so you need to be 100% self-sufficient. Remember, everything you take in, you must also carry out of the park!

Why should you visit D’Aguilar National Park?

There are so many reasons why you should visit D’Aguilar National Park. The main reason is that it is the closest and easiest to get to from the Queensland capital of Brisbane. It’s only a short drive, and with plenty of picnics and BBQ facilities, it provides an ideal and relaxed family day out. Moreover, you don’t even need your own vehicle to get to the south of the park; you can take public transport the whole way, meaning you will also save money. This park has so much to offer. It has hiking trails, swimming holes, mountain biking, horse riding, and four-wheel drive trails, mostly surrounded by scenic beauty! Besides, it is the ideal place out of Brisbane to find some of Australia’s iconic wildlife, such as koalas, wallabies and plenty of birds. There is so much on offer in the D’Aguilar National Park it is hard to find a reason not to go!

The Best Things To Do in D’Aguilar National Park:

1: The Northern Section:

The Gantry is the base for the park’s north, with the large central car park and multiple hiking trails starting there. The Gantry is an excellent place for a picnic, with picnic tables and public toilets available. 

Rocky Hole:

Rocky Hole was the major attraction that we wanted to visit in the north of D’Aguilar National Park. Everyone loves freshwater swimming holes, especially in southern Queensland, as they are 100% crocodile free! Rocky Hole will not disappoint. With a small but lovely waterfall into the deep pool, it’s a great place to cool off and relax. If you have a car with good clearance, you can drive down to the car park, and it is an easy 200-meter walk down to the hole. If you are keen on a leg-burning walk, it is a 14km return from the Gantry car park. 

Hikes:

Somerset Trail:

Distance 13km| Difficulty grade 4 hike | Time 3-4 hours

The Somerset Trail is an excellent walk through forests and rainforests. The Somerset Trail is the perfect walk for hikers looking to see further into the park and includes one of the best lookouts of the entire park, Somerset Lookout. Wear good, closed footwear and pack plenty of water and food. Furthermore, it is important to be sun safe; always wear sunscreen and a hat!

Piccabeen Walk:

Distance: 1km | Difficulty grade 2 | allow 20 minutes

The Piccabeen Walk is the perfect short walk to stretch your legs. Only a 1km loop walk, you can stroll through while learning all about Mt Mee from signs along the trail. This walk is also great for people with young kids, as it is an easy walk through the rainforest. 

Falls Lookout:

Distance 1km return | Difficulty: grade 2 | Allow 30 minutes return

The Falls Lookout trail is another easy walk for the whole family. Only 1km return to the car park (2km from the Gantry car park); this walk takes you through the forest to a lovely outlook of the valley and then further to the viewing platform of Bulls Falls. 

What else is on offer:

If you have a bit longer in the park and have the right equipment, you can do much more than hike and relax in swimming holes! In the north of D’Aguilar National Park, you can also:

• Horse ride on specific trails, including management roads. 

• Mountain bike ride, again on particular trails. There are even specifically built mountain bike trails!

• Four-wheel drive trails. For all the car-loving out there!

2: The Southern Section:

The Southern section of D’Aguilar National Park is excellent, as many of the popular attractions are easily reached by car! Moreover, as mentioned above, you can also get public transport out there! 

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre:

The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is the hub for D’Aguilar National Park and an absolute must-visit. The centre is perfect for spending the day, offering hikes, swimming in the reservoir, a small zoo, a cafe and much more. Furthermore, the parks and wildlife rangers provide guided tours and walks if you want to learn more about the park. We recommend that you come here first to get all the information you can about the current conditions in the park and what could be closed. 

Lookouts in the South of D’Aguilar National Park:

There are plenty of lookouts in D’Aguilar National Park, and many are super easy to access. Below is the list of lookouts and outlooks accessible in the south of the park without too much of a walk:

• Wivenhoe Outlook

• Westridge Outlook

• Jollys Lookout

• Camp Mountain 

Hikes in the Southern section of D’Aguilar National Park:

There are so many incredible walks in the south of the park! If you are keen to hike them all, you will need a few days, but here are some of the most popular ones!

Walkabout Creek Loop via Araucaria Walk

Distance 4.8km loop | Difficulty grade 3 | Allow 1.5 hours to return

At the main base for the south of the park is this stunning walk around the Enoggera Reservoir. Mostly flat with a few slight inclines, this trail does get busy on the weekends. 

Greenes Falls Track

Distance: 4.3km loop | Difficulty grade 3 | allow 2 hours

Nothing beats a walk to a waterfall! This is a nice and easy walk to the waterfalls through the rainforest, although you do need to be prepared as it can be muddy. Furthermore, leeches are common on this trail, so taking salt with you and wearing closed footwear with socks and long pants is recommended to avoid them latching. Again, another popular track that can be busy on weekends, so best to avoid peak periods or go early. 

Westside Track

Distance 6.4km return | Difficulty grade 4 | Allow three hours

Another great walk through D’Aguilar’s stunning subtropical rainforest. The view from the Western Window Lookout is incredible. Overlooking the scenic mountain rim, you can spot the magnificent Mt Barney and Cunninghams Gap on a clear day. 

Our experience in D’Aguilar National Park:

D’Aguilar National Park was a mixed experience for me. Despite being so close to Brisbane, actually even the closest, I expected better information and mapping. The map and parks guide given could have been clearer and left much to be desired when trying to plan. Furthermore, the 14km hike to the Rocky Hole in the north, which stated it was only a 4WD track, could be driven with any conventional car. Not saying that everyone should drive down, but if it is dry and your car has good clearance, you can easily make it. The lookouts were mostly overgrown, and the signage for the park’s south came so late that we drove past many of the sites without realising. Overall, I believe I would have had a much better experience if the park provided clearer and more straightforward information.

I still had a fantastic time exploring D’Aguilar National Park. One of the highlights was visiting Rocky Hole in the northern Mount Mee section, which was truly spectacular. Additionally, I found the discovery centre to be quite appealing and informative.

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