Ferny Hills Walk Or Cycle

This lovely green belt pathway winds its way from Mountains to Mangroves along Cabbage Tree Creek from Ferny Hills through to Arana Hills.

The easy grade walk, suitable for families and all ages and abilities takes approx. 1.5 hours return (although this is just a rough guide and you can continue on in either direction) and is partially exposed so in summer months it’s best to take it before mid-morning or post mid- afternoon.

Dotted along the way are benches under shady trees, water fountains with dog-friendly flip bowls, quaint little kids parks and picnic tables.

While there are multiple entrance points along the length of it, for convenience and the option for a pre-or-post walk/ride refreshment or fish’n’chips*, Fernlands Shopping Plaza makes a good starting point. (Note that the connection to the Creekside path descends from around behind the shopping centre).

Take the path left past the shops and car park and head through the mini tunnel under the bridge. From here the track follows Cabbage Tree Creek bed via grassy clearings, glades of eucalypt, clumps of reeds and giant fig and willow trees and past tiny secret old–fashioned kids playgrounds and shady picnic spots until it reaches Bunya Road.

Straddling Bunya Rd are a large off-leash dog park on one side and another larger children’s park on the other (though this one is off track). Venture further, through John Donaldson Park to a wilder and thicker forested section and once this emerges into the open, turn back. (or, for further adventure, push on into Arana Hills).

Back near Fernlands Shopping Plaza, on the other side is another park, John Carter Park suited for a picnic (and a play for kids). Or head back up to the shops where popular local haunt Fish Lips* has a breezy terrace overlooking the greenery and serves all day breakfasts, a decent range of fish, chips and salads and burgers.