Venman Bushland National Park

Venman Bushland National Park is 415 hectares of preserved bushland in Mount Cotton - a mixture of melaleuca and eucalypt trees and lowland rainforest – with 2 popular walking tracks to choose from running along Tingalpa Creek.   

Named after Jack Burnett Venman; the original owner of this land who was keen on preserving the natural beauty for future generations to enjoy. He turned down an offer from developers and instead sold his property for $1 in 1971 to the Albert Shire Council; with the provision that he be allowed to maintain his home here. Venman acted as the park’s caretaker for 13 years until the age of 73.

Today, this tranquil environmental reserve is managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. It’s the largest eucalypt forest in the area and is home to koalas, possums, sugar gliders and red-necked wallabies; while water dragons and frogs live in and around the creek.

Red-necked wallabies are often spotted in the early morning and late afternoon near the entrance where picnic tables, wood-fired barbecues (firewood is provided) and toilets are located.

Both walking tracks - 2.5 km Tingalpa Creek Circuit and 7.5km Venman Circuit – commence here.  The former meanders along the paperbark lined creek and takes about 1 hour to complete; while the latter follows the creek through melaleuca swamp and into open eucalypt forest and links to a network of shared trails within the Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area (including Daisy Hill Regional Park). Allow approximately 4 hours to complete this track.  

Need to know - Dogs, horses and mountain bikes are not permitted in the park.

By Deb Lidster

Looking for more ideas on short walks around Brisbane and SE Qld? Check out our 10 Best Short Bush Walks guide for a step in the right direction.