Hemmant Quarry Reserve

Hemmant Quarry Reserve is a pocket-sized slice of paradise in the tiny suburb of Hemmant, half way between Brisbane CBD and Wynnum. 

Just off Wynnum Road, access to the reserve is via Fleming Road, where a small car park is located. Part of the Bulimba Creek Catchment, this 24-hectare park is rich in history - the adjoining Hemmant Cemetery has graves dating back to 1872. 

The area was originally part of the hunting grounds of aborigines camping on the bank of the Bulimba Creek. In the early 1920s, a quarry opened to provide gravel for roads being built in Balmoral Shire (as it was known) and timber was cleared from the forest to make homes.

In 1936, the quarry was flooded by an underground spring and the quarry subsequently closed. Remains of the trolley tracks can be found on the southern side of the waterhole.

Today, this former quarry is a wonderful waterhole, home to freshwater turtles and eels with an abundance of birdlife found in the reserve, including the rare red goshawk. Starting at the carpark, there's a 700-metre walking track that loops the lake. 

It's a pleasant, peaceful walk through open eucalypt forest with continuous views of the lake. Benches are scattered throughout the reserve, overlooking the water, where walkers can pause for a while.

Nice to know - As the path is part bitumen and part boardwalk, this track is suitable for everyone, even prams and wheelchairs. And best of all, dogs are welcome, too. 

By Deb Lidster