Tags
australia, bats, Brisbane, bushwalking, bushwalks, Discovery Centre, eastern grey kangaroos, Karawatha Forest, Karwatha discovery centre, owls, parrot, Photography, Poet's Rock, possums, rednecked wallabies, swamp wallabies, travel
This place is truly at my back yard. Karawatha forest was here a long time before I arrived but it is only in recent months that I have started exploring and enjoying this wonderful bushland. Initially it was a great area to walk my dog Buddy and for us to enjoy the natural area while both of us enjoying fresh air and great exercise.
Recently, while my friends were visiting, we went to the forest a couple of times to explore plus we joined a 2 hour guided walk through the bush one Sunday morning. These guided walks are conducted regularly. You can find the information on the website. When I was growing up on the northern beaches of Sydney this type of area was “my back yard” and although I had spent many hours there I realised there was just so much more that I learned on this guided walk. Karawatha Forest contains mainly open eucalypt forest with areas of heath, wetland and woodlands.
There are plenty of bushwalking paths which are well-signed making it very easy to explore and design your own walks.
Karawatha Forest Park is about 18 kilometres south of Brisbane’s CBD, is approximately 900 hectares in size and is one of the largest areas of remnant bushland within the city. Karawatha Forest Park has a range of walking tracks and trails and you can download maps from the site of the Karawatha Protection Society to see the wetlands, track locations, grading and length of the tracks.
We were delighted when we arrived at the area known as Poet’s Rock with its sandstone ridges and scenic outlook over the forest and in the distance we could see Brisbane city.
Due to the large size of Karawatha Forest Park, and the variety of habitats it contains,this forest is a very important refuge for over 200 species of wildlife, including a number of threatened or endangered species such as the greater glider, squirrel glider and rare frogs. The forest also supports rednecked wallabies, swamp wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos, possums, bats, parrots and owls. The birdlife is the most visible in the forest – over 100 bird species have been found.
Inside the Karawatha Forest, just off the Acacia Street entrance there is ample parking, which is a few meters from the Discovery Centre which is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am – 4pm. The Forest Discovery Centre is so well thought-out. Interactive exhibits teach you about the local wildlife – from frog calls, to invasive weeds and a bird’s eye view of the forest. There are books and craft activities for children to engage with, plenty of buttons to press and lots for the older visitor too. They have packed a lot of information into a small space and delivered it in a fantastically accessible way.
Adjacent to the discovery centre there are large picnic areas with free bbq’s, picnic tables and benches, lots of grassy places to relax or play. There are plenty of public toilets and there is an amazing nature play area for the kids.
Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre has been really well planned and there’s something there for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds so whether you’re a young family, backpacker or seasoned bushwalker there’s plenty to enjoy. You could easily bring a picnic and spend all day or just pop in for a quick walk.

Grass Tree
Beautiful photos, and wonderful write up! It is a fabulous bushland and you are fortunate to have nearby access! Enjoy it whenever you can!
Thanks Linda. I sure hope to be able to return there soon.
Most of the time we miss places in our backyard! Looks very peaceful and scenic:)
It really is thanks Ishita. I am so blessed to have it so close to my home.
DELIGHTFUL – love the grass tree (we used to call them blackboys, many years ago!)
Yes Kay. I explained that about the grass tree to my friends.
That’s one of the many things I love about having a dog – it really gets you out and about.
You are so right. Buddy and I walk every day even if I don’t feel up to it.
Cool – you live in a wonderful part of the works. A really good read.
Thanks. Yes it is pretty cool
Beautiful area, glad to see it’s being cared for. I used to love ‘exploring’ forests as a kid, but sadly now, there’s too many people for us to still have much in the way of a forest.
Thanks GP. I know what you mean which makes me feel ever so fortunate to have this beautiful space close to home.
I MUST come and see Australia again before my legs can no longer walk. It’s been 20 years since I was there last. 3 of my family members went to Boarding Schools there. A great place to explore!
Yes you must Jane. If you come to Brisbane I will show you around.
Wow an amazing blog I never new it was that fabulous. Didn’t ever go in there the whole time I lived around the corner thank you for the wonderful photos. 💜
Me too Leah. I just thought it was a forest. Kids would love it just like us adults. 💜
Beautiful photos! :)
In British Columbia we have so many fires right now. We are covered in smoke.
That is sad Lynette. We also have too many right now in Australia considering it is still winter.
Great photos of our local forest.
Thanks Denise
Well worth a walk through. You, me and buddy in spring with nicpic.
Sounds like a great idea Gail. Lyn
Such a delight to see.
Thanks. Glad you like it. Lyn
Beautiful post. Lovely photos. Would love to explore the area, including that Discovery Center.
Thanks. I am looking forward to seeing and exploring more of the forest. The discovery centre really is fantastic. Lyn
Enjoy
We’re going to be in Brisbane in January – looks like a good place to go when we are over.
This forest is on the southside so if you are over this way, I really think that you will enjoy it. Thanks for your comment. Lyn
Thanks Lynn. Well written.
Thanks Paula. Lyn