Go off the beaten track

Do you feel like you’ve worn out the walkways near your house and are desperate to explore somewhere new?

We’ve put together the ultimate guide to hiking and riding trails in the Moreton Bay Region, so you can jump in the car, rediscover nature and stretch your legs.

Walking, riding trails in the Moreton Bay Region

The Somerset Trail

Found in D’Aguilar National Park, this is a 13km, class 4 walk through open forest, pine forest and pockets of rainforest which should take 3-4 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Access via Sellin Rd, Mt Mee.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• Pitstop on Mt Mee
• Ocean View Estates Winery and Restaurant

North Harbour mountain bike trails

These trails run along the scenic Caboolture River and are perfect for beginners, families and intermediate level riders. With loops from 2.5km to 6km, the tracks range in difficulty and are suitable for off-road bikes. Access via Moreton Bay Blvd, Burpengary East.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• Basil and Vine
• The Hideout
• Stellarossa Narangba
• Valley Coffee Narangba

Lake Eden

Follow the scenic walkway that weaves its way around the lake and is popular with walkers and runners. Access via Lakefield Drive, North Lakes.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• High Tea at Tiffany’s
• BLVD
• Told You So
• Fort Specialty Coffee
• Discovery Café and Teahouse
• Boardwalk Restaurant

Bunyaville Conservation Park

With two bushwalking tracks available off the day-use area, there’s also access to horse riding and mountain bike riding trails. Dogs can be taken on shared trails only and must be kept on a leash. The Tree Discovery Circuit is a Class 3 track according to Australian standards. This 650m return track features a boardwalk from where the eucalypt trees can be seen. You may even spot a koala. Access is via Old Northern Road, Albany Creek.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• Birds and Bees Café
• French and Mor
• Alfina’s Cake and Coffee
• Eatons Hill Hotel
• Bluegrass Barbeque

Samford Conservation Park

Start your walk from Ironbark Gully picnic ground, off Samford Rd, Ferny Hills. The Crebra Circuit is 900m and takes about 20-30 minutes to walk. It is surrounded by a forest of dark-coloured ironbark trees. There are another four tracks in the park for hiking and range from 400m-1170m. Horses, bicycles and mountain bikes are also allowed on some tracks.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• D-Sol Café
• Coffee on the Way
• The Hills Bakery Cafe
• Fish Lips Seafood Cafe

Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park

There are several access points for the walking tracks, including off Phelps Road, McLoughlin Road, Williamson Road or Mackney Road at Morayfield. Trail signage is located off Phelps Road. There are three walking circuits, which are all within an easy walking classification. The Grey Gum Circuit is a 4.4km loop, which is suitable for walkers and horse riders. The Spotted Gum Trail is a 1.2km one-way track that takes about 20 minutes and is suitable for walkers only. The Ironbark Ridge Trail is a 1.1km one-way track that is suitable for walkers only. The best starting point for this track is McLoughlin Road.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• Gather and Feast
• The Coffee Club Central Lakes
• The Dugong Café
• Lisa’s Willow Tree Café
• The Coffee Club Morayfield SuperCentre
• The Black Bear Coffee Cupboard

Lake Samsonvale – Bullocky Rest

The walking trail in this area links the picnic areas of Bullocky Rest and Forgan Cove at Joyner. It’s approximately 8.5km return and is intermediate in difficulty. It links through a bushland setting. The lake is teeming with birdlife including swans and pelicans and has a backdrop of mountains. Access is via Forgan Rd.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• Kadison & Lealta café
• Be Bop A Licious
• Mot Mot Coffee & Eats

Mount Mee

In the D’Aguilar National Park, you’ll find numerous hiking trails, which are for walkers only and some that can be used for horse riding. The trails vary in difficulty and access to some is via four-wheel-drive only. There’s plenty of wildlife to see and the views from lookouts, like Falls Lookout, are magnificent.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• Pitstop on Mt Mee
• Ocean View Estates Winery and Restaurant

Samford Valley

The Samford Valley Trail Network is a large network of multi-use trails which can be used by walkers, mountain bike riders and horse riders. Not all trails are sign posted, so it’s a good idea to have a map on hand. While the trails have not been classified in difficulty, there are several that have been developed for all to enjoy. The Samford Heritage Trail is a self-guided walk that takes in interesting historic buildings in the area, or you can follow the Rail Trail which explores the old Dayboro to Ferny Grove Rail along the Lanita Rail Trail and Currawong Rail Trail section.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• The Flying Nun Café
• Canter and Colt
• Ya Ya Bar and Eatery
• Samford Patisserie and Café
• Pause
• Little Tree Bake and Brew House.

These are just a few of the options available. Park the car at Main Street and go for a wander along the streets of Samford Village for more

John Oxley Reserve

The Carole Green Walkway located in the reserve is an easy-walking 1.3km loop. There’s a boardwalk section halfway along, which allows you to walk through the mangroves. The trail is also educational, with signs providing information about the natural assets of the area and its pioneering past. John Oxley Reserve is located in Murrumba Downs. Access is via Ogg Rd.

Check out these venues if you’re after a bite to eat on your travels:

• Snackleberry Takeaway
• Café 63
• Sushi Train

Discover more 'things to do' here! Share your Moreton Bay adventures with us @moretondaily or #moretondaily