Banks Street Reserve, Alderley: Bush Walks, Bike Tracks and Parking

Banks Street Reserve is a free bushland reserve in Alderley, about 5 km from the Brisbane CBD (about 7 km by road), with walking and bike tracks through open forest, remnant rainforest and along Enoggera Creek. It is open 24 hours and entry is on foot or bike from three streets.

There are picnic areas and a big open grassed area that was once a market garden, so it works for a family wander, a dog walk or a ride on the multi-use tracks.

Walks at Banks Street Reserve

The reserve has a network of dirt tracks that council rates from easy to hard. Some are multi-use, shared by walkers and riders, and some sections are walking only and rated moderate. Some sections have stairs, and numbered markers at the intersections help you find your way.

Tracks cross creek lines, bridges and culverts, so expect some wet crossings after rain. Council also warns that large washouts, ruts and uneven surfaces may be present on some tracks, and that rain and overland flow can change conditions.

What the track ratings mean

Council’s map uses four ratings. Very easy is a flat, even surface with no steps or obstacles. Easy has gentle slopes and even surfaces with few obstacles, for all fitness levels. Moderate has moderate slopes and uneven surfaces with some obstacles. Hard has steep sections and uneven surfaces with obstacles, for good fitness. Check the map for the rating of the track you want before you set off.

Staying safe on the tracks

• Enjoy the forest with a friend rather than going alone.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring drinking water.
• Wear comfortable footwear.
• Let someone know where you are and when you plan to return.
• Take care at creek lines, bridges and culverts, and carry a phone with the map downloaded.

Bike riding at Banks Street Reserve

Riding is allowed on the designated multi-use tracks only, and bikeway connections link the reserve to the wider cycling network. Council asks riders to wear a helmet, give way to pedestrians, slow down when passing, keep left and avoid skidding. Cyclists must dismount and walk their bikes through picnic areas. Stay off the walking-only tracks.

Enoggera Creek and the Three Mile Scrub

In the 1800s this bushland was largely rainforest, part of the Three Mile Scrub, and naturalists and picnickers came to walk under the canopy. Remnants of that rainforest are still here: wet rainforest along Enoggera Creek and dry rainforest on the higher slopes.

Part of the reserve was used for market gardens. Council leased land to Chinese gardeners until 1974, when floods destroyed the crops and equipment and the gardens were not revived. The open grassed area is the legacy of that.

Wildlife

Council lists tawny frogmouths, pale-headed rosellas and fairy-wrens among the birds, and koalas and wallabies among the mammals. Do not touch or interfere with wildlife or plants.

Is Banks Street Reserve dog friendly?

Yes, on a leash at all times. Clean up after your dog and take the waste with you. If you want a fenced off-leash area, try the dog park at Kalinga Park.

Planning your visit

• How long: as long as you like; it is a network of tracks, so you choose the loop.
• Cost: free.
• What to bring: water, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Council also suggests walking with a friend and carrying a phone.
• Facilities: picnic areas and open grass. Council’s page does not list toilets, barbecues, a playground or drinking water, so bring what you need.
• Accessibility: some track sections have stairs and others are uneven. Council says more information about accessible facilities and tracks is online; call 07 3403 8888 if you need to be sure.

Getting there and parking

The reserve is on Banks Street, Alderley, about 7 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 15 minutes by car. Entry points are on Banks Street, Weatherhead Avenue and View Street, and there is on-street parking from all three. Council does not publish a car park or the number of spaces.

Plan a bus or train trip with the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30. Council’s own page is Banks Street Reserve.

Nearby

• Enoggera Reservoir – swimming, paddling and bush walks at The Gap, the next bushland stop west.
• Mount Coot-tha Forest – more bush walks and bike trails close to the city.
• Whites Hill Reserve – bush walks and lookouts on the other side of town.
• Kalinga Park – a dog park, playground and bikeway to the north-east.
• J C Slaughter Falls – a short bush walk to a waterfall.

Browse more nature walks, parks and Brisbane day outs.

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