Bracken Ridge: Parks, Library and Pool Nearby

Bracken Ridge is a hilly northside Brisbane suburb about 30 minutes by car from the CBD, with free local parks, a dog off-leash area and a library, and an aquatic centre and a wetland reserve on its doorstep. The highest part of the suburb has a park and a reservoir with views over Moreton Bay to the east and the city to the south.

It is a residential suburb rather than a tourist destination, so think of it as a good base for a relaxed family day close to home.

Barrett Street Reserve: views and a dog park

Barrett Street Reserve, also called Barrett Street Park, is at 110 Norris Road. It has picnic facilities, an electric BBQ and a dog off-leash area.

The high point of the park is the outlook: one way you look over Moreton Bay and the other way across the suburbs to the city skyline.

Is Barrett Street Reserve dog friendly?

The park has a dog off-leash area. Keep your dog on a leash outside it and follow the signs at the entrance. Check the council’s dog off-leash map for the rules on registration and cleaning up.

Enbrook Parkland and Ferguson Park

Enbrook Parkland, at 390 Telegraph Road, has outdoor fitness equipment, a shared pathway, drinking water and two pickleball courts (no booking needed).

Ferguson Park, at 201 Barrett Street, has a pickleball court that needs no booking.

Bracken Ridge Library

The library is at 77 Bracken Street, and the council ward office is next door. It has free Wi-Fi, printing and scanning, a Punjabi collection and a 24-hour library locker. The building is wheelchair accessible, with a baby change table and a breastfeeding-friendly space.

• Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 am to 8 pm
• Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm
• Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
• Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
• Closed: Monday, Sunday and public holidays

Parking is in the library car park or on nearby streets. Hours change over Christmas and New Year, so check the council’s library page or ring 07 3667 6060.

Nearby: swimming and wetlands

Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre

The aquatic centre is at 523 Telegraph Road, Fitzgibbon, just across the suburb border from Bracken Ridge. It has a 6-lane, 25 metre outdoor pool, a heated children’s pool and an indoor pool. It is open Monday to Friday 5 am to 7 pm, Saturday 6 am to 6 pm and Sunday 8 am to 6 pm, public holidays 9 am to 5 pm, and closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Adult entry is $7.20, children aged 2 to 14 are $5.40 and under 2s are free. There is an on-site car park.

Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve

Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve is on Wyampa Road at Bald Hills and is open 24 hours. There is an easy, mostly flat 1 km track to a bird hide overlooking shorebirds on the mudflats, and an easy 3 km loop with a boardwalk over saltmarsh and mangroves. The Deep Water Bend picnic area has a playground, BBQs, taps and toilets. Dogs must be on a leash.

Shopping and food

Local shopping strips run along Gawain Road and Barrett Street, and Bracken Ridge Plaza (with a Coles) is near Enbrook Parkland. For a bigger outing, Chermside is the nearest major shopping and entertainment hub.

Planning your visit

• How long: an hour or two at a park, half a day if you add the pool or the wetlands.
• Best time: a clear day for the views over the bay and the city.
• Cost: parks and library are free. The aquatic centre charges entry.
• What to bring: water, a hat, and a leash for the dog.
• Accessibility: the library is wheelchair accessible. Park accessibility is not published, so check the council’s park map.

Getting there and parking

By car, Bracken Ridge is about 19 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 30 minutes without traffic. The library has its own car park, and the aquatic centre has an on-site car park. No car park is listed for Barrett Street Reserve or Enbrook Parkland, so expect street parking.

Translink lists buses to Barrett Street, Bracken Ridge, including route 331, an express to the city that does not run every day. Plan your trip with the Translink journey planner or call 13 12 30. Details can change, so check before you go.

Nearby

• Chermside – Westfield, Kidspace playground and an aquatic centre.
• Carseldine Markets – farmers and artisan markets to the south.
• Shorncliffe Pier – fishing and bay views on the way to the water.
• Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe – a playground and a beach by the bay.
• Nudgee Beach – mangroves, a boardwalk and a dog-friendly beach.

Browse more in Brisbane, parks and dog parks.

Events in the area

• Pine Rivers Carols – see the post for the next dates.

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• Fortitude Valley – dining and nightlife in the inner city.
• Carseldine (Brisbane)
• Aspley (Brisbane)

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