North Lakes is a planned suburb in the City of Moreton Bay, about 29 km north of the Brisbane CBD, and its best free day out is the park around Lake Eden. A paved 2 km path circles the lake, there are three playgrounds, electric barbecues and shady picnic spots, and Westfield North Lakes is close by for lunch or a rainy-day backup.
If you are planning a family day in North Lakes, start at the lake, add the dog park and skate park at Aurora Boulevard Park if they suit your crew, and finish with food or shopping at Westfield.
North Lakes Town Park at Lake Eden
The town park sits on Lakefield Drive beside Lake Eden, the man-made lake in the middle of the suburb. It is the part of North Lakes most visitors mean when they say “the lake”.
The lake walk
A paved path of about 2 km goes right around the lake, with distance signs at regular intervals, so it works for a pram loop, a scooter ride or a gentle walk. Outdoor fitness equipment is set up around the lake if you want to turn the loop into a workout.
Eels, turtles, water dragons, swans and ducks live in and around the lake, which keeps young spotters busy on the loop. Snakes can turn up in the shady trees and grass, so stay on the path.
Keep a close eye on small children near the water, because you are walking next to an open lake.
Playgrounds
There are three playgrounds for children of all ages. Between them you will find swings, climbing frames, slides, tunnels and two small in-ground trampolines.
Picnics and barbecues
The park has electric barbecues, several shelters, picnic tables and seating, a water fountain and bins. Large shady trees give shade, and there are shade sails near the North Lakes Hotel.
Aurora Boulevard Park: dog park, skate park and courts
Aurora Boulevard Park, at 22 Aurora Boulevard, is a second stop if you want something other than the lake. It has two playgrounds: a larger one for older kids with a climbing frame, swing set and slide, and a smaller one for younger kids with a cubby house and an interactive truck.
The park also has a skate park, a quarter basketball court, outdoor fitness equipment, toilets, sheltered picnic tables, electric barbecues and a water fountain.
Is North Lakes dog friendly?
The off-leash area at Aurora Boulevard Park is fully fenced and has agility equipment, water stations and waste bag dispensers. Outside the fenced area, dogs must be on a leash.
Shopping and food at Westfield North Lakes
Westfield North Lakes is on North Lakes Drive, a short drive from the lake. It is the suburb’s main shopping and eating hub, which makes it the easy option for lunch, a wet-weather backup or a quick supply run before or after the park. Opening hours vary by store and on public holidays, so check the centre’s website before you go.
Planning your visit
- How long: Allow 1 to 2 hours for the lake walk and a playground, or half a day if you add Aurora Boulevard Park and lunch.
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon on a warm day, when the trees on the lake path give the most shade.
- Cost: No entry fee is listed for either park.
- What to bring: Water, sunscreen, hats and a picnic. Electric barbecues are provided at both parks.
- Accessibility: Council lists accessible access, parking and toilets at both parks. The lake path is paved.
Getting there and parking
By car it is about 29 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 35 minutes without heavy traffic. Lake Eden has a car park, with accessible spaces near the North Lakes Hotel. Aurora Boulevard Park has plenty of parking too.
By train, the closest station to Westfield North Lakes is Mango Hill, on the Redcliffe Peninsula line. From there, Westfield says to take bus 687, which stops at the North Lakes Interchange, a short walk from the centre. Use the Translink website or app for current times.
Nearby
- North Pine Dam – a bigger body of water in the Moreton Bay region for a picnic or paddle day.
- Lake Samsonvale – another Moreton Bay lake day out.
- Deception Bay – a bayside stop in Moreton Bay for a walk by the water.
- Redcliffe – the Redcliffe Peninsula’s jetty, beaches and playgrounds.
- North Lakes Carols – the annual carols night in North Lakes.
- Browse more Moreton Bay days out, playgrounds and dog parks.
You might also like
- Chermside (Brisbane)
- Eagle Farm (Brisbane)
- Bowen Hills (Brisbane)
Quick answers
What is there to do in North Lakes?
Walk the 2 km path around Lake Eden, use the three playgrounds and electric barbecues at North Lakes Town Park, visit the fenced dog park and skate park at Aurora Boulevard Park, and shop or eat at Westfield North Lakes.
How long is the walk around Lake Eden?
The paved path around the lake is about 2 km, with distance signs along the way.
Is Lake Eden free?
Council lists no entry fee for the town park, and the playgrounds and path are open to everyone.
Is there a dog park in North Lakes?
Yes. Aurora Boulevard Park has a fully fenced off-leash area with agility equipment and water. Dogs must be leashed outside it.
How far is North Lakes from Brisbane?
About 29 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 35 minutes by car without heavy traffic.
Can you catch the train to North Lakes?
The closest station to Westfield North Lakes is Mango Hill. From there, bus 687 goes to the North Lakes Interchange, a short walk from the centre.
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