Samford Valley is a semi-rural village and farming valley on the north-western edge of Brisbane, about 30 minutes by car from the CBD, with a Main Street of cafes, a conservation park for bush walks and the start of the road up to Mount Glorious. It works as a half-day trip or as the first stop on a longer scenic drive.
The village sits at the foot of the D’Aguilar Range. Walk the shops, take a bush loop, let the dog loose, then drive on to the mountain or to Dayboro.
Samford Village: Main Street and John Scott Park
The village centres on Main Street, with shops, cafes and the Samford Farmers Hall. John Scott Park, at 33 Main Street, is the village’s main park, with a playground, sheltered barbecues (some electric), toilets, water fountains, a half-basketball court, a BMX track and a car park.
Samford Museum, at 21 Station Street, tells the local history. It is open Wednesday and Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm, and you can ring 07 3289 2743 or check the museum website before you go.
Walks at Samford Conservation Park
Samford Conservation Park is the main bush walking area, about 20 minutes from Brisbane. The usual starting point is the Ironbark Gully picnic area off Samford Road, Ferny Hills.
Crebra Circuit
This is a 900 m loop that starts at the picnic area and runs through ironbark and spotted gum forest. It is short enough for a lunch stop with kids.
Shared trails
The park also has a network of shared trails for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. Cyclists give way to horses and walkers, and walkers give way to horses. The council’s trail map is on its Hikes and trails page.
The south end of the park is entered from Lanita Court, Camp Mountain. Ironbark Gully has a shaded picnic area with wood barbecues, undercover tables and toilets, including an accessible toilet.
For what to carry, see Hiking in South East Queensland: What to Bring and How to Stay Safe.
Ferny Grove to Samford Rail Trail
The rail trail is 11 km one way, runs from Ferny Grove and ends in Samford Village, and is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Moreton Bay’s trail listing also shows a short Samford Valley trail from the corner of Mount Glorious Road and Corbett Street in the village.
Samford Parklands and the dog park
Samford Parklands, on Mount Samson Road, has an off-leash dog exercise area with an agility course and separate enclosures for small and large dogs. It also has a small skate park with sheltered seating, play equipment, toilets, a water fountain and walking paths between the sports fields.
Samford Valley markets
Green Thumb Farm runs Farmgate Markets every Saturday from 8 am to 11 am at 2204 Mount Samson Road, Samford Valley, with free parking. Check greenthumbfarm.org.au/farmgatemarkets before you go. For other markets across the city, see Markets in Brisbane: Days, Times and Places.
The drive to Mount Glorious and Dayboro
Samford is the gateway to the D’Aguilar Range. From the village, Mount Glorious Road climbs about 20 km to Mount Glorious, about 25 minutes by car, with rainforest and walks in D’Aguilar National Park. Dayboro is also about 25 minutes by car from the village, and Mount Nebo is on the same range.
The road is steep and winding in sections, so take your time and keep to the speed limit.
Planning your visit
- How long: 2 to 3 hours for the village and a short walk; a full day if you add Mount Glorious.
- Best time: Saturday morning if you want the Farmgate Markets (8 am to 11 am); earlier in the day is cooler for the bush walks.
- Cost: free to walk, picnic and use the parks. Food and market purchases are extra.
- What to bring: water, a hat, sunscreen, closed shoes and a leash for the dog.
- Toilets: at John Scott Park, Samford Parklands and Ironbark Gully picnic area.
Getting there and parking
From the Brisbane CBD, Samford Village is about 22 km by road, about 30 minutes by car without traffic. Samford Conservation Park is about 20 minutes from Brisbane. The Ironbark Gully picnic area has its own car park off Samford Road.
Translink Route 399 (Samford to Ferny Grove Station, Hail and Ride) connects the village with the Ferny Grove train line. Check the timetable for the days it runs. Plan the trip with the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30.
Details can change, so check the council’s Samford Parklands page before you go.
Nearby
- Mount Glorious – rainforest and lookouts at the top of the range.
- D’Aguilar National Park – the big national park behind Samford.
- Mount Nebo – another range village on the drive.
- Enoggera Reservoir – a swim and bush walks at The Gap.
- Old Petrie Town – a heritage village to the north.
Browse more scenic drives and nature walks.
Quick answers
Where is Samford Valley?
It is in the City of Moreton Bay, about 22 km north-west of the Brisbane CBD, around Samford Village.
How far is Samford Valley from Brisbane?
About 30 minutes by car from the CBD.
What is there to do in Samford Valley?
Walk Main Street, picnic and walk at Samford Conservation Park, let the dog run at Samford Parklands, go to Green Thumb Farm’s Saturday markets, then drive on to Mount Glorious.
Is Samford Valley dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome in Moreton Bay parks on a leash unless a sign says otherwise, and Samford Parklands has an off-leash area. At Samford Conservation Park dogs must be on a leash and are not allowed on mountain-bike-only trails.
Can I get to Samford by public transport?
Route 399 (Hail and Ride) runs between Ferny Grove station and Samford. Check the Journey Planner for the day you plan to go.
Is there a toilet at Samford Conservation Park?
Yes, at the Ironbark Gully picnic area, including an accessible toilet.
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