Visiting Daisy Hill safely

Daisy Hill Conservation Park is only 25km south-east of Brisbane City.

Photo credit: Jodie Bray, Queensland Government

Daisy Hill day-use area features a Disability Discrimination Act compliant pathway along which compliant picnic tables, barbecues and toilets are available.

Photo credit: Jodie Bray, Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

• Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area (KBCCA) locality map (PDF, 1.5MB)
• View Google map

Daisy Hill Conservation Park is easily accessed from Brisbane or the Gold Coast via the Pacific Motorway (M1). From the Gold Coast, travel north along the Pacific Motorway and take exit 24. Travelling south from Brisbane along the Pacific Motorway (M3 then the M1), take exit 23 toward Chatswood Road. Follow the signs to Daisy Hill Road and the entrance to the park.

Vehicle parking

• See map on page one of Day-use area and short walks map and information (PDF, 1.7MB) for vehicle parking locations.

The Daisy Hill day-use area and the trail hub are both accessible with conventional vehicles. There are seven vehicle parking areas positioned off the Ring Road.

The Daisy Hill trail hub vehicle parking is suited for mountain bikers—car park eight is located on the right just before the gate entry to the park.

Horse float parking is provided to the left of car park seven—follow the Ring Road and look for the horse float parking signs.

Walkers, mountain-bike riders and horseriders can access the park’s shared trail network via a number of gates around the park boundary. See the Koala Bushland Coordinated Conservation Area (KBCCA) locality map (PDF, 1.5MB) for details.

Wheelchair accessibility

• Day-use area and short walks map and information (PDF, 1.7MB)

To better plan your day in the park, please use the map to locate the wheelchair accessible facilities and dedicated car parking.

Car park one in the Daisy Hill day-use area has parking for people with wheelchairs.

• This car park is the start of a Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) compliant pathway.
• The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is also accessible to wheelchairs (some assistance may be required) from this car park.
• One DDA compliant picnic table is close to car park one.
• Near car park two there is a DDA compliant barbecue. This is accessed along the DDA compliant pathway.
• There are two toilet facilities close to car park two; each has one ambulant and one accessible cubicle.

Car park three in the Daisy Hill day-use area has parking for people with wheelchairs.

• There is access from this car park to the DDA compliant pathway and one DDA compliant picnic table and barbecue.
• The Paperbark trail is a walking trail suitable for wheelchairs; some assistance may be required for the boardwalk section of the trail. This trail starts in the Daisy Hill day-use area, not far from car park three, and is accessed from the DDA compliant pathway.

Daisy Hill trail hub and day-use area, there is parking for people with wheelchairs in car park eight.

• The toilet facilities are accessed along a wide concrete pathway and one accessible cubicle is provided.
• There are no other wheelchair accessible facilities in this day-use area. Be aware that this trail hub is used primarily by mountain bikers and the shared trails are not suitable for wheelchairs.

Emergency markers are located at all trail junctions throughout the park. Please take notice of the markers in case of an emergency. Knowing your location will save valuable time if you require assistance from emergency services.

Download or bring a map with you to help navigate the network of shared trails.

Photo credit: Anna Osetroff, Queensland Government

Staying safe

Emergency markers (unique alphanumeric codes) are located:

• at formalised park entrances
• on shared trails, and
• at management road junctions.

In an emergency dial Triple Zero (000) and if possible, recite the closest emergency marker code to assist emergency services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) in locating the emergency within the conservation park.

• Walking safety tips
• Mountain-biking safety
• Horseriding safety

Follow these general safety tips to ensure your visit is memorable for the right reasons:

• Check ParkAlerts and current weather forecast before setting out into the park.
• Take care when using wood barbecues. Bring clean, milled timber and put the fire out with water. Supervise children to avoid burn injuries. Observe fire bans and prohibitions.
• Supervise children closely, especially near the road and use the pedestrian crossings provided.
• Leave sufficient daylight to complete your walk or ride.
• Avoid walking or riding in the middle of the day, especially on hot days.
• Leave walking or riding plans with a reliable person to raise the alarm if you do not return when expected.
• Stay on the trails and follow signs to avoid getting lost. We recommend before you head off, to take a photo of the walking track map featured on the trailhead signs located at Dennis Road entry and in the day-use area or download a map.
• Be aware that trails can be slippery, especially after rain.
• Obey signs and regulations—they are in place to protect you and the park.
• When on shared trails, follow the give way code.
• Have a fully charged mobile phone. Save battery life by minimising use—you might need it to make an emergency call.
• Have sufficient drinking water.
• Wear approved safety riding gear, suitable footwear and protective clothing.
• Wear insect repellent to help prevent tick and other insect bites or stings.
• Have a first-aid kit (including snake bite bandage) and know how to use it. Horseriders to include first-aid kit for your horse.
• Venomous snakes live in the park, so watch for snakes on tracks and trails, and wait for them to move away. Never pick up, disturb or provoke a snake. If bitten, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• Reduce theft by removing valuables from your vehicle and taking them with you.

Walking safety tips

• Be prepared, even on short walks, and judge your ability and conditions carefully before setting out.
• Choose walks that suit the skill and ability of your slowest walker.
• Walk with a recognised bushwalking club. This is a good way to gain experience.
• Walk with one or more friends. At least one member of each party should be a competent bushwalker and map reader.
• When walking on shared trails, follow the give-way code.
• Avoid scaring horses, talk or call out to oncoming horseriders and when approaching from behind.

Learn more about Walking safely.

Mountain-biking safety

• Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
• Ride a well maintained, good quality mountain bike.
• Plan ahead—ride within your ability and according to track conditions.
• Avoid skidding and sliding around turns and downhill to prevent collisions and injury as well as minimising damage to the trail.
• Limit your speed when riding downhill.
• Approach drainage humps slowly.
• Be aware of changes in riding conditions caused by rain or wind.
• Avoid riding on soft, wet and muddy tracks.
• Avoid riding in large groups.
• Slow down and consider other track users.
• Avoid scaring horses, talk or call out to oncoming horseriders and when approaching from behind.
• Respect areas closed to riding. Ride only on open shared trails within the park. Do not take shortcuts or form new tracks—this damages the environment and causes erosion and injuries could occur.

Learn more about Mountain-bike safety.

Horseriding safety

• Always wear a helmet and safety gear.
• Plan ahead—ride within your ability and that of our horse’s and according to track conditions.
• Ride in groups of less than 6.
• Keep speed low to a walk or a trot and slow when passing other shared trail users.
• Avoid riding on soft, wet and muddy tracks and immediately after or during wet weather.
• Cross watercourses at designated crossing points.
• Ensure your horse is not easily frightened. Expect to encounter wildlife, other trail users and vehicles.
• Avoid scaring horses, talk or call out to oncoming horseriders and when approaching from behind.

Learn more about Horseriding safety.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Protective clothing, a hat, sunscreen for protection from the sun and insect repellent for biting insects.
• Sturdy shoes for walking and appropriate safety riding gear and helmet for riders.
• First-aid kit and knowledge of how to use it.
• Drinking water—all other water obtained in the park must be treated before drinking.
• Rubbish bags to take rubbish home—no bins are provided.
• Dog leash—dogs must be on a least at all times and under control while in the park.
• Dog waste bags—collect your dog’s faeces immediately and remove from the park.
• Binoculars to help spot koalas and other wildlife.

Opening hours

Daisy Hill Conservation Park has a main entry gate to the Ring Road that is locked each evening.

Between 15 March and 14 October, the gates are open from 7.00am to 5.30pm. For the rest of the year the gates are open from 7.00am to 6.30pm.

The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is open daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm, except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. Contact the centre on other public holidays to check if it is open.

Permits and fees

A permit is not required to recreate within the park unless the activity is a commercial activity or organised event (including competitive and sporting events). All commercial activities require a permit and some organised and/or group activities require a permit.

Pets

Keep dogs on a leash at all times and walk them on walking tracks and shared trails only.

Photo credit: Anna Osetroff, Queensland Government

Dogs are permitted in Daisy Hill Conservation Park but only in the picnic areas and on walking tracks and shared trails. They are not permitted on mountain-bike and horse trails. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and dog faeces must be bagged immediately and removed from the park.

Climate and weather

Brisbane has a mild, subtropical climate. In summer the average daily temperature range is 22 to 30°C and 12 to 22°C in winter.

For more information see the tourism information links. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available in the suburb of Daisy Hill and throughout Brisbane.