SITE PARTNER:   lexus of brisbane is valued partner of Must Do Brisbane

Karawatha Forest

Walk

Updated: Nov 13, 2020

Out of the half dozen or so trails available to walk in this vast preserved bushland, the coolest and most scenic are on the southern side in the vicinity of some remnant ethereal lagoons that once featured throughout these southeast areas.

Both commence at the lush green Illaweena Picnic area.

1. Melaleuca Circuit

This easy trail starts at one end of the bridge at the picnic area and quickly propels the walker through melaleuca and scribbly gum groves and includes a brief jaunt along a boardwalk raised above a lagoon, only to be back at the start about 20 mins later. Consequently this is a great one for the younger ‘are we there yet’ set for both the variety and the opportunity to bird watch and turtle spot from the bridge.

2. Wild May Trail and attached Lagoon Trail

At a little over an hour, this is the longest of the two water walks, and is suitable for children who don’t mind walking, novices and the aerobically challenged, albeit with decent closed walking shoes as the paths can be narrow and semi-overgrown especially alongside the lagoons.

Essentially the track meanders in and out of bush dominated by the fine wispy yellow tea tree with its five-petalled white flowers (after which the trail is named) but the absolute jewels are the lagoons themselves – ancient-looking pools of deathly still water fringed by reeds so fine they give off a will’o’the’wisp-like haze.

The keen-eyed may be able to spot the many small birds that have made the ti trees their home and the lagoon dwellers themselves - frogs, turtles and the odd platypus - yet to spot any of the above takes large helpings of time and patience.

Looking for more ideas on short walks around Brisbane and SE Qld? Check out our 10 Best Short Bush Walks guide for a step in the right direction.

Karawatha Forest

Illaweena St 

Stretton

Map

Illaweena St, Stretton, Queensland

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

A hilarious musical about self-discovery, ballet, hip-hop and … a kangaroo!
Journey back in time at the Abbey Medieval Festival 2025!
Dog Man: The Musical is an epic musical adventure based on the bestselling series from Dav Pilkey
Dress up in red for a real life re-enactment of the famous Wuthering Heights film clip
Discover one of the greatest romance films of all time in an unforgettable evening of cinema!
Experience Queensland’s most scenic and longest-running fun run
Clancestry returns to QPAC with jam-packed program
The Visitors is part of Clancestry, a celebration of identity and connection.
Wata is part of Clancestry, a celebration of identity and connection.
The monster returns to QPAC
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT