SITE PARTNER:  

Rafting Ground Reserve

Brookfield

Updated: Nov 18, 2018

Rafting Ground Reserve is a lush sprawling oasis of green with a creek winding through it on the edge of Brookfield and Kenmore.

The scenic reserve takes its name and its history back to when it was used by early settlers in the 1860s and 70s as a launching pad for timber that had been felled from the Sir Herbert Taylor Ranges forests and was transported to the site by bullock wagon.

Rafting Ground Reserve Brookfield

From here the timber was floated downstream from here to the saw mills including Patterson’s Saw Mill in Toowong. By the 1880s, with an explosive population growth in the nearby inner west suburbs of Paddington, Bardon and Toowong the government declared it a recreation reserve for use by the people, which it has been since.

Rafting Ground Reserve Brookfield

Today, as well as being one of Brisbane’s most picturesque nature reserves, just perfect for a leisurely stroll, it also makes a fantastic and unique old-fashioned adventure land for children. From the Moggill road entrance there’s a car park, amenities block, picnic shelters, BBQs and a great playground for young ones, with tunnels, ‘shops’, forts, climbing nets, slide and swings.

Playground inside Rafting Ground Reserve in Brookfield

From here, there are literally acres of well-kept mowed grass dotted with groves of trees, from spindly gums to young figs, fir trees and, across the bridge, in an adjoining section, a glorious cluster of golden bamboo, all of it just made for a mega game of hide’n’seek.

Horse in a paddock in Rafting Ground Reserve

And in keeping with the Rafting Ground Reserve history, there’s a smattering of log picnic tables and seats throughout. Need to know – There’s also a narrow path entrance off Rowena St (opposite the intersection of Melinda St).

Rafting Ground Reserve

2328 Moggill Rd

Brookfield

Map

2328 Moggill Rd Brookfield

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Afterglow is a mesmerising and magical experience at City Botanic Gardens
Round up your mates and get ready for a raceday like no other!
Tell Camerata your eternal memory and they’ll match music that speaks to your stories
Queensland’s biggest, brightest and best-loved fun run is back!
Two composers grapple with terror and turmoil of the 20th century
Lime Cordiale announce an epic live concert experience with Queensland Symphony Orchestra!
Discover the wonderful world of handmade glass art
The smash-hit new musical The Lucky Country is heading to Powerhouse this October.
La Boite's new high octane comedy
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT