Day Trip To Mount Mee

There are a number of mountainous areas close by to Brisbane just waiting to be explored, and one of the best is D’Aguilar National Park at Mount Mee.

A leisurely 45 minutes drive from Brisbane’s north, the drive itself makes the trip worthwhile as it traverses through the beautiful countryside of Samford, Dayboro, Ocean View and Mount Mee.

Once you’re there, there’s stunning views, a national park with bush walks, interesting remnants from a historic timber mill, and plenty of green space to picnic, barbecue and throw a ball around.

The Gantry Day Use Area

The Gantry Day Use Area at Mount Mee is so named because of the large shed that stands there, a structure that was originally part of the timber sawmill, which operated in the area from the 1930s until the 1980s.

Interestingly, the sawmill at Mount Mee supplied silky oak and cedar woods for Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane City and the old Hornibrook Bridge, which connects Brisbane with Redcliffe.

Now the shed provides a quirky shelter for the picnic area, which also features a number of tables, barbecues and a toilet block.

The picnic area is expansive, which means that even on a busy day, you will still feel like you have plenty of parkland to yourself.

Bushwalking at Mount Mee

There are two bush walking trails leaving from The Gantry at Mount Mee: the family-friendly Piccabeen Walk (1km) and the more challenging Somerset track (13km).

Unsurprisingly, the Piccabeen Walk features plenty of beautiful piccabeens (bangalow palms) as you meander along the sealed bitumen track, which is suitable for robust prams. This walk is flat and suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, and features a pretty boardwalk through the green palms. This is also where you will find a bench seat, perfect for resting weary legs and taking in the tranquil surroundings. 

The Somerset Walk is a loop that takes approximately three to four hours to complete. At about the 7km mark, there is a beautiful lookout which makes a good place to rest before completing the trail. This walk is uphill in parts, and so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

If you are happy to hop back into the car, and drive down the road a little, you will find another gentle bush walk – Falls Lookout Walk, which is just 1km return. The track is unpaved and does contain a few steps at the end, so it is not suitable for prams and wheelchairs. There are two lookouts on the track, the first has veiws of the D’Aguilar Range and Neerum Valley, while the second at Bulls Falls, gives you glimpses of the rocky pools and crags below. 

Wildlife at Mount Mee

Any time you are enjoying nature in Australia it pays to keep your eyes and ears open for a variety of wildlife. On our many visits to The Gantry Day Use Area we have been treated to some gorgeous flora and fauna. 

Whether it is hearing the birds chirp and tweet as they flit between the trees, a koala resting in the treetops or a lizard or snake basking in the sun, there is always something interesting to see. 

Bring your camera, binoculars and a healthy sense of adventure as you explore Mount Mee and all it entails. 

How to Get to Mount Mee

From Brisbane, head out to Samford and follow the main road to the township of Dayboro.  Then, take Mount Mee Road, signposted as Tourist Drive 29, and wind up the mountain. Further along Mount Mee Road you’ll see the Pitstop Cafe, a delightful place to refuel with coffee, milkshakes or a snack, while taking in the breathtaking views of the Samford Valley in the foreground, and the Brisbane City skyline in the distance.

Continue along Mount Mee Road until you see Sellin Road and turn left to D’Aguilar National Park (this is clearly signposted). At the end of this road you will come to The Gantry picnic area, where there is plenty of car parking available. 

The alternate way is to venture along the Bruce Highway, turning off near Caboolture, and continuing through Wamuran to Mount Mee. 

More Photos of Mount Mee

Already visited Mount Mee? Why not try one of our many other family-friendly day trips from Brisbane? There’s everything from mountains to rainforests to beaches, and all within a couple of hours from Brisbane.