Bullocky Rest

If you’re looking for a family day out in Brisbane that combines a picturesque drive and a relaxing spot to rest, relax and play, then put Bullocky Rest on your list. 

Bullocky Rest is situated on the sparkling Lake Samsonvale which is filled with birdlife and is backed by mountain views.  There are BBQ facilities, picnic tables and a playground for the kids, all spread among the towering trees. 

Bullocky Rest

Arriving at Bullocky Rest will immediately put you at ease. Tall tress and the peaceful Lake Samsonvale creates an atmosphere of calm waiting to be enjoyed by visitors. 

Bullocky Rest comprises of several picnic areas, which you will pass as you drive in the front gates. If it is your first time visiting, do a full lap and check out what is on offer and find the perfect spot to base yourself. 

There are two toilet blocks and many covered and uncovered picnic tables and electric BBQ’s dotted throughout the park, so finding your own piece of paradise is easy. 

A small playground is located in the centre of the area (not far from one of the toilet blocks). This playground is unfenced, but contains some climbing opportunities, a slide and a small flying fox. The base is bark.  

Activities to Enjoy at Bullocky Rest

A visit to Bullocky Rest can be many things. Here are some suggestions of activities you can enjoy on your next visit:

• Pack a picnic or BBQ
• Have a play on the playground
• Bring the rods and see if you can catch a fish from the shoreline (permit required)
• Go on a bushwalk to Forgan Cove and back or around the lake’s edge
• Bring a pile of books and read under the shade of the trees
• Bring the binoculars and scan the treetops for wildlife, particularly koalas, which are known to inhabit Bullocky Rest.
• Throw a Frisbee
• Appreciate the quietness and meditate or do a spot of yoga or tai chi. 
• Bring a few plastic animal figures and allow the kids to play on the grass
• Take pictures of the wildlife which can be printed out and kept in a ‘Wildlife I Found’ book or made into a poster. 
• Bring a plastic bath boat or plastic plate, punch a small hole in one of the edges and attach a piece of string so you can float it in the shallow water at the lake’s edge. I did this with my kids and you can read about it here.

Unfortunately water sports and swimming are not permitted at Bullocky Rest. Domestic pets (like dogs and cats) are not permitted either. 

Wildlife at Bullocky Rest

The tall, established trees and the gorgeous Lake Samsonvale provide a haven for wildlife at Bullocky Rest. Many different types of birds can be spotted (usually on or near the edge of the lake) including pelicans, black swans, ducks and more. 

If you are patient and inquisitive, you may even be lucky enough to spot a koala high in the trees. On several occasions we have spotted these cute creatures lazing about munching leaves. 

Accessibility at Bullocky Rest

You will notice as soon as you arrive at Bullocky Rest that this is a beautifully shaded picnic area where one can appreciate nature. There are accessible car parking spaces and accessible toilets. 

There are concrete paths in the upper area of Bullocky Rest, which may give you access to some picnic spots, but otherwise the grass is generally short, and is traversable by wheelchairs and prams. 

There is no accessible play equipment at this playground and the base is bark. 

Bullocky Rest Features

• Unfenced playground
• Small fort with slide
• Two toilet blocks (with accessible facilities)
• Plenty of picnic tables (covered and uncovered)
• Electric BBQ’s
• Ample off-street parking (accessible parking spaces available)

What We Thought of Bullocky Rest

One of our favourite places on the northside of Brisbane is Bullocky Rest, Joyner.  We often visit when we are craving nature and peace and quiet. It’s a brilliant place for a quick morning tea or a leisurely family gathering.  

While You Are in the Area

For a different view of Bullocky Rest (from the other side of Lake Samsonvale), enjoy a short (less than 10minute) drive over to McGavin View. 

On the drive to McGavin View you will also pass Old Petrie Town and the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, which are both worth visiting.

How to Get to Bullocky Rest

Bullocky Rest is located on Forgan Road, Joyner.

If you want to take the scenic drive to Bullocky Rest, drive via Clear Mountain. Instead of driving through Warner,  take the short picturesque drive through Clear Mountain, following  Eatons Crossing Road (near Cashmere), then on to Clear Mountain Road,  right into Winn Road and left onto Forgan Road where Bullocky Rest is situated. 

For a complete review of Bullocky Rest click here. 

Bullocky Rest, Forgan Road, Joyner

More Photos of Bullocky Rest