Explore Brisbane | McGavin View | Pine Rivers

Nestled on the shores of Lake Samsonvale is the serene McGavin View where visitors can enjoy a picnic, have fun on the playground or just soak up the views over Lake Samsonvale.

McGavin View

If you are looking for a new place for a picnic, or a destination to stop off at when in Moreton Bay, McGavin View in Whiteside may just be the place.

While there is not a great deal of activities to undertake at McGavin View, it is certainly a lovely spot to sit and relax. Whether you are reading a book, wanting to enjoy the sun or just get the kids out of the house, McGavin View has enough to entertain families on a short visit.

There are some covered picnic shelters and BBQ’s which are popular on weekends for family gatherings, or visitors can bring a rug and sit under the shade of the trees.

The kids will enjoy the play equipment in the area. There is a small piece of equipment close to the main picnic area, and a larger playground, which is shaded by shade sails, a little further away.

The playground features climbing poles and nets, a zippy little handheld flying fox and a slide. There are also two swings; a standard one and a toddler one. The layout of the playground makes supervision easy, and while the playground is unfenced, there is a fence along the shoreline of the lake to ensure little ones are safe from the water.

A lookout building, with stairs being the only access, affords visitors lovely views over Lake Samsonvale and to the North Pine Dam wall.

Accessibility at McGavin View

There is a decent amount of off-street parking available at McGavin View, with concrete paths leading throughout the area. Sheltered picnic tables can be found in the area as can another of other seating options.

Unfortunately, the lookout tower can only be accessed by the stairs, though those not able to navigate the stairs, can still get great views of the lake from ground level.

The playgrounds are unfenced and do not have any accessible equipment. They also have a bark base, so not entirely suitable for all abilities. While the playgrounds are unfenced there is a fence separating McGavin View from the water.

Shoreline fishing is permitted, further down from the picnic area, but a permit is required. 

McGavin View features

• Playground
  • Bark base (soft fall under swings)
  • Covered with shade sail
  • Swings (standard and toddler)
  • Slide
  • Flying fox
  • Climbing opportunities
• Toilets
• Lookout tower with views over Lake Samsonvale
• Covered picnic tables
• Electric BBQ’s
• Off-street parking

What We Thought About McGavin View 

Our family likes to visit McGavin View, usually after spending time at nearby Old Petrie Town. It is a nice quiet spot to have a wander, play in the playground and visit the lookout tower to take in the views of Lake Samsonvale.

The kids love using the bigger playground to create an obstacle course, which sees them timing each other and seeing who can climb, swing and slide the fastest through their pre-determined course.

The adults enjoy the views and the nice breeze that usually comes off the lake.

While You Are in the Area

As you look out over Lake Samsonvale you might spy Bullocky Rest on the opposite site of the lake. Hop into your car and drive the <10 minutes to this peaceful spot among the trees.

For a really cool park nearby, including a free waterpark, head to The Mill Petrie, which is approximately 7km away.

To learn more about the history of the area visit the informative Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, which is located at the entrance of Old Petrie Town. 

How to Get to McGavin View

McGavin View is located on Vores Road, Whiteside.

For a complete review of McGavin View click here. 

McGavin View, Vores Road, Whiteside

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