Family Bike Rides in South East Queensland

My selection of the best family bike rides in South East Queensland shows places where you will be a hit with your kids when you take them. These are fun and beautiful locations in the greater Brisbane area!

Our journey begins to the north of Brisbane on Bribie Island. Along the 7km of bike paths on Pumicestone Passage you will see the Glass House Mountains looming to the west, an array of sailing and motor boats on the water, pelicans and migratory birds, and information about the early history of Brisbane.

Travelling south, the next outstanding playground with a top view is Settlement Cove Lagoon, just south of Redcliffe Jetty. What an amazing public asset; free for all to enjoy! We suggest riding for as long as you want along the foreshore of Moreton Bay, then return to this gorgeous resort-style pool for a swim and BBQ.

Brighton, Sandgate and Shorncliffe are very popular bike rides in Brisbane; it’s 6km one way. Now the Shorncliffe Pier, built in 1872, has been refurbished, it’s a good time to visit. There’s a top playground at Lower Moora Park and several pieces of public art to view along the path as well.

Hidden World imaginative playground at Fitzgibbon is a hidden treasure. Designed by artist Russell Anderson, it’s worth taking the kids on an outing to see it. Nearby there’s a bike path beside Cabbage Tree Creek for the family to explore.

Dawn Road nature reserve has 2km of gravel trails which are family friendly. If you have bikes with fat tyres then this is a good introduction to cycling in the bush. The trails are flat and wide; it’s easy mountain biking. You can then cycle beside Albany Creek on a shady bike path. Look for the amazing obstacle course playground off Wendon Way. Truly a challenge for kids and parents. Have a go! Playgrounds are not just for your children.

Downfall Creek cycleway covers about 7km one way from Chermside West, through Chermside to Geebung. About halfway is the adventure playground in 7^th Brigade Park and a road skill training course (pictured below). For people on the northside of Brisbane, these park facilities provide an interesting cycling outing for the family.

Kedron Brook bikeway is not only the most popular family ride in Brisbane it’s also the longest.  This well-known bikeway goes from the mouth of Kedron Brook at Nudgee Beach all the way to Keperra. We recommend including Kalinga Park on your ride; being a top playground in Brisbane. There’s also a mini road intersection for kids to practice obeying road signs.

Every family knows that New Farm Park has a lot to offer, but do you know there’s a world class pathway from the park up to Newstead House. Called the Riverwalk, a lot is boardwalk suspended over the Brisbane River. An interesting 5km one way, there’s a lot to discover. I photographed optimists fishing from a jetty. Looked like a lovely way to pass the afternoon.

Looking for a park with a bike track for kids on their first tricycle or balance bike? Perrin Park in Toowong has a circuit for tiny tots and a bigger track right around this large park. Mum can jog or walk the longer circuit while dad looks after the little ones on their bikes or scooters. I always hop on the monorail train and pedal around for a while; I can’t resist because it’s fun.

Behind Springfield Central’s Orion shopping centre is one of Ipswich greatest recreational assets – Robelle Domain. About 11km of high quality bike paths are beautifully landscaped with lots of signage so you can’t get lost. The pathways take you past cascades and ponds, water play parks and state-of-the-art play sets for kids and adults. You cycle through verdant parkland and along a rainforest walk in the tree tops. Expect plenty of company in this park on the weekend!

The lake that gives Forest Lake its name is well known in Brisbane. Many locals and visitors run, cycle or walk with baby in the pram or with their young kids riding scooters up ahead. But did you know that the islands at the northern end are a waterbird sanctuary? You’ll see ducks, geese, moorhens, ibis and even pelicans gliding on the lake here.

Berrinba Wetland has been wonderfully revegetated with half a million native plants, making this bike ride a great nature experience through bushland and wetland. Choose between a very short Billabong Outlook Circuit, the 3km circumnavigation of the wetland or the widest loop which is 8km. Added to this are high class facilities. One playground shelter is big enough for a large birthday party and there are several sets of play equipment, off Wayne Goss Drive.

Fish and chips anyone? The Wynnum-Manly-Lota cycle path has great views of Moreton Bay, its boat harbours and islands. Halfway along, Pandanus Beach is famous for the shallow salt-water pool and an array of play equipment. The total distance is 20km return but a word of advice; if the bay breeze is pushing you along, when you turn around to return that same breeze will be pushing you backwards!

Blog by Gillian Duncan, co-author with Mark Roberts of Family Rides in South East Qld.

Sights on my journey along the best bike paths in greater Brisbane, selected from our huge collection of mapped rides in our book, Family Rides in South East Qld. Brisbane has many kms of safe bike paths, often close to home, that take you places. Pathways travel to your local park, through bushland or beside your local creek.

We have included in our book the best places to ride, whether you’re young or old, where it’s safely off the road and very scenic; really lovely places to be. Take a scooter, bring the dog, stop at all the play equipment along the way – getting outdoors is always fun.

Our cover says it all. This book is full of easy, fun bike paths. This little girl can ride them all, but maybe not as far as you can.