Next time you are looking for a peaceful, family-friendly walk where you can appreciate water views and nature, be sure to check out the Moreton Bay Central Lakes Walk in Petrie, which officially opened to the public in June 2026.
This relaxing, 3km walking trail features wide, flat paths which encircle the lakes, making it fully accessible and a great place to explore the great outdoors. Pack some snacks to enjoy under the shaded picnic shelters, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like local osprey and koalas, and finish the visit with a play at The Mill Petrie playground and waterpark next door.
Moreton Bay Central Lakes Walk
Built on the land which formerly housed the Petrie Paper Mill, this well thought out 3km walk encircles two lakes, the east and west, and is a delightful way to get your steps up. Detailed information panels are dotted along the walk, providing interesting information about the history of the land, it’s previous inhabitants and of course the wildlife which can be found in the area.
Not keen on the whole walk, then that’s ok too. If you are short on time, or little legs are tiring, you can just walk around one of the lakes.
As you walk, you will also notice the North Pine River alongside the lakes, which adds another element to your walk. We even saw fish leaping out of the river when we visited.
For a quieter walk, with a higher chance of seeing koalas, and far enough from the roads you don’t hear traffic, then we suggest the East Lake Walk, but if you want to see the Osprey nest, and walk past The Mill Petrie playground, then you are better off doing the West Lake walk. Keep an eye out for the signposts and map to help direct you.
The leisurely stroll around both lakes is very doable, given the flat nature of the terrain, though bringing a scooter or pram for little legs might be an idea. Depending on your speed, and how often you stop to take in the surroundings, the 3km walk will take you anywhere between 40 – 60 minutes on average (quicker if you are briskly walking).
This $6 million project was supported by the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program and delivered under the SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund, with an aim to provide valuable green space in the vicinity of the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, which is to be built for the 2032 Olympic Games.
Accessibility
This 3km walking trail is very accessible thanks the wide concrete paths which encircle the lakes, making it ideal for those with mobility issues, including those using walking aides, wheelchairs or prams.
Accessible parking spaces can be found in the car park at the start of the trail. Additional spaces can also be found in the carpark next to the playground (the path can be accessed from this carpark too).
Accessible toilets, change rooms and showers can be found at The Mill Petrie playground and water park.
If you are looking to rest your legs and perhaps enjoy a snack, there are covered picnic tables near the car park, and also across at the playground area. Thanks to mature trees, the walk is mostly shaded, though this will depend on the time of day you visit.
Moreton Bay Central Lakes Walk Features
- 3km of wide, concrete paths
- Plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting
- Osprey nest
- Information panels along the walk
- Picnic shelters (no BBQ’s)
- Water tap
- Rubbish bins
- Next to The Mill Petrie Playground and Water Park
- Accessible toilets located at The Mill Petrie
- Ample off-street parking
Unfortunately, NO dogs are allowed on this walk, due to the koala habitat surrounding it.
While You Are in the Area
The Mill Petrie playground
Asides from this delightful stroll around the lakes, families can enjoy The Mill Petrie playground and waterpark which is located right next to the walk. In fact, you will walk straight past the playground on the West Lakes walk.
Want some more playground fun nearby then might we suggest a visit to Sweeney Reserve, where you will find plenty of space and a little playground or the sprawling Pine Rivers Park, where there are several play areas to choose from and a cool 18-hole disc golf course.
Given how close the Petrie Train Station is, you may also like to extend your journey on public transport and visit some of the many Brisbane playgrounds near train stations.
What We Thought of Moreton Bay Central Lakes Walk
Our family thoroughly enjoyed this pleasant walk around part of Petrie we hadn’t seen before. It was interesting reading about the history of the land and the sort of wildlife that calls it home.
The peaceful surroundings allowed us to chat comfortably as we looked to spot koalas (yes we saw one) and enjoyed some fresh air and water views. The beautiful blue skies created perfect reflections of the trees on the lakes, and the calls of the birdlife were lovely to listen to, especially when we heard our favourite – the whipbird.
Next time the kids will bring their scooters to take advantage of the wide, concrete paths.
How to Get Here
Moreton Bay Central Lakes Walk is located off Constance Lane in Petrie, beside The Mill Petrie playground and waterpark. Due to its newness, the carpark and walk may not appear on all maps, but if you head toward The Mill Petrie playground car park, you will find the entrance for the walk’s carpark on your left.
If utilising public transport, the Petrie Train Station is located a short walk away, and is connected by concrete pathways to The Mill Petrie playground and to the start of this walk.
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