Sweeney Reserve

Sweeney Reserve provides recreational opportunities for play, exercise and river access within the lush parklands of Petrie. It is a space for every member of the family to enjoy, even the dog.

From the moment you near the gate posts, the flying foxes in the Reserve welcome you. The Reserve demonstrates great care and respect for the land and its inhabitants by informing visitors about the wildlife, history, and ongoing works.

Sweeney Reserve Playground

The playground at Sweeney Reserve in the Moreton Bay Region is a relatively small, partially fenced area suitable for younger children.

The playground is set within a short hillside that opens to the lawn. A path trails through the hillside garden, where kids can descend via one of the two slides. The hillside also provides the opportunity to climb the rope web and climbing wall. A nest swing and cone spinner are available for those who enjoy swinging or spinning.

There is also a large sandpit featuring a metal digger.

A sheltered, single barbeque area and a water filter are outside the playground. The toilet block, car park and dog park are next to the playground.

Sweeney Reserve Parklands

The parkland at Sweeney Reserve is a vast landscape of lush green grass, open spaces and large shady trees next to the banks of the North Pine River.

The reserve offers opportunities for many recreational activities. An outdoor exercise equipment station is provided, featuring a shoulder press, recumbent bike, lat pull down and leg press.

Wide and smooth footpaths wind between the areas, making them suitable for wheelchairs, prams and bikes. For those who like to run, the path veers from the parklands and has Parkrun markings. Overall this reserve is a lovely tree-filled location offering a nice nature-filled walk for families with young children.

Picnics are encouraged, and a sheltered barbecue area is only a short walk from the car park and toilet block. Next to this area is a wooden bridge crossing a small gully.

Mangroves grow along the access points to the North Pine River, with a small fishing spot and cement area for launching canoes.

The Reserve is dog friendly, but they must be on a leash unless they are frolicking on the lawn of the enclosed designated dog park (off leash area). This is a koala precinct and we cannot stress enough that if you bring your dog here, please maintain control over them while they are in this special place.

Nice to know: History

Sweeney Reserve is located where Gympie Road used to cross the North Pine River, and you can spot timber remnants of the old bridge here. During World war 1 and before World War 2, this was a popular place for families to meet for picnics and recreational swimming. Like Rafting Grounds Reserve on the South Side, Sweeney Reserve was also where felled timber could be accessed from the river. It was also here that felled timber was sent out to the ocean. Learn more about the history of Sweeney Reserve.

Imagination Factor

A visit to Sweeney Reserve will allow kids to enjoy open-ended, unstructured play in the outdoors. Kids can learn about the local animals that inhabit the area and they can also spot them in the trees and sky above. I wonder what they will notice in the banks of the North Pine River? Can they spot a wild koala?

If you want you can prepare in advance and impress them with this list of koala facts for kids.

Take a slow moment to lie in the lush grass and observe the sky above. I wonder what sounds can be heard when your kids close their eyes?

The playground also offers endless opportunities for play as kids swing, spin, climb, dig, and sculpt in the sand.

Accessibility

Wide, smooth footpaths wind throughout the parklands and almost all of the areas, including picnic areas are easily wheelchair and pram accessible, except for access to the river.

The river is unfenced and unshaded. Close supervision will be required at these locations.

The toilet block is next to the main car park, dog park and playground. It includes an accessible toilet and a change table.

The playground is partially fenced and located next to the car park and road entrance, so supervision will be required. The trees surrounding the perimetre provide shade but ensure the equipment is suitable for play on hot days.

Also, when planning your trip, consider that sporting events may be held at the neighbouring Junior Leagues Club on weekends.

Sweeney Reserve Features

Partially fenced playground with sand, mulch and rubber soft fall surfaces
Unshaded play equipment for young children
Unfenced parklands
Outdoor fitness equipment
Two sheltered barbeque areas
Bench seating scattered throughout
Filtered water station
Rubbish bins
Toilet block including an accessible toilet and change table
Off-street parking, including accessible parking spaces
Designated and fenced dog off-leash area
Informative signage
Access to the banks of the North Pine River
A good chance of seeing koalas!
If you are looking for a playground nearby check out Petrie Mill Playground which has both an adventure playground and water play features. If you enjoy picnics then you might also like to check out Mcgavin View nearby.

What We Thought of Sweeney Reserve

We think this reserve is ideal for outings in the great outdoors of the Moreton Bay Region. We can envisage this as a quiet space to exercise or take a gentle stroll and observe the wildlife. It is also suitable for a picnic barbeque, a play on the playground, a place to kick a ball or a spot to fish.

Due to the wide-open space, larger gatherings would also be suitable; you will need to bring additional seating and tables as required.