Karawatha Forest (and Stretton Recreation Reserve) – Stretton/Karawatha

Lagoon @ Karawatha Forest

Karawatha Forest is one of the largest nature reserves in the Brisbane region encompassing more than 900ha of bushland and sub-coastal lowlands. The forest is found 20kms South of Brisbane off the Gateway Motorway in the suburbs of Stretton and Karawatha. The main access points to Karawatha Forest are via the two picnic grounds, the larger off of Acacia Road and the other located off Illaweena Street.

The large native forest includes a myriad of trails criss-crossing the country side. The North of the reserve tends to be more rugged terrain with trails that climb to lookouts, rocky outcrops and a secluded picnic area. The South of the forest near the Stretton Recreation Reserve heads into more sub-coastal lowlands with lagoons, swamps and boardwalks.

More than 320 plant species can be found in Karawatha Forest along with Koalas, Wallabies and more.

Karawatha Forest

Trails wind through the forest from North to South and East to West covering most of the different habitats in Karawatha Forest. Some of the more popular trails include

• Rocks Circuit – Located in the North of the forest, this track is best accessed from the Acacia Picnic Ground and heads up to a lookout and secluded picnic area.
• Lagoon Trail – This trail leads off from the Illaweena Picnic Area through sub-coastal lowlands, swamps and lagoons and includes a small board-walk.
• Melaleuca Circuit – This 1km circuit starts just North of the Illaweena Picnic Area and heads through dry bushland and lagoons.
• Other popular trails include Ironbark Circuit, a short track in the North of the forest, Banksia Trail which cuts through the middle of the forest and Brushtail Track which follows the Eastern border of the forest.

The Quarry Lake is another popular destination for locals in the area. This area was apparently abandoned after more than a million litres of water ran into the quarry. Although the area is signed for no swimming and has a dilapidated fence around the border, it has become a popular swimming hole for locals.

Picnic tables and barbeques @ Acacia Picnic Area

Three picnic areas are located in Karawatha Forest and they are

• The Illaweena Picnic area is located in the South of the forest and includes grassed lawns, picnic tables that adjoin a lagoon and car park that accommodates around 20 cars.
• The Acacia Picnic Area is located of Acacia Road and is the larger of the two with large covered picnic area, wood fired barbeque facilities, public toilets, a large grassed area and car park for around 20 cars.
• and Picnic Rock Area which is located in the North of the forest about a 1km hike from Acacia Picnic Area. This picnic area includes a covered picnic table with panoramic vistas out to the North and East.

Access to the Karawatha Forest via public transport is relatively easy with Trinder Park Railway Station nearly adjacent to the forest and regular buses servicing the area. For more information on public transport please visit Translink.

The following link provides more information on Karawatha Forest and a map of the roads and many tracks that criss-cross the area. Link to Karawatha Forest map and further information.

Facilities At Karawatha Forest(and Stretton Recreation Reserve)

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