It feels like you’ve stumbled into a national park, yet you’re still in suburbia. Tucked away in Murrumba Downs, John Oxley Reserve is a 10-hectare pocket of calm that many locals don’t even know exists.
Start your visit at the playground, where sprawling trees provide plenty of shade, offering cool relief on warm days. Older kids can climb, slide and explore their way through a large fort filled with tunnels, bridges and challenges, while little ones have a dedicated toddler space to enjoy. Wooden animal carvings are dotted throughout, adding an extra layer of imagination to the stunning natural surroundings.
Beyond the playground, wide-open grassy areas invite bike rides, ball games or a game of tag. Picnic tables, covered seating and electric barbecues make it easy to settle in for a relaxed day out. With accessible toilets and easy parking, it’s a great option for playdates, slow mornings or a quiet afternoon outdoors.
Bushwalks and Wildlife Encounters
When you’re ready to explore, follow the Carole Green Walkway, a 1.3km bush track winding through tall eucalyptus trees alive with birdsong. The path leads to a peaceful boardwalk along the North Pine River, where calm water, mangroves and fresh air make it feel a world away from everyday life. Along the way, information panels highlight local flora and fauna, adding an element of discovery for curious minds.
Keep an eye out for koalas snoozing in the trees and listen for the laughter of kookaburras overhead. You might spot butterflies fluttering through the bush and water dragons basking in the sun, with something always waiting to be noticed if you slow down. The walk is mostly gentle, with an incline on the return, so it is easy to take at your own pace and take in everything around you.
With sports fields, a community centre available for hire and plenty of space to gather, John Oxley Reserve is a spot you can enjoy in different ways. Whether you come for the playground, the bushwalk, a sports game, or to enjoy the quiet of the forest, you’ll leave wondering how a place like this has stayed under the radar for so long.
Find out more and plan your visit here.
John Oxley Reserve
- Ogg Road
- Murrumba Downs
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