Chermside Hills Reserve

This open eucalypt forest in the midst of the northern suburbs has gravelly walking paths winding through stands of banksia and grass trees. Try the Giwadha track, a 2km circuit exploring the reserve. The trail passes over Little Cabbage Tree Creek then ascends Spider Hill. Don't worry, there are no more spiders here than anywhere else in Australia, and while the summit view isn't great, the track winds across little bridges and boardwalks amid beautiful slopes of Xanthorrhoea (grass trees). If you want to extend your walk you can connect with the Signata track (500m) and the Stringybark track (900m) and explore the ridgelines to the north of the reserve. Wildflowers bloom here in spring, and there are plenty of birdwatching opportunities, especially near the creek. Come closer to dawn and dusk and many other forms of wildlife, from turtles to swamp wallabies, goannas and sugar gliders to name a few can be spotted. The more adventurous can link up with the Raven Street Reserve (see above) via the Milne Hill Reserve with a bit of mapwork.