Environment centres
Visit our environment centres to learn more about nature. Find events, information for schools and volunteer opportunities.
About the environment centres
Our environment centres provide unique, purpose-built facilities that give you the chance to connect with nature.
Learn about Brisbane’s flora and fauna through a variety of activities, such as guided walks, Bush Kindy and nature journalling. You can also volunteer as a guide or greeter.
Visit a centre at:
Environment centres also offer outdoor, curriculum-based learning for school groups. Book your students into a learning program to deepen their understanding of the environment.
Entry to all of our environment centres is free, but there is a charge for some activities.
Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
This centre is located at the Raven Street Reserve and is part of the Chermside Hills Reserves.
Immerse yourself in environmental displays, learn about flora, fauna and how to preserve our natural environment.
Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
815 Rode Road, Chermside West, 4032 07 3407 2400 DCBC@brisbane.qld.gov.auTuesday to Friday: 9am-4pm
Saturday to Monday: Closed
Facilities
Free native plants
Bring your paid rates notice from the current financial year to claim 2 free native plants.
Children’s trail
Are the kids tagging along? Keep them entertained and walk the Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail through the reserve.
Mountains to Mangroves Senses Trail
Discover local bushland secrets and set your senses free on the all-abilities Mountains to Mangroves Senses Trail.
Enjoy audio narration on the native flora and fauna at select spots along this 400-metre trail – perfect to take at your own pace.
You'll also find wheelchair access, handrails, and interpretive signs in braille and raised text.
Download the audio files before starting your walk.
Group bookings
Contact the centre to organise a visit for groups of more than 30 people.
For more information:
- phone the centre on 07 3407 2400
- email the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre.
Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre
Learn about the importance of preserving tidal wetlands and migratory shorebirds, enjoy interactive displays and animation games, and meet our tree crevice skinks.
Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre
31 Paperbark Drive, Boondall, 4034 07 3403 1490 BWEC@brisbane.qld.gov.auTuesday to Friday: 9am-4pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am-12pm
Monday: Closed
Facilities
Free native plants
Bring your paid rates notice from the current financial year to claim 2 free native plants.
Children’s trail
Are the kids tagging along? Keep them entertained and walk the Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail through the wetlands.
Group bookings
Contact the centre to organise a visit for groups of more than 30 people.
For more information:
- phone the centre on 07 3403 1490
- email the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre.
Watch a virtual tour of the Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre
Take a virtual walk through our amazing Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre and then come and join us at the centre to view our environmental and cultural displays in person, discover facts about the wetlands flora and fauna, and learn about the importance of preserving natural areas.
Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre
Discover Queensland's first dedicated nature play space, enjoy the sculptures, interactive projections and learn about the local frog population.
Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre
149 Acacia Road, Karawatha, 4117 07 3178 0330 KFDC@brisbane.qld.gov.auTuesday to Sunday: 9am-4pm
Monday: Closed
Facilities
Meeting rooms
Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre features 2 meeting rooms available for environment-focused community and corporate groups.
The rooms seat up to 20 people each. They can be combined to make a larger space, seating 40 people.
The meeting rooms are available for bookings 6 days per week (Tuesday–Sunday), depending on availability. They can be booked for between the hours of 9am and 4pm.
The meeting rooms include:
- air conditioning
- free Brisbane City Council guest Wi-Fi
- kitchenette
- tea and coffee making facilities
- seats, tables, projector, in-built speakers, sound system and whiteboard
- wheelchair access.
Community use
Community use of the meeting rooms is free for environment-focused community groups not charging for their event.
Registered charities must supply an Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) number, or an Australian business number (ABN), and must also be approved by Council.
Commercial use
The following fees apply to community groups using a meeting room for commercial purposes, or when people are paying fees to attend:
| Hourly | 30.30 |
| Half day or evening (fixed rate) | $71.70 |
| Full day (fixed rate) | $144.45 |
Corporate use
The following costs apply to corporate or any non-community use:
| Hourly | $61.20 |
| Half day or evening (fixed rate) | $165.60 |
| Full day (fixed rate) | $328.20 |
Group bookings
Complete the online form to organise a visit for groups of more than 30 people (including Out of School Care groups). You must do this at least 10 days before your visit.
Children’s trail
Help your kids connect with nature as they explore the forest through the Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail.
Free native plants
Bring your paid rates notice from the current financial year to claim 2 free native plants.
Watch a virtual tour of the Karawatha Discovery Centre
Take a virtual walk through our amazing Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre and then come and join us at the centre to enjoy our interactive floor projection of a frog habitat, sculptural forest discovery area, night-time audiovisual experience and more. The centre also includes Queensland's first nature play space.
Events at environment centres
Council offers recreational and educational activities at environment centres.
Enjoy free guided walks, Bush Kindy, fitness and wellness activities, workshops and more.
Student learning programs
School programs
Discover Brisbane's natural wonders through unique learning experiences at any of our environment centres.
Our curriculum-based programs deepen students' environmental understanding, empowering them to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city.
View the current learning programs available for primary and secondary students.
Engage in role-play, art and guided walks to uncover the secrets of Brisbane's bushland, wetland, and waterway habitats.
To make a booking and view the fees, complete the online form.
Bring nature to your classroom with our free online resources. Online lessons are available on topics such as mangrove adaptations, creek catchments, habitats and more.
Kindergarten programs
Our Creek Neighbours online program connects kindy kids, their families and the community to their local creek catchment.
Program outline
There are 4 sessions in the Creek Neighbours program. They are all linked to the Early Years Learning Framework.
Learn how to use a dip net and identify macroinvertebrates (water bugs), which are indicators of waterway health.
Teach children about the importance of healthy creeks and encourage their natural curiosity and instinct to care for animals. You can also book a wildlife show at your kindergarten.
Gracie the Graceful Tree Frog is one of Council's mascots. You can decide how you'd like to incorporate Gracie into the program.
Create a variety of habitats in your kindergarten grounds. Use them to build biodiversity and support wildlife that visits local waterways.
Register to participate in the program and access supporting materials and staff assistance. Materials include a dip netting kit, creek game kit and a Gracie frog toy.
Download our additional resources for links to support the delivery of the Creek Neighbours program.
Volunteering
Share your passion for the natural environment and give back to the community by volunteering at an environment centre.
Volunteer to:
- greet and participate in visitor engagement
- deliver interactive activities and workshops for visitors
- lead interpretive guided walks
- provide event and activity support
- maintain and support Council's community composting hubs and free native plant nursery.
Sign up to volunteer using our online portal. You can also find out which centres are currently recruiting and which roles are available.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. All events and activities at our environment centres honour the Queensland Government Companion Card. This means you get free entry when accompanying a person with disability that requires attendant care support.
The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at Enoggera Reservoir is run by the Queensland Government. Find more information about the centre.