Shelley Road Park
Go birdwatching, photograph wildlife and explore by foot, bike or horse at Shelley Road Park. Download the track map.
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About Shelley Road Park
Located on Brisbane's outskirts in Kholo, Shelley Road Park offers a scenic retreat into nature.
The reserve contains a variety of habitats, from riverine areas to dry woodland. It also features walking tracks, riding trails, and rare animal and plant life.
Between 1912 and 1916, the site was a crucial transport corridor during the construction of Lake Manchester dam. Equipment and materials were brought up the Brisbane River to support the major engineering project.
The area later became important for water pumping operations, when engineers built a large pipeline from the river to the lake in 1927.
You may find remnants of these early engineering achievements throughout the reserve.
Getting there
Shelley Road Park
Travel options
Parking is available at the car park in the Lake Manchester Day Use Area, just a short walk from the park.
Access the reserve via several entry points on Lake Manchester Road.
Plan your trip with Translink’s journey planner.
Plan your ride using our bike paths map.
Plan your visit
Shelley Road Park’s diverse environments, varied terrain and proximity to the Brisbane River create an ideal place for a day in nature.
You can exercise in the outdoors, settle in for the day at one of the reserve's picnic areas, and spot rare birds and plants in their natural habitat.
Help preserve this natural area and keep safe when visiting.
- Keep your dog on a leash.
- Stay on the designated tracks.
- Don't touch or interfere with local wildlife and plants.
- Dispose of rubbish and dog waste responsibly.
- Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return, as mobile phone coverage can be patchy.
Shelley Road Park has walking tracks for all fitness and experience levels.
Choose from easy, moderate and hard walking tracks, including a relatively flat walk to the Brisbane River to more challenging walks for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park also connects to Lake Manchester (owned by Seqwater) for longer adventures.
Download the track map to view the track types, locations and grading.
Want to explore more of Brisbane on foot? Find other places to go running and walking.
This reserve provides plenty of natural areas and open spaces to rest and enjoy a packed meal.
Lay a blanket under a shady tree or eat with a river view.
Make sure you bring your own food and water, as no amenities or drinking water are available at the reserve.
Shelley Road Park's varied habitats, from bushy areas and open spaces to the nearby Brisbane River, create an ideal home for wildlife and plant species.
When visiting, keep an eye out for:
- rare birds such as the Eastern Whipbird or the Speckled Warbler
- birds of prey, including hawks, owls and falcons
- lorikeets, parrots, ducks and fairy-wrens.
Find out more about Brisbane's native animals.
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed in Shelley Road Park.
You must clean up after your dog and dispose of any waste responsibly.
Find information about the bushland's tracks and trails.
Yes, you can ride your bike on designated tracks in Shelley Road Park.
There are things you must do when cycling in the bushland to help keep yourself and others safe.
- Follow the track map and signage — don't go off-track or ride on walking tracks.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Give way to pedestrians and horses.
- Dismount and walk your bike around horses and through picnic areas.
- Slow down when passing horses, walkers and cyclists.
- Keep left and let others know you're passing.
- Control your speed and avoid skidding.
Find other places to ride in Brisbane.
Yes, you can ride your horse on designated trails in Shelley Road Park.
Horse riders can access the reserve via Lake Manchester Road.
To plan your ride, view the reserve's track map.
