toohey forest Archives - Tarragindi News

Toohey Forest BioBlitz Doubles Brisbane’s Species Count

Photo Credit: Griffith University/LinkedIn

When scientists and volunteers took to Toohey Forest for a weekend survey, they documented part of a rich ecosystem hidden in plain sight at the forest, home to more than 500 species.

Community Effort in Action

Between 5 and 6 September 2025, more than 80 volunteers joined Griffith University researchers for the Toohey Forest BioBlitz. This two-day survey invited everyday nature lovers to help document the forest’s rich ecology.

Using the app iNaturalist, they photographed plants, insects, birds and fungi across the campus and surrounding bushland. In total, they recorded 4,166 observations and identified 516 unique species, nearly doubling the site’s previously known biodiversity record.

Lead organiser Wade Hadwen from Griffith’s School of Environment and Science said the data not only mapped the forest’s ecological health but also created a valuable baseline for future monitoring. The project was run in partnership with the Griffith EcoCentre, with community engagement at its core. Many participants were new to biodiversity surveys, yet their observations significantly expanded scientific records of the area.

*Photo Credit: Griffith University/LinkedIn*

Findings That Matter

Among the hundreds of records were sightings of endangered and vulnerable wildlife, including the Koala and the Powerful Owl. The findings confirmed that Toohey Forest still supports species of conservation concern despite sitting within metropolitan Brisbane.

Specialists and enthusiasts working across plant, insect and fungi groups helped uncover major data gaps, especially among smaller species such as spiders, beetles and fungi.

Griffith University noted that the expanded dataset could inform management of the forest, including habitat protection, fire control and biodiversity planning. The results also showed how collaborative research can reconnect urban residents with the natural world in their own backyard.

A Baseline for the Future

Hadwen explained that Toohey Forest acts as a “biodiverse island oasis” surrounded by urban development, making it an ideal site to track how ecosystems adapt to environmental pressures. Organisers said the success of this first BioBlitz could pave the way for ongoing volunteer monitoring programs that continue to build on the dataset.

Participants reported the experience as educational, with many saying it strengthened their connection to the local environment. The BioBlitz has become a model for community-driven conservation, blending academic research with public participation to protect one of Brisbane’s last remaining forest corridors.

Published 22-Oct-2025

Popular Toohey Forest Walking Tracks to Reconnect with Nature

Considered as one of the few remaining “green lungs” in Brisbane, Toohey Forest is not just home to a number of native plants and animals, but it also boasts an extensive network of both paved and unpaved walking tracks.

*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Toohey Forest was named after James Toohey, an Irish-born who amassed wealth in the California gold rush and bought this land in 1870. His descendants held the land until the Council acquired it in 1945.

Spanning approximately 260 hectares and just 10 kilometres from the CBD, Toohey Forest offers a perfect place for a family outing with a number of barbecue and picnic areas: Gertrude Petty Place, Mt Gravatt Outlook picnic area, and Mayne Estate and Toohey picnic area.

*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr*

There are 30 intertwining cycling and walking tracks of varying difficulty spread throughout the forest, with the longest track just 3.5 kilometres long and the shortest being just 250 metres.

Toohey Forest ideed has some of the best spots for walking, biking, picnicking or just spending a lazy afternoon. Needless to say, you will be rewarded with marvelous views of Brisbane and its surrounding suburbs from Mt Gravatt Outlook.

Toohey Forest Walking Tracks — *Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr*

Popular Toohey Forest easy to moderate walking tracks

Nathan Ridge Track – Prepare to spend about one hour walking through this paved 3.5km track that leads from Toohey Ridge and connects to the Griffith University Campus ring road.
Toohey Ridge Track – Rated as easy walking, this three-kilometre track runs from the Toohey picnic area along the ridgeline and leads to the South East Freeway.

Sandstone Circuit – This 750-metre short track begins at the Toohey picnic area then follows a winding path through the forest. This is a moderate walking track with bench seats available to take a breather along the way.
Toohey Mountain Track -The journey along this 1.5km track starts from Mayne Estate picnic area and follows the ridge southwards to Pegg’s Lookout.
Summit Track – Summit track begins at Gertrude Petty Place then leads to Mt Gravatt Outlook. It stretches 1.2 kilometres and will take about 40 minutes to traverse it by walking.

Don’t forget to prepare for slippery and rough tracks by wearing protective footwear. Also, wear a hat and loose, long sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid scratches, bites, and sunburn.

Community Walk and Talk Supports Local Mothers in Tarragindi

Photo Credit: Pexels

A local walking event in Tarragindi is providing a supportive space for mothers, children and families to connect through shared experiences and breastfeeding support.

Community Connection Through Walking in Tarragindi

Mothers, children and families are gathering in Tarragindi for a pram-friendly walk through Toohey Forest, offering a relaxed setting for social connection, shared parenting experiences, and breastfeeding support.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at Shaftesbury Street Park on Laura Street, with the group meeting at 9:45 a.m. in the Toohey Picnic Area. Participants will follow the accessible Toohey Ridge Track, covering approximately 3 kilometres, before returning for a snack and informal chat in the picnic area.

breastfeeding support — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Background and Purpose

The initiative forms part of a regular local gathering and marks the final catch-up for the term. Organisers are encouraging participation from women with prams, older children, and families, creating an inclusive environment focused on physical activity and community bonding.

The event also provides access to a trained breastfeeding counsellor, aligning with broader efforts to support families on their breastfeeding journey.

Support Aligned with National Vision

The event is supported by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), which aims to normalise breastfeeding across Australian society. ABA is recognised as the national authority on breastfeeding education and support, providing services such as a 24-hour helpline, online resources, antenatal classes and trained peer support.

More than 1,000 volunteers, most of whom are mothers with firsthand experience, deliver ABA’s services. Many of these volunteers are qualified through a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education.

Peer Support and Local Engagement

The Tarragindi event aligns with ABA’s strategic priorities, including community-based breastfeeding support and promotion of inclusive, breastfeeding-friendly environments. By bringing together families in an informal setting, the event encourages social support networks while providing access to accurate and evidence-based breastfeeding information.

Participants are encouraged to share personal experiences and offer encouragement to others who may be seeking support.

Ongoing Engagement

While the event marks the final local meeting for the current term, families attending have opportunities to continue engaging with ABA programs and services throughout the year. Information on upcoming gatherings and resources is available through local contact points.

Published 15-July-2025

Locals Step Up as Koala Underpass Plan in Toohey Forest Gains Urgency

Plans for a wildlife underpass at Toohey Forest are moving forward, with local residents and wildlife carers pushing for greater protections, monitoring and research, as frequent koala sightings increase the risk for more road deaths.

Community Concern Grows Around Koala Road Risks

Earlier this month, plans were confirmed for a wildlife underpass beneath Toohey Road to connect both sides of Toohey Forest. Since then, residents living near the forest have come forward with growing concern about the number of koalas seen dangerously close to traffic, calling the project overdue and urging stronger action.

Local wildlife advocate Brad Lambert, who runs a dedicated Facebook group about the area’s koalas, has observed a sharp increase in sightings over the past year. He said he spotted 10 koalas across different locations in just one week and had previously counted up to 19 in a single week. He also noted a rise in the number of road strikes involving the animals, despite the lack of an official database tracking deaths.

Lambert said more consistent monitoring and clearer population data were urgently needed to assess the risk and determine whether local koala numbers could be sustained over time.

A Call for Scientific Monitoring

While Brisbane already has a land bridge at Compton Road near Karawatha Forest and aerial rope crossings in other areas, the Toohey Forest project will be the city’s first purpose-built underpass for koalas. With that in mind, advocates are hoping it will also become a research opportunity.

Lambert and others are encouraging council to install motion-sensing cameras at both ends of the underpass to allow researchers, including those from nearby Griffith University, to track how often wildlife use the structure. Currently, there is little available data on how well these types of crossings work in urban areas like Brisbane.

By gathering information from day one, residents hope the project can provide long-term insights and shape future wildlife planning elsewhere in the city.

History, Habitat and Hopes for the Future

Toohey Forest, which borders the suburbs of Tarragindi, Moorooka and Nathan, is now one of the city’s healthiest koala habitats — but that wasn’t always the case. Around 30 years ago, there were no known koalas in the forest. Some carers believe the population may have grown as a result of rescues and relocations from other parts of Brisbane, where habitat loss has been more severe.

The underpass, funded by with a $3-million contribution through the Saving Koalas Fund, will sit just southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area. It will be designed with natural materials like mulch and logs to encourage animal use and will include fencing to guide wildlife away from the road and toward the crossing.

Cr Steve Griffiths said the fencing, along with escape hatches for trapped animals, would allow traffic to continue at normal speeds while improving safety for wildlife. He welcomed the funding and acknowledged residents’ long-standing calls for action.

Council is expected to begin construction sometime between mid-to-late 2025. In the meantime, updates will be shared with residents as the project moves closer to its start date.

Published 14-July-2025

Toohey Forest Set for New Wildlife Corridor Under Busy Road

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Native animals in Toohey Forest will soon get a safer way to cross Toohey Road as plans will move ahead for a new wildlife underpass linking key bushland habitats.

Work Set to Begin in 2025

Construction of the Toohey Road wildlife underpass is expected to start from mid-to-late 2025, backed by funding from Australia’s Saving Koalas Fund. The project will create a 2.4-metre by 2.4-metre concrete culvert beneath Toohey Road, southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area, connecting sections of Toohey Forest that are home to native species such as koalas.

Safe Passage for Local Wildlife

The project plan details a purpose-built underpass with natural materials like mulch and logs inside, so animals can move safely and feel comfortable using it. A log pole frame will help wildlife cross without stepping onto the road above.

To guide animals to the crossing and keep them off the road, new fencing 1.2 metres high will run 50 metres on each side of the culvert. Wildlife escape hatches will be built into the fencing, giving animals another chance to move away from the road if needed.

Some trees and plants will need to be removed to make space for the fencing, but this will be done with care and advice from qualified arborists to protect Toohey Forest’s natural environment as much as possible.

Safer Roads for Everyone

The plan aims to reduce animal strikes along Toohey Road, which will make the area safer for both drivers and wildlife. By linking habitats on both sides of the road, the underpass will help animals reach food, mates and shelter without crossing busy traffic lanes.

This connection is expected to help wildlife survive during bushfires and other emergencies by giving them more ways to move through the forest safely.

A Win for the Community

Toohey Forest is a valued green space for people living in Tarragindi, Nathan, Salisbury and surrounding suburbs. Locals who visit the picnic areas, walking trails and car parks near the site are expected to benefit too, as fewer animal crossings on the road will make driving safer.

The Council says more updates will be shared with nearby residents closer to the start of construction, and the project team can be reached for questions or feedback.

Published 5-July-2025

Former Cow Shed Transformed into Landmark Home in Tarragindi

Photo Credit: Atlas

A former cow shed in Tarragindi has been converted into a three-level architect-designed home and is now listed for auction on 9 May, with multimillion-dollar expectations.

From Cow Shed to City-View Home

An original dairy cow shed in Tarragindi has undergone a 22-year transformation into a distinctive multi-storey residence now set to go under the hammer. Purchased privately in 2003 by a couple with architectural and construction experience, the property at 6 Thornycroft Street is positioned on an elevated block backing onto Toohey Forest.

Initially serving as a rural utility structure, the original cottage was acquired for around $300,000. Renovation milestones included major works completed 15 and eight years ago, with final additions finished in the past year. The transformation has preserved select structural elements of the original shed.

Elevated Living with Bespoke Detail

The completed home spans 617 square metres and is designed across three levels with city-facing 180-degree views that include the Gateway Bridge and Mount Gravatt. The layout includes four bedrooms—one a self-contained studio—four bathrooms, three kitchens, two living areas, a media room, and a full-size gym with separate access.

Interior features include handcrafted Moroccan chandeliers, spiral staircases, encaustic tiles, and artisan timber finishes. External highlights include landscaped gardens, dual street access, caravan and boat parking, and multifold doors for indoor-outdoor living. Smart home features include ducted air conditioning, Wi-Fi lighting, and integrated security systems.

Tarragindi property — *Photo Credit: Atlas*

Tarragindi’s Rising Property Market

Tarragindi’s housing market has significantly appreciated in recent years, with median house prices nearly doubling since 2020 to reach $1.459 million. New builds have reportedly surpassed $3 million, and the suburb’s current price record stands at $3.75 million.

Selling agents have noted strong early interest in the property, especially from buyers in nearby areas including Bulimba and Hawthorne. Over 20 groups reportedly inspected the home over the Easter long weekend.

Atlas property market — *Photo Credit: Atlas*

Architectural Integrity Meets Historical Legacy

While heavily modernised, the home retains original materials including sections of the pine flooring and timber panelling. The renovation was described by the owners as an evolution that aimed to respect the structure’s rural past while embracing a new urban identity.

Auction Details

The property at 6 Thornycroft Street, Tarragindi will be auctioned onsite at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, 9 May. The sale is managed by Atlas by LJ Hooker.

Published 30-Apr-2025

Tarragindi’s Toohey Forest: A Bushwalker’s Paradise Just Minutes from the City

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Lucky Tarragindi locals! Guess what? You’ve got one of Brisbane’s most incredible natural playgrounds just a stone’s throw away! Toohey Forest is bursting with life and adventure, from scenic walking tracks to tranquil picnic spots.

A mere 10 kilometres from the CBD, this 260-hectare reserve provides a remarkable snapshot of the lush vegetation that once blanketed the city. Named after James Toohey, a prominent landholder who acquired the area in the 1800s during the gold rush, the forest offers a tranquil escape for those seeking to reconnect with nature and achieve their daily 10,000 steps.

A Rich History and Diverse Landscape

The history of Toohey Forest intertwines with the stories of prominent figures like James Toohey and Patrick Mayne, who played significant roles in shaping the area in the 19th century. Today, the forest is a testament to its legacy, offering a diverse landscape catering to various fitness levels and interests.

Three Trails to Reach Your 10,000 Steps

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, Toohey Forest has a trail to suit your needs. Here are three options to help you achieve your 10,000 steps while immersing yourself in the beauty of this urban oasis:

Sandstone Circuit

Distance: 1km

Duration: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

This circuit is perfect for a quick escape into nature. The path winds through ancient trees and sandstone formations, offering glimpses of the city from the Sandstone and Western Lookouts. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a short and scenic walk.

Planchoniana/Nathan & Toohey Ridge Track

Distance: 3km

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: Moderate

This track provides a moderate challenge for those seeking a slightly longer adventure. Named after the white-flowered eucalypt blossoms in spring, the Planchoniana Track meanders through diverse flora and fauna. The trail then joins the sealed Nathan Ridge Track, leading to the Toohey Ridge Track, known for its stunning grass trees.

Toohey Ridge Track

Distance: 5 km return

Duration: Varies

Difficulty: Easy

This accessible track is perfect for families, pram pushers, cyclists, and wheelchair users. Starting at either the Toohey Picnic Grounds or the Nathan Ridge Track entrance, the paved path traverses eucalyptus forests and gentle hills, offering a leisurely experience for all.

More Than Just A Walk In The Park

Beyond its walking trails, Toohey Forest provides a habitat for many native wildlife. Look for colourful birds, curious brushtail possums, and perhaps even a shy koala. The forest also boasts picnic areas and scenic lookouts, making it an ideal destination for a day out with family and friends.

So, whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, connect with nature, or simply enjoy the serenity of the bush, Tarragindi’s Toohey Forest offers an accessible and rewarding experience for everyone.

Published Date 21-October-2024

Study Reveals ‘Grim’ Outlook for Queensland’s Iconic Koalas

A University of Queensland study has uncovered alarming trends for koalas admitted to veterinary hospitals in South East Queensland.

Read: Uncovering History: Toohey Forest’s Hidden Past

The research, analysing records from 1997 to 2019, shows that euthanasia was the most common outcome for these iconic marsupials.

The study, led by PhD candidate Renae Charalambous, examined over 50,000 koala sightings and hospital admissions. Only 25 percent of rescued koalas were released back into suitable habitats, while diseases like chlamydia accounted for nearly 30 percent of admissions. Car strikes and dog attacks, linked to habitat loss, emerged as significant threats.

“Many of the animals died before arriving at a vet hospital and those that did make it were often euthanised on the grounds of welfare, despite vets and carers doing their best to save them,” said Ms Charalambous.

Ms Charalambous describes the statistics as “grim,” noting that koalas hit by cars were four times more likely to be found dead than treated and released. Adult females and those with chlamydia faced higher risks of euthanasia.

“Seven percent of the koalas admitted to hospital had been attacked by dogs but were twice as likely to be found dead, and if they were taken into care alive, they were twice as likely to be euthanised than released.

This research comes at a critical time, following the reclassification of koalas as endangered in Queensland in 2022. Population estimates suggest koala numbers have halved over the past decade.

Toohey Forest: A Koala Haven at Risk

Koala at Toohey Forest (Photo credit: Bunami/Google Maps)

Toohey Forest, a known koala hotspot in Brisbane, also faces an uncertain future as the city prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games. Recent plans to redevelop the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) for the Olympics have raised alarm among conservationists.

The Quirk Review, assessing potential Olympic venues, suggested that this redevelopment might require clearing local bushland and widening the pathway between QSAC and Griffith University.

Read: Toohey Forest in Tarragindi Continues To Show a Spike in Wildlife Sightings

As planning for the Olympics continues, stakeholders are being urged to consider innovative solutions that can accommodate both urban development and koala conservation. The situation in Toohey Forest serves as a microcosm of the larger challenges facing koala populations across Queensland, emphasising the need for careful urban planning and strong conservation measures.

Published 10-September-2024

Griffith University’s N82 Building: A Green Oasis Inspired by Toohey Forest

Construction is on the horizon for a groundbreaking addition to Griffith University’s Nathan campus, a structure poised to redefine the campus landscape. The new N82 building is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the nearby Toohey Forest.

To earn a prestigious five-star Green Star Building V1 rating, the project also aspires to set new standards in responsible construction and procurement.

The N82 building is slated to become a campus centrepiece, distinguished by a central outdoor atrium created through a series of elevated terraces. The facility is set to introduce a host of innovative features, with a special focus on catering to a diverse range of needs.

The building’s internal colour palette will mirror the vibrant fauna and flora of the forest, offering a serene and harmonious environment for its occupants.

Griffith University’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Bryant, is at the forefront of this visionary project.

Inclusivity at its Core

Of particular note is the inclusion of a Changing Places facility on the ground level, specially designed to accommodate individuals living with disabilities. This facility will boast essential amenities such as a hoist, a change bed, and an accessible toilet.

Beyond accessibility, the N82 building will encompass formal and informal teaching spaces, comfortable lounge areas, and integrated teaching spaces seamlessly merging with research and staff accommodation.

A Shared Commitment

In an exciting collaboration, the N82 project team is partnering with Griffith University’s engineering academics to propose the installation of geotechnical and structural real-time sensing into the building. These sensors will measure critical data, including movement, deflection, and groundwater fluctuations, further enhancing the building’s functionality.

Jerome Johnson, General Manager Construction Queensland/Northern Territory at Lendlease, expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with Griffith University on this project. Beyond construction, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the educational experience for students, staff, and the research community.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, N28 will undoubtedly stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when nature, technology, and academia converge in harmonious synergy.

Published 4-Jan-2024

Uncovering History: Toohey Forest’s Hidden Past

Toohey Forest, a tranquil retreat known for its ecological significance and scenic beauty, was the site of a significant discovery of artefacts in the late 19th century. Over one hundred years later, a new round of efforts are being made to uncover the story behind that discovery.

The Indigenous Significance

Toohey Forest, a part of the Brisbane area known as Meanjin to the Turrbal and Yuggera Peoples, is rich in Indigenous history. This land was home to abundant natural resources and served as a hub for traditional activities. From hunting and crafting using the local fauna to spiritual and ceremonial practices, the forest was integral to the Indigenous way of life.

Even in the post-European settlement era, indigenous people continued their traditional practices in the forest, albeit with increasing challenges due to displacement.

The Discovery by George Thomas McDonald

In the late 19th century, a significant discovery was made by George Thomas McDonald, a surveyor and farmer. While exploring Toohey Forest, McDonald stumbled upon a cave that housed a collection of ochre-painted human bones, alongside stone and shell knives.

Mr McDonald, who was born in Scotland in 1835 and later settled in Brisbane, played a pivotal role in bringing these historical pieces to light. He passed away on 29 Jan 1915 in Wynnum at the age of 79.

Since then, the artifacts have been carefully preserved and later housed at the Queensland Museum.

Recent Developments and Research

Fast forward to the 21st century, and these artefacts have once again sparked interest. The Annerley Stephens History Group is leading the charge and recently organised a conference to delve deeper into the nature and history of the artefacts.

The event aimed to shed light on the local history, with a focus on the First Nations’ heritage. A key aspect of the conference was to discuss the significance of these artefacts and their connection to the local Indigenous people.

With the consent of Aboriginal elders, a thorough examination of these artefacts has gotten underway to determine their age and deeper historical context.

Toohey Forest Today

Today, Toohey Forest stands as a testament to Brisbane’s rich and diverse history. It is not only a natural sanctuary but also a bridge connecting the present to the past. The discovery of these artefacts has opened a new chapter in understanding the Indigenous heritage of the area, offering insights into the lives and practices of Australia’s First Peoples.

As research continues, Toohey Forest is poised to reveal more of its hidden stories, enriching our understanding of the land and its original inhabitants.

Published 14-Nov-2023