Easy Rides and Scenic Views: Your Guide to Bulimba Creek Bikeway

Why Brisbane's Longest Bikeway Deserves Your Attention

Bulimba Creek Bikeway is Brisbane's longest bike path, stretching approximately 20 km from Murarrie to Eight Mile Plains. This picturesque, off-road shared path offers a peaceful escape through southeast Brisbane's suburbs, making it ideal for beginners, families, and anyone seeking a scenic ride away from busy roads.

Quick Facts:

• Distance: 20 km one-way (33.2 km out-and-back)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (mostly flat with some hills near Carindale)
• Surface: Paved, shared path
• Best for: Families, beginners, recreational cyclists, e-bike riders
• Amenities: Water taps, toilets, playgrounds, BBQs, shelters
• Connections: Links to V1 Bikeway at Eight Mile Plains
• Estimated time: 7+ hours for full out-and-back (shorter sections work great too)

The trail meanders alongside Bulimba Creek through parks and open fields, offering plenty of shade and wildlife spotting opportunities. You'll find amenities scattered throughout, making it perfect for a relaxed day out with the family or a gentle fitness ride.

I'm Andrea Herklots from EveryBody eBikes, and I've spent years helping Brisbane riders find the joy of cycling on trails like the Bulimba Creek Bikeway. Whether you're considering an e-bike to make hills easier or simply want to explore more of what Brisbane offers, this guide will help you plan your first ride with confidence.

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Your Complete Guide to the Bulimba Creek Bikeway

Why You'll Love This Ride

The Bulimba Creek Bikeway offers a peaceful escape into nature within Brisbane's southeast suburbs. It is an ideal choice for a quiet morning ride or a full day out with the family. The path meanders alongside Bulimba Creek, winding through lush parks and open fields that feel distant from city life. With plenty of shady sections, the trail provides relief from the Queensland sun and opportunities to spot local birdlife like ibis and cormorants.

The bikeway is particularly well-suited for families. You will find numerous playgrounds, shelters for shade, and picnic spots with electric BBQs dotted along the route. These amenities make it easy to plan a comfortable and engaging day for everyone.

Accessibility is a key feature. The entire path is paved and smooth, suitable for all types of bikes including road bikes, cruisers, and e-bikes. Essential facilities like water taps and toilets are available along the way. The terrain is mostly flat, making it perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. While there are a few manageable hills near Carindale that add some variety, they are easily handled, especially with an e-bike.

Planning Your Adventure on the Bulimba Creek Bikeway

A little planning goes a long way toward making your ride truly enjoyable. Let's walk through what you need to know before you head out.

Route and Terrain

The Bulimba Creek Bikeway is Brisbane's longest dedicated bike path, stretching approximately 20 km one-way from Murarrie to Eight Mile Plains. A full out-and-back trip is about 33.2 km. However, the trail is also perfect for shorter rides. The route is a well-maintained, paved shared path that is primarily off-road. While predominantly flat, it features some gentle hills near Carindale for a light challenge. The maximum elevation reaches only 41 metres.

Access Points and Things to Note

Convenient entry points make starting your ride simple. The northern end can be accessed near the Murarrie Criterium Track. A popular starting point with ample parking is Minnippi Parklands off Stanton Road West. At its southern end, the bikeway connects directly to the V1 Bikeway at Eight Mile Plains.

Be aware of a few local details for a smooth ride. The Murarrie Criterium Track may host races, particularly on Saturdays, which can cause temporary closures. Alternate paths are available. A parkrun event takes place at Minnippi Park lake every Saturday morning between 7 and 8 am, leading to more pedestrian traffic. You will also navigate a short detour on a suburban street around the Pacific Golf Club; look for signage to guide you. As this is a shared path, always keep left and announce yourself clearly when passing pedestrians or other cyclists.

For detailed, up-to-date information and an interactive view of the trail, check out Brisbane City Council's interactive bikeway map.

Key Stops and Highlights Along the Way

The journey along the Bulimba Creek Bikeway is punctuated by several notable stops and landmarks.

Minnippi Parklands: An excellent starting point with a scenic lake, abundant birdlife, and family-friendly facilities including playgrounds.

Westfield Carindale: Located a short detour from the path, this shopping centre is a convenient option for refreshments or a meal break.

Pacific Golf Club: This landmark serves as a key navigational point where the trail briefly detours onto a suburban street before rejoining the main path.

Hoper Park: Marking the southern end of the bikeway in Eight Mile Plains, this park is a good place to rest. It is also close to a supermarket and the busway for transport options.

Throughout the ride, you will find water taps, toilets, shelters, and playgrounds. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as the natural environment is a highlight of the experience.

Extending Your Ride and Other Trails to Try

Brisbane's connected bikeway network makes it easy to extend your ride.

V1 Bikeway Connection

At Eight Mile Plains, the Bulimba Creek Bikeway seamlessly joins the Veloway 1 (V1). This dedicated cycling corridor allows you to continue towards South Brisbane and the CBD, creating a much longer, traffic-free journey. Learn about the Veloway 1 (V1) to find how you can turn your Bulimba Creek ride into a full-day cycling adventure.

Other Brisbane Trails

If you enjoy this bikeway, consider exploring other similar routes:

The Jim Soorley Bikeway offers another scenic waterside ride. Check out our guide: Brisbane Cycling Trails: Your Guide to the Jim Soorley Bikeway.

The Kedron Brook Bikeway is known for its green spaces in the northern suburbs. Get tips for your first ride here: Your First Ride Along Kedron Brook: Tips for New Cyclists.

For those who prefer gentle gradients, Brisbane and its surrounds also have several beginner-friendly rail trails. Find your next adventure: Beginner-Friendly Rail Trails: Your First Ride Made Easy.

Tips for a Great Ride on the Bulimba Creek Bikeway

A little preparation ensures a great experience on the bikeway.

Be Prepared: Always carry plenty of water, even with public taps available. Wear sunscreen and check for any temporary bikeway closures before you leave.

Ride Safely: This is a shared path, so keep left and announce your presence when passing others. A bell or a simple call of "passing on your right" is effective. Be alert for sharp turns and occasional wildlife on the path.

Best Times to Ride: Weekdays are generally quieter. Weekends are popular with families, especially around Minnippi Parklands. An early start is recommended to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

An e-bike can make the journey even more pleasant, helping with the distance and the gentle hills near Carindale. It allows you to cover more ground with less effort, making the entire bikeway network more accessible.