Bullocky Rest – Joyner

Bullocky Rest is one of North Brisbane’s most popular and scenic day-use recreational parks, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Samsonvale in Joyner. Managed by Seqwater, this fantastic facility is a favourite destination for family picnics, barbecues, and relaxing days spent by the water. It is essential for visitors to know that Bullocky Rest is strictly a day-use area, and overnight camping is prohibited. The park boasts expansive, well-maintained green lawns that slope gently down to the water’s edge, offering stunning views across the lake, especially in the calm of the morning and late afternoon. It is exceptionally well-equipped for a day out, featuring numerous free electric barbecues, sheltered picnic tables, modern toilet blocks, and a large, shaded children’s playground, making it a perfect spot for gatherings. The name ‘Bullocky Rest’ harks back to the region’s pioneering history, and the park maintains a peaceful, restorative atmosphere. It’s a popular launch point for paddling, with kayaks and canoes often seen gliding across the lake’s surface. Shoreline fishing is also a key activity, requiring a permit to try for species like Australian Bass and Yellowbelly. With its combination of beautiful scenery, excellent facilities, and tranquil environment, Bullocky Rest is a premier destination for anyone looking to escape the city for a few hours.

Site Information

• Location: On the western shore of Lake Samsonvale, in the suburb of Joyner, north of Brisbane.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicles for day use.
• Road Access: Sealed roads.
• Site Surface: Bitumen car parks and large grassed parklands.
• Camping Permitted: No. Strictly a day-use area. Gates are locked at night (check Seqwater website for times).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not permitted.
• Facilities: Toilets, free electric BBQs, children’s playground.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, many sheltered tables are available.
• Potable Water: Yes, drinking fountains and taps are available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Use provided electric BBQs.
• Generator Use: Prohibited.
• Number of Sites Available: Not applicable (day use only).
• Essentials to Bring: Picnic supplies, kayaks, fishing gear (with permit).
• Pet Friendly: No. To protect water quality, domestic animals are not permitted.
• Fishing: Yes, shoreline fishing is permitted with a valid Seqwater fishing permit.
• Short Walks: Yes, pleasant walking paths along the lake foreshore.

Local Amenities

The nearest suburban centres with full services are Petrie, Warner, and Strathpine.

• Local Pubs:
  • Murrumba Downs Tavern (approx. 7 km)
  • Lawnton Tavern (approx. 7 km)
  • Four Mile Creek Hotel, Strathpine (approx. 8 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous cafes, restaurants, and takeaway shops at the nearby One Stop Shopping Village (Warner) and in Petrie.
• Local Attractions:
  • Lake Samsonvale
  • Old Petrie Town
  • Osprey House Environmental Centre
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Showgrounds camping at Lawnton or Pine Rivers (check availability).
  • Multiple commercial parks in the Redcliffe Peninsula area.
• Next Free Camps:
  • There are no official free camps in the Brisbane metropolitan area. The closest would be highway rest areas further afield.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Caboolture Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are located within 5 km in the surrounding suburbs.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the park.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Brisbane region has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, wet summers and mild, dry, sunny winters.