Pine Rivers
Postcode: 4500
Bordering the northern reaches of Brisbane, the Pine Rivers Shire is a semi-rural area that complements the large surrounding tracts of regional forest and national parks.
The local attractions, too, are in tune with nature. There’s Alma Park Zoo, with its bears, camels, and a host of free-ranging native animals and birds. Then there’s Friendship Farm, which introduces children to baby animals. Bunya Park Wildlife Sanctuary is also within a half-hour drive.
The Samford grass ski field is nearby, while the award-winning Australian Woolshed brings a miniature, working sheepstation to Brisbane’s doorstep at Ferny Hills, about 16km south of the shire’s major centre of Strathpine.
Lake Samsonvale attracts large numbers of fishermen, bird-watchers and picnickers to picturesque shoreline reserves at Bullocky Rest, MacGavin View, Harrison Pocket and Forgan Cove.
The shire is sprinkled with museums, some of which concentrate on the military connection during World War II when Australian, English and American training and mustering bases were established in the region.
The villages of Samford and Dayboro are graced with art and craft galleries and popular lunch spots.