Perhaps wallabies are enjoying a peaceful graze just out of sight. Welcome to Raven Street Reserve. This serene bushland in McDowall offers a tranquil escape. Raven Street Reserve is part of the larger Chermside Hills Reserve network. It is a vital piece of the Mountains to Mangroves Corridor. This corridor connects the D’Aguilar Ranges to Moreton Bay.
In the past Chermside was called Downfall Creek. The area once bustled with dairies and farms. There were even quarries here. The hilly bushland seemed undesirable to early settlers. They cleared the richer alluvial soils for farms and houses. Fortunately, Raven Street Reserve’s natural values protected it. Brisbane City Council established the Chermside Hills Reserves in 1972. The Downfall Creek Bushland Centre opened in 1988.
Raven Street Reserve has over 200 native plant species. You can find grass trees and banksias here. Stringybarks, bloodwoods and spotted gums thrive. Rare Keraudrenia species also grow within the reserve. Please note that introduced weeds from gardens are a problem.
Birdwatchers rejoice. Over 115 bird species have been spotted. Look for honeyeaters and treecreepers. Keep an eye out for pardalotes and fairy wrens. You might see dollarbirds or rainbow bee-eaters. Spangled drongos and kingfishers also live here. Crested hawks and tawny frogmouths may be seen.
Lizards and turtles also call Raven Street Reserve home. You might see blue-tongued lizards basking in the sun. Listen for the pop sound of striped marsh frogs. At night, gliders and possums come out. Bats and flying foxes fill the sky.
Bring your kids to Raven Street Reserve for fun. The Downfall Creek playground had a big makeover in April 2022. It now has a wooden nature-based playground. There are fort-style structures. Climbing nets and a wobbly bridge will thrill them. Toddlers can enjoy activities close to the ground. The playground has artwork too. Look for the koala and her baby high up. Totem poles showcase native animals.
Visit the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre inside Raven Street Reserve. It is open Tuesday to Friday. You can read books or watch fish in the tank. Learn about sustainable living here. Friendly staff can answer your questions.
Raven Street Reserve hosts many activities. There are school holiday workshops. Try nature journaling or eco photography. Attend a guided walk. Download the Agents of Discovery app. Explore the reserve in a new way.
The Mountains to Mangroves Senses Trail is perfect for all. This easy walk is suitable for wheelchairs. It has signs in Braille. Benches are available for resting. As you walk listen for wildlife. You might spot a wallaby.
Before you leave Raven Street Reserve remember its importance. It protects native plants and animals. It also provides a place for recreation. Take a moment to appreciate this natural haven. Raven Street Reserve offers a snapshot of the bush.