Views into the distance

6.9 KM
Distance
180 M
Altitude gain
2 HR
Average time

This walk commences with an easy stroll down Fernberg Road to turn into Murruba and thence to Rainworth Road, continuing until you reach the series of roundabouts where it meets Boundary Road. Take the path under the large fig trees that will bring you to a pedestrian crossing. Having crossed, enter Boundary Road and proceed uphill passing several shops in the process.

On the southern side of the road stands Rainworth State School which opened in 1928 and which retains the first stage of a Depression Era brick building from the mid-1930s, now heritage listed but alas not visible from the street. Turn down Hanning Street and climb up to the T-junction, turn left then right into Harwood Street, and ascend to Birdwood Terrace through typical late 20th century Bardon suburbia.

Turning west you can cross over and enter Toowong Cemetery, Queensland’s largest, where you follow Francis Forde Avenue (named for Frank Forde, Australia’s shortest-term Prime Minister and father-in-law of the 22nd Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Ms Leneen Forde AC) in the same westerly direction while it runs parallel to Birdwood. Here, on a clear day, you will be afforded expansive views over the cemetery and suburbs to the south with the Border Ranges in the far distance.

At some point, you need to return to Birdwood Terrace and cross to the northern side. The road follows the ridge until you reach Stuartholme Road on the right and commence its steep ascent. The road is named for Stuartholme, a farm of the late 19th century1. The farmhouse having been destroyed by fire, the land was purchased by Archbishop James Duhig for the establishment of Stuartholme School (for girls) by the Order of the Sacred Heart. The castle-like main building and the large steeply-roofed chapel loom above beyond the trees as you make your way to the high point of the road where you are rewarded with a spectacular view east towards the city.

Refreshed by your pause for the view, you now begin the gradual descent. On the left, you will notice some impressively grand tree-change residences nestled deeply in the bush while opposite is more typical Bardon suburbia. Reaching Boundary Road, turn down the hill, take the first left into Mackay Terrace, and then turn right into Gerler Street. Following this quiet, leafy street you are in a pocket of Bardon that feels quite off the beaten track in spite of its proximity to some busy traffic routes. Having regained Boundary Road, descend and cross at the pedestrian crossing to enter Norman Buchan Park walking under the magnificent fig trees, thus reaching the grassy field beloved of local dogs and their ever-attentive owners.

Cross the field to reach the dead-end stretch of Baroona Road that will take you back to Rainworth Road, Murruba Road, and eventually Fernberg Road where that unenviably steep climb to Government House inevitably awaits you.

1 Wikipedia, accessed 16th February 2023

Scenic Spots

Toowong Cemetery

Toowong Cemetery

Expansive views across the cemetery and suburbs to the distant Border Ranges provide a striking visual element to the walk.

Stuartholme School

Stuartholme School

The castle-like main building and steeply roofed chapel dominate the ridgeline. This grand structure adds architectural drama to the landscape.

Norman Buchan Park

Norman Buchan Park

Beneath magnificent fig trees, this park provides a grassy field ideal for leisurely strolls and recreation.