Established in the 1990s as a planned community, Forest Lake is a leafy residential suburb south-west of Brisbane’s CBD. It was designed with housing estates as well as retail, educational and recreational spaces that include several picturesque parks and a central lake.

Things to do

Stretch your legs on the 2.5-kilometre-long walking trail that hugs the shores of Forest Lake, which lies within a peaceful parkland and refuge for local wildlife. In addition to its boat-themed playground and duck-viewing platform, this popular green space also features a fitness circuit and an open-air amphitheatre where live performances are regularly held.

A short stroll from the lake is the Forest Lake Shopping Centre with a range of supermarkets, department stores and over 70 specialty shops. If you’re feeling hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at Red Chilli Thai, Sushi Today or the Burrito Bar. Adjacent to the shopping centre is the Forest Lake Tavern, a relaxed local pub that dishes up delicious wood-fired pizzas and traditional pub grub.

Interested in the history of Forest Lake? Make a point of visiting Homestead Park in the suburb’s north-west, which is home to a children’s playground and tennis courts. This small reserve was once the site of a two-story timber building established by Henry Farley in the 1870s. It was later purchased by the pastoralist Michael “Stumpy” Durack and became Archerfield Station before fire destroyed the building in the 1930s.

Getting around

Forest Lake is a 30-minute drive from the Brisbane CBD and 35 minutes from Brisbane Airport. Several bus routes serve the suburb and connect it with surrounding destinations, while a network of pedestrian and cycling trails wind through the area.