Council’s Maxi-Cab Service Brings $1 Transport to Bald Hills

For just $1, Bald Hills residents can now hop on a maxi-cab to the train station as part of a new Brisbane City Council public transport service.



Bald Hills Residents Get $1 Ride to the Train Station as Part of Council Transport Program

Bald Hills locals can now get to the train station for just $1, thanks to Brisbane City Council’s Personalised Public Transport service designed to improve travel in areas with limited public transport options. The service offers a budget-friendly and reliable way to connect directly to Bald Hills train station, using maxi-cabs that can be hailed along set routes in the suburb.

Service Details and Schedule

The Bald Hills PPT service operates Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, with one-way trips taking no longer than 15 minutes. Morning loops start at 6:30am from Bald Hills Road (near Godfrey Street) and connect through local streets like Gundulf, Seaton, Attunga, and Moorhouse before arriving at Bald Hills Railway Station. Afternoon return loops run from 3:35pm to 7:25pm, beginning and ending at the train station.

The fare is $1 each way with no concessions. Children under five and people who are legally blind travel for free. Transferring to a Translink service requires paying the usual Translink fare.

For those wanting to check specific stop times or view the map, the complete timetable is available on the Brisbane City Council website.

Community-Focused Transport

Instead of adding more buses or trains, the Council has partnered with Black & White Cabs to offer these maxi-cab loops. The vehicles are wheelchair-accessible, air-conditioned, and carry up to 10 passengers. This hail-and-ride model gives more flexibility than a fixed-stop bus, letting passengers board where safe along the route.

The service is especially useful for residents who don’t have a car or find it hard to access major transport options. No booking is needed—residents can simply wait along the route and hop on when a cab arrives.



Part of a Larger Program

Bald Hills is just one of several Brisbane suburbs benefiting from this initiative, which is separate from the Council Cabs program. While each suburb’s PPT route is different, they all aim to provide affordable, simple access to nearby public transport. The Council encourages locals to use the service and support more sustainable travel.

Published 28-March-2025

The Best Parks in Bracken Ridge for Families, Fitness, and Fun

Bracken Ridge is home to some of Brisbane’s best parks—perfect for families, fitness lovers, and anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors.



Bracken Ridge Boasts Top 5 Parks with the Most Facilities in North Brisbane

Bracken Ridge families and outdoor lovers are spoiled for choice, with five local parks offering some of the most extensive recreational facilities in North Brisbane. These green spaces aren’t just about swings and slides—they’re packed with features that cater to kids, teens, adults, and even pets.

As of 2024, the Brisbane City Council lists more than a dozen parks in the Bracken Ridge area. Among them, five parks stand out for the number and variety of facilities available, ranging from fitness equipment to dog parks and skate areas. Here’s a breakdown of what locals can expect.

1. Barrett Street Park

Location: 110 Norris Road, Bracken Ridge

This large park is a local favourite for a reason. It includes:

  • Electric barbecues
  • Basketball half court
  • Dog off-leash area (with a small dog section)
  • Outdoor fitness station
  • Picnic shelters and seating
  • Playground
  • Water bubblers with a dog bowl
  • Toilet block

It’s also popular with early morning joggers and dog walkers, thanks to its spacious layout and shaded paths.

2. McPherson Park

Location: 146 Denham Street, Bracken Ridge

Known as a community hub, McPherson Park features:

  • Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club Playground
  • Electric barbecues
  • Basketball half court
  • Shared pathways
  • Public toilets
  • Car parking

The park also supports local clubs such as cricket, athletics, Scouts, and a model train group, making it a go-to spot for family activities and weekend sports.

3. Fred Francis Park

Location: 30 Woodcroft Street, Bracken Ridge

A hotspot for active teens and kids, Fred Francis Park includes:

  • Skate park
  • Electric barbecues
  • Basketball half court
  • Playground (Brookvale Place)
  • Picnic shelters
  • Walking and bike paths
  • Wetlands
  • Water bubbler

This park draws young skaters and cyclists and is often used for small family get-togethers.

4. Ferguson Park

Location: 201 Barrett Street, Bracken Ridge

Tucked near the community centre, Ferguson Park offers:

  • Two playgrounds
  • Pickleball courts
  • Water bubblers
  • Sporting facilities
  • Free public Wi-Fi

The Ferguson Park Community Centre and youth support organisations nearby help bring added value to this green space.

5. Sandgate Third Lagoon Reserve (Peace Park)

Location: 83 Barfoot Street, Bracken Ridge

This reserve features a blend of natural beauty and recreation:

  • Peace Park playground
  • Picnic area with electric and wood barbecues
  • Wetlands and walking tracks
  • Shared pathway network
  • Car parking
  • Water bubblers

It also houses junior sports fields and a local community hall, making it a quiet but useful space for both play and relaxation.



Want More Options?

These five parks offer a great mix of facilities, but Bracken Ridge has plenty more to explore. To find a park closer to your street or with specific features, visit the Brisbane City Council’s Bracken Ridge Parks page.

Published 27-March-2025

Sports, Service, and Swim: What’s Bringing Bracken Ridge Together

What do cricket, swimming, and sausage sizzles have in common? In Bracken Ridge, they’re just part of everyday life for locals who love their suburb.

Bracken Ridge Locals Stay Connected Through Sport, Service and Swimming

Bracken Ridge residents are staying active, connected, and community-minded thanks to a range of local facilities and clubs that continue to bring people together in everyday ways.

Located about 18 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, Bracken Ridge offers more than just family-friendly streets and scenic views — it’s home to a growing network of sports clubs, volunteer groups, and recreation centres that quietly support the suburb’s strong community vibe.

1. Bracken Ridge District Cricket Club

The Bracken Ridge District Cricket Club is a well-known name on the northside for lovers of the sport. With teams for both junior and senior players, the club promotes an inclusive and supportive environment for locals looking to get involved in cricket. It has become a popular place for families and individuals to connect, learn the game, and build lasting friendships.

The club is based at McPherson Park and participates in regular local competitions. Weekends often see the grounds buzzing with activity as players take to the pitch and families gather to cheer them on.

2. Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club

Serving the community since 1977, the Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club focuses on local support, charity efforts, and outreach projects that assist residents across the suburb. The group is part of Lions Clubs International and is run by volunteers who commit their time to helping others.

The club organises sausage sizzles, raises funds for health-related causes, supports local schools, and helps those in need during tough times. Members range from long-time residents to newer arrivals who are looking to make a difference in the area.

3. Bracken Ridge Indoor Sports Centre

For locals who enjoy indoor team sports, the Bracken Ridge Indoor Sports Centre provides a space for all ages to play competitively or just for fun. With courts for indoor cricket, netball, soccer and more, the facility operates throughout the week and attracts teams from nearby suburbs as well.

The centre supports both social and competitive games and encourages people of all skill levels to join in. It’s also used for school sports and events, offering a flexible and accessible venue for Bracken Ridge families.

4. Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre

Named after Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm, this aquatic centre is a modern hub for swimmers of all levels. Located on Telegraph Road, the facility features a 25-metre heated indoor pool, a learn-to-swim program, and aqua aerobics classes. It’s a key site for school swimming carnivals and weekend family fun.

The centre is council-operated and caters to both casual swimmers and those training seriously. Staff are qualified and friendly, making it a safe and welcoming place for kids and adults alike.

Published 27-March-2025

Bracken Ridge Library Offers Meeting Spaces, Wi-Fi and More

Bracken Ridge Library is doing more than lending books—it’s becoming a vibrant space for locals to connect, learn, and take part in free events in Brisbane’s northside.

A Place to Learn, Connect and Create

Located on Bracken Street, the library runs free programs for all ages. These include First 5 Forever baby sessions to build early literacy, the Bracken Ridge Family History Group for those tracing their ancestry, and the Brisbane Fibre Crafters social group for knitting, crochet, and weaving.

These activities create opportunities for learning, creativity and community connection in a relaxed setting.

Facilities That Support the Community

Bracken Ridge Library offers free Wi-Fi, public computers, printing and scanning, and a book return chute for after-hours use. It also has meeting rooms available for hire under Brisbane City Council’s three meeting room categories.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Category One rooms seat 10–50 people and are generally only accessible during library hours. They include basic tech like laptop connections and data projectors but may lack separate toilets or kitchenettes.

Category Two rooms, like those at Bracken Ridge, are larger (25–120 people), self-contained with kitchenettes and toilets, and usually available seven days a week (excluding public holidays).

Category Three is offered only at Brisbane Square Library and seats up to 120, with kitchenette access during library hours.

Booking and Hire Fees

Community groups can hire Category One and Two rooms for free if their events are non-commercial. If fees are charged or products sold, commercial community rates apply:

  • Category One: from $15.60/hour
  • Category Two: from $44.25/hour
  • Category Three: from $181.45/hour

Business and government users pay higher fees. All charges include GST, with additional costs for security or extra cleaning where needed. Meeting rooms can be booked by contacting your local library, phoning Council, or using the National Relay Service at 133 677.

Open Hours and What’s Ahead

The library is open Tuesday to Saturday, with extended hours until 8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. While closed Sundays and Mondays, it remains accessible through its return chute and event listings online.

As part of Brisbane City Council’s library network, Bracken Ridge Library continues to offer a wide range of free programs, services and community spaces—making it a valued part of everyday life for locals.

Published 27-March-2025