Brisbane’s Chapel Hill is synonymous with families, undulating green leafy streets, large brick homes sitting at the foot of the western suburbs’ Mount Coot-tha and of course, nature and natural beauty.

If you live in Chapel Hill or are thinking about moving to Chapel Hill, we’ve created a list to help you get the best out of this gem of a suburb.

1. Walk

There are a myriad of walks you can enjoy in Brisbane’s western suburb of Chapel Hill. You can start with your own street or choose one of Chapel Hill’s longest streets, take Chapel Hill Road, Fleming Road or Burbong Street, for example. Or test out the loop around Greenford Street and Bielby Road.

If you’re feel like getting away from it all you don’t have to go far!  You have a veritable natural gem right on your doorstep and is accessible from several junctures. Depending on where you’re starting from you might be able to walk to the track.  So if you’re up for a hit of nature and perhaps keen to instagram a kookaburra or two then try any one of the available trails of Mount Coot-tha Forest Park. Click here to see where your can jump on your nearest trail.

There are a number of walking and running groups in the area too. Searching groups on facebook is a good place to start.  Heart Foundation has a web page where you can search for walking groups. Check it out here.

When walking, remember to always carry water, use sunscreen, wear a hat and insect repellent.

2. Support Local cafes and restaurants

You don’t need to leave Chapel Hill to dine out.  Suburban Social Neighbourhood Bar + Kitchen is definitely worth a visit. They spriuk craft beers, burgers and cocktails. The food is tasty and it’s a fun atmosphere for adult get togethers. Of course, they welcome kids too.  Suburban Social is open Tuesday & Wednesday afternoon to evenings and then from Thursday to Sunday from 11.30am til late.

Simons Gourmet Gallery – not only a butcher, a deli, a fruit & veg shop and home to a tempting array of fancy treats, Simons also has a good cafe.  So if you’re looking for a great coffee, brunch or lunch, this is a great place to frequent. They are always changing things up and improving their offerings. The dining area is now enclosed (quieter) and air-conditioned and diners have the option of sitting outdoors as well which can be lovely in the cooler months.

V Espresso – on Moordale Street is a great spot to grab a coffee and a bite to eat. Easy access to Moggill Road on the way to work or school drop off.

Curry Story is a quiet traditional Indian restaurant on the corner of Kirkdale Road and Fleming Road (formally Indus Chapel Hill Indian Restaurant). Curry Story is open from 11:30 am to 2 pm and from 4:30 pm till late night from Tuesday to Sunday.

Baskin Robbins – celebrate the end of a hot summer’s day with an icy cold treat from your local ice cream parlour located at the Metrowest centre at 620 Moggill Road, Chapel Hill

Royal Sri Thai  has been providing the western suburbs of Brisbane with delicious Thai and Malaysian dishes since 1991!  For a small family business to be in operation for that long they must be doing something right so check it out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

3. Become a Gymnast, a Ninja or both!

Pep Gymnastics is located at Chapel Hill State School and offers Gymnastics, Acrobatics and Martial Arts – all the activities our kids love.  They even have classes for adults. You can check out their website by clicking here and get yourself a free trial.

4. Visit a Dog Park

There are currently 3 Chapel Hill dog parks listed on the Brisbane City Council website including Cubberla Creek Reserve, Merri Merri Park and Green Hill Reservoir Park.

5. Get Fit for FREE

There are a number of places where the Brisbane City Council has provided exercise equipment and there’s even a ping pong table!  Enjoy some exercise under the shade of the trees. There’s a bush bike trail off Bielby Road for the mountain bikers.

6. Join a group

Chapel Hill has a number of groups including

THECA (The Hut & Environmental Community Association Inc.) – an environmental volunteering group which meets regularly for 2 hour birdwatching walks, morning teas, meetings and talks.

Chapel Hill Uniting Churchoffers Play Groups and a variety of different groups for adults where you can build your friendship circle and maybe even learn new things.

7. Bird Watch

From The Hut on Fleming Road, Chapel Hill opposite the corner of Kirkdale Road (and shops) you will find the Honeyeater track. If you’re observant you might be lucky enough to see Australian King Parrots, Rufous Whistlers, White-throated Nightjars, Pale-headed Rosellas and many, many more birds.  Birds Queensland has created a brochure called “What’s that Bird” which has a list of birds and pictures.  Click here to check it out.

8.  Learn Yoga & Meditation

Did you know that  there are classically trained hatha yoga and meditation instructors in Chapel Hill? If you’re looking for something deeper than the standard yoga workout offered at gyms or perhaps you want to be a yoga teacher then Sri Ma Yoga School Australia might be for you.   Click here to find out more.

What do you love to do in Chapel Hill?