Oxley Creek Common

Oxley Creek Common is a 115-hectare public parkland and nature reserve on Oxley Creek at Rocklea in southern Brisbane, Queensland. Managed by Brisbane City Council, it comprises open grasslands, wetlands, lagoons and eucalypt woodland. Notable for birdwatching with over 200 recorded species, it features walking tracks, bird hides and the heritage Red Shed. The site provides natural open space for recreation, environmental education and conservation within inner Brisbane.

Visitors can expect a large, flat, open natural area with mown grasslands, seasonal wetlands and lagoons including Pelican Lagoon, fringed by eucalypts along Oxley Creek. Sealed and gravel walking and cycling tracks loop through the site with bird hides, viewing platforms and interpretive signage. The heritage Red Shed near the entrance acts as an information point. The environment is quiet and rural in character despite being close to the city, with abundant birdlife and open skies.

The site was historically used for grazing and agriculture on the Oxley Creek floodplain. During World War II part of the area was associated with the Rocklea Army Camp. Later managed as public open space, it was established as Oxley Creek Common by Brisbane City Council as a conservation and recreation parkland, retaining the Red Shed as a remnant farm structure.

The Common is valued as a community recreation and environmental education site, providing urban residents with access to natural wetlands and grasslands. It supports community birdwatching, volunteer conservation activities and nature-based learning about the Oxley Creek catchment.