Discover a piece of hidden history nestled in native bushland at William G Buckle Heritage Reserve, Caboolture.
Take a stroll along the short nature trail that weaves through native gums, wattles and lilly-pillies. Keep your eyes peeled for native birdlife such as black cockatoos, magpies, and kookaburras.
A walking trail takes you to the historic site of the Lagoon Creek Pumping Station. The site has informative signage sharing its story.
The pumping station is a vital piece of Queensland’s railway heritage. The Queensland Heritage Council added it to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2003.
Built in 1913, the station once supplied water to steam locomotives on the North Coast railway line. This played a key role in shaping Caboolture’s growth. It was powered by repurposed steam locomotive boilers and later upgraded to electric pumps. The station operated until 1968, when diesel trains made it obsolete.
Thanks to the Friends of Lagoon Creek, remnants of the station have been conserved. While the group's main goal is to restore and re-vegetate the Lagoon Creek catchment, they also aim to preserve the pump station site.
Surviving elements include a concrete slab, foundations for the pumping station, iron pipes, and a low concrete weir about 300 metres downstream. The group removed the boiler from the creek in October 2000. It is on display at the site.
The trail ends at a small glade and tranquil lagoon, a perfect place to unwind or read a book. It also makes a great picnic spot!
The park's amenities include an electric barbecue, sheltered seating, a water bubbler and a bin. Car parking is available, with an accessible parking bay.