Rocks Riverside Promenade Welcomes Next Stop in Sofie Formica’s Walking Series

Radio host Sofie Formica will lead the next leg of her 100 Days of Walking campaign at Rocks Riverside Promenade in Seventeen Mile Rocks on 29 October. The community walk begins at 4:00 p.m., inviting residents to lace up their shoes and enjoy an easy riverside stroll along one of Brisbane’s most scenic pathways.



The walking initiative, supported by 4BC, encourages locals to take part in simple, daily movement while connecting with others in their neighbourhoods. Sofie said the walks are designed to get people away from screens and back into conversation, adding that each route highlights a different part of Brisbane’s natural beauty.

The Rocks Riverside Promenade stop follows successful gatherings at Kedron Brook, Wynnum and Berrinba Wetlands earlier in the series.

Exploring Rocks Riverside Promenade

Situated along the Brisbane River in Seventeen Mile Rocks, Rocks Riverside Promenade is part of the 26-hectare Rocks Riverside Park, a popular green space for walking, cycling and family picnics. The flat, paved trail stretches roughly six kilometres return, running beside landscaped gardens, open lawns and riverside lookouts.

Families often choose the park for its playgrounds, shaded areas and water-play zone, while fitness groups use the promenade for running and cycling.

Photo Credit: Screen capture from All Trails

One popular walking route in the area starts along the Brisbane River, on Turrbal land, commencing at Rocks Riverside Park and ending at Amazons Place Park.

A shared walkway makes up the paved esplanade, where people can take time to view the various flora and fauna along the river. Benches, picnic areas, toilets, and playgrounds share space with the walking path, along with some historical remnants of concreting and iron industrial sites that give people a glimpse of the history of the area.

According to Bicycle Queensland, the route is ideal for all fitness levels and is one of Brisbane’s most accessible riverside tracks. Its wide pathways and gentle gradients make it suitable for prams, wheelchairs and bikes.

People looking for a longer route can walk up the bushland ridge to the south-east of the park towards the Zig Zag trail, passing through eucalypt forest. The trail through the forest is well-formed but unpaved and generally suitable for wheeled transport. This route takes half an hour longer and is more challenging but people find the view worth it.

The Centenary Today local guide describes it as a community favourite for its safe, family-friendly environment and open river views — the perfect match for the welcoming spirit of Sofie’s walking series.

Encouraging Connection Through Movement

Sofie’s 100 Days of Walking project continues to attract growing participation from communities across Brisbane. Each week, new walkers join to share stories, enjoy local parks and rediscover the benefits of regular physical activity.

The Seventeen Mile Rocks event aims to bring together residents from across western Brisbane, reinforcing the campaign’s message that walking together can strengthen social ties and improve wellbeing.



Those wishing to take part in the October 29 event can find updates and information on 4BC’s website or through the station’s Facebook page. Participation is free and open to all ages, with no registration required.

Published 22-Oct-2025

Grinding Mill Relic at Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks

The grinding mill at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks serves as a notable industrial relic, symbolising the area’s past as a prominent cement manufacturing centre.



Once integral to the operations of the Queensland Cement and Lime Company (QCL), established in 1914, the mill highlights the industrial heritage of the region.

Industrial relics at Rocks Riverside Park
Photo Credit: thegrayscales/Reddit

QCL played a vital role in Queensland’s construction industry, manufacturing cement and lime at its factory in Darra, Brisbane. Initially, limestone from the Darling Downs was used, but by the 1930s, the company transitioned to using coral dredged from Moreton Bay. This coral was transported via barges to Oxley Wharf at Seventeen Mile Rocks before being conveyed to the factory.

The grinding mill was used to process the coral into cement by crushing it using either rotational methods or steel balls. Maintenance of this equipment was intensive, with workers frequently replacing steel cables and maintaining cranes that handled the coral. The industrial operations ceased in 1998 after QCL was unable to renew its dredging licences, leading to the closure of the Darra plant.

Rocks Riverside Park: A Historical Site

Rocks Riverside Park, established in 2003, preserves the industrial heritage of the area. The park was built on the former site of QCL’s operations, with remnants of the grinding mill and other industrial artefacts scattered throughout. These relics serve as a reminder of the area’s history while contributing to its unique character.

The park is divided into zones, including the river flat, bushland ridge, and a green link. Its features include picnic areas, playgrounds, a water play area, and shared pathways, making it a popular destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Grinding mill Rocks Riverside Park
Photo Credit: Kikoprincess Li/Google Maps

Community Sentiment and Legacy

The community appreciates the incorporation of industrial artefacts into the park, which offer a tangible link to Seventeen Mile Rocks’ industrial past. Visitors often reflect on the area’s transformation from an industrial site to a recreational park. The grinding mill remains a focal point, symbolising the transition of the space while maintaining its historical identity.



The grinding mill at Seventeen Mile Rocks is a key historical feature, bridging the area’s industrial heritage with its current role as a vibrant recreational park. Rocks Riverside Park not only honours the past but also provides a unique setting for the community to enjoy.

Published 18-Jan-2025