The North Pine River rises in the D'Aguilar Range in the Mount Mee State Forest, approximately 50 km northwest of Brisbane, and flows generally southeast to form its confluence with the South Pine River at Lawnton, where the river forms the Pine River and then continues into Bramble Bay. The river flows mostly through the Moreton Bay Region, just to the south of Dayboro. Along with Kobble Creek it is dammed at Whiteside to form the North Pine Dam, an artificial lake called Lake Samsonvale. This catchment provides drinking water to Redcliffe, Pine Rivers, Caboolture and the northern suburbs of Brisbane.
The river descends 470 metres over its 54-kilometre course.
The former Pine Rivers Shire draws its name from the North Pine, South Pine and Pine Rivers. In the early 1930s timber for the construction of the Hornibrook Bridge was brought down the North Pine River to Bramble Bay via barge. I remember travelling on the very bumpy Hornibrook Bridge often and also walking on its extremely narrow footpath right next to the traffic with only a plank of wood at foot height separating the walkers from the traffic. The lights on the bridge were taken down during WWII so it could not be spotted from the air at night.
In January 2011, a significant flood occurred due to heavy rain and dam releases from North Pine Dam. Much of Strathpine, Lawnton and other areas had to be evacuated on short notice as the river level rose quickly. The North Pine River is one of a few rivers that contains natural populations of the rare Queensland lungfish. Platypus sitings in both the North and South Pine rivers are relatively common compared to other rivers in the region. You are looking for something that will light up your way for this cache! Hope you enjoy this little area of the beautiful Pine River.