Goomburra Valley
Camping
Goomburra Valley is a really peaceful and picturesque spot, perfect for an escape from technology and busy living.
Located one and a half hours from Brisbane and on the western side of the Main Range, it is a tranquil location with abundant wildlife and some really lovely bushwalks.
From Brisbane follow Cunningham Highway over Cunningham’s Gap towards Warwick. When you get to Maryvale there is a rural road off to the right that takes you into the Goomburra Valley. It is quite a long drive into the valley, but so picturesque that the drive itself is worth it.
There are two campgrounds in the Main Range National Park at Goomburra, and a number of other commercial options as you proceed through the valley. The National Park is right at the end of Goomburra Valley giving access to this amazing section of Gondwana Rainforest.
Poplar Flats is the first campground on your left as you enter the National Park and is the smaller of the two. There are no powered sites and it’s suitable for tents, camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes. The only amenities are composting toilets, and there are taps but you need to bring your own drinking water. There are beautiful trees and creek access nearby with a nice spot to dip your feet in the creek to cool down. Bring firewood to enjoy a campfire in a wood barbeque.
Manna Gum Campground is a little further past Poplar Flats is at the very end of the road into Goomburra Valley. It’s an open grassy site surrounded by the majestic Manna Gums, adjacent to Dalrymple Creek. There are no designated campsites, and the sites are fairly flat. The wood barbecues here are great for cooking and to enjoy a campfire, but you need to bring your own wood as it’s illegal to collect firewood within the National Park. You will see abundant bird and wildlife and it’s a short stroll to the Dalrymple Creek Walk, which is perfect for children. There are also a number of other hikes in the area.
Need to know - In most weather conditions, the road is 2WD access but during very wet periods, it is 4WD access. There are composting toilets at both sites. The toilets at Manna Gum campsite have disability access. There is no internet access so you need to book online prior at the Qld National Parks website.
By Kate Bennie.
