 If you enjoy cool, luxuriant rainforests, forest walks and camping, then we highly recommend that you take a trip to the Sunshine
Coast's Hinterland to Kenilworth State Forest.
We spent a week camping at Charlie Moreland camping area in Summer two
years ago and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The only downfall was that
it rained most of the time. But because the weather was so warm, we
didn't really mind and took the opportunity to take a swim (or two) in
the swimming hole in Little Yabba Creek. There are plenty of campsites
on the grassy areas surrounded by shade trees. The bellbirds act as
morning wake-up calls, much more pleasant than the screech of an alarm
clock!
This year we thought we'd try again for a weekend in February. One
thing that had changed was that you must have pre-registered your site
either online or by calling 131 304 (24 hours) and pay the camping fee
upon registration. Signs also indicated that as of 31 January 2007,
firewood would no longer be supplied by the Kenilworth State Forest.
Another dramatic change was the lack of water in Little Yabba Creek.
The creek had run dry and the water hole was a shadow of its former
self.
Not prone to giving up easily we drove for 15 minutes to explore the
Booloumba Creek camping areas. There are three camping areas here with
the first providing the option of cold showers - a luxury for any
camper! Booloumba Creek camping areas 1 and 3 are nestled in luxuriant
rainforest and are for tents only - no campervans, caravans or camper
trailers are allowed in these areas.
Booloumba Creek camping area 4 is similar to Charlie Moreland
camping area, situated in grassy open forest with sites suitable for
tents, large groups, campervans, caravans and camper trailers.
Alas, the creek was bone dry and the ground dusty, a further indication of the serious drought Queensland
has been experiencing. Because of the heat and our desire for a water-based weekend, we decided to cut our losses and head to Noosa instead, making a note to definitely return to the Booloumba Creek Camping areas at another, wetter time.
From Brisbane, follow the Bruce Highway north, take the Landsborough
exit. Go through Maleny, and follow the signs for Kenilworth.
On the way you'll pass through Conondale. The turnoff to Booloumba
Creek is about 13km past Conondale and the turnoff to Charlie Moreland
is a further 0.5km.
If coming from the coast, an alternative route is via the
Eumundi-Kenilworth Road, off the Bruce
Highway. Kenilworth is about 28km from the highway. The turnoff to
Charlie Moreland is about 7km past Kenilworth and the turnoff to
Booloumba Creek and Conondale National Park is a further 0.5km.
Updated 12.2.07
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You'll find the atmosphere is refreshingly welcoming and friendly. While Brisbane offers all the excitement of a big city, the pace is a little less frantic as residents and visitors alike soak up the outdoor lifestyle. Brisbane is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.