Glastonbury Creek Forest Recreation Area

Glastonbury Creek Forest Recreation Area
Queensland

This was our first trip to Glastonbury Creek Forest Recreation Area, and it will not be our last. We enjoyed the area immensely. It takes approximately 3.5 hours in driving time from the Gold Coast. The final 5 to 10 kilometres is along a well maintained gravel road. This area is unfenced and stock graze and cross the roadway at whim. If travelling through this area, at dusk or night fall, extreme caution would be required. We had to stop a number of times for Brahman Bulls on the roadway. After consistent torrential rain some areas would be flood prone. That would be well worth keeping in mind too, if visiting the area.

The heavy rain we had made no difference, but after a few days of driving rain, it would be another matter. The area is so dry out that way at the moment. Some of the stock are just skin and bones, poor things. More rain is badly needed and soon.

There are no amenities at Glastonbury Creek apart from Pit Toilets and Tap Water. The Pit Toilets set high on the hill behind us were out of service. The other ones further down towards the walking tracks were also elevated. I used them once but the remainder of our stay insisted on using our own Porta-Potty. Let your imagination run wild a tad, and you will understand why.

Glastonbury Creek is definitely NOT for campers or caravanners who insist on all creature and hygienic comforts of home. However, both Ian and I enjoy visiting pristine and scenic areas, which are off the tourist route. Nothing to break the silence except wildlife.

There is no signage telling you where Glastonbury Creek is. The final section you pass, there is a fairly new Bus Shelter. This is no doubt used for the School Bus for country children in the area. There is a small metal letter box (with no name) on the gate as you cross over a cattle grid. Another 5 kilometres and you are at Glastonbury Creek.

The Camping Fee is $4.00 per person per night. A Registration Envelope is to be completed, money enclosed and placed in an "Honesty Box" just inside the entrance to the area. Although the weather was inclement, the birdlife breaking the silence was wonderful. We enjoyed every moment we had there, and hope to return again very soon.

For our Aussie fellow travellers.........when travelling to the North Coast we always stop at the Mobil Service Station on the northern side highway. There are two Mobil Service Stations just about opposite each other, servicing both northbound and southbound traffic.

Over the years we have found the Restaurant Food to be inferior at the Mobil on the southbound side. Even when coming home we make a detour from the south bound highway across the overhead bridge to make the petrol/food stop at the northbound Mobil. It is a very easy manoeuvre to join the southbound traffic again.

The photo above shows a view of Mt Tibrogargan as seen from the doorway of our camper. Mt Tibrogargan is part of the "Glass House Mountains". The first European to sight these peaks was Captain James Cook in 1770. According to Aboriginal Legend - TIBROGARGAN, is the father and BEERWAH, is the mother, and they had many children-
COONOWRIN the eldest, BEERBURRUM, the TUNBUBUDLA twins, COOCHIN, NGUNGUN,
TIBBEROOWUCCUM, MIKETEEBUMULGRAI and ELIMBAH.

For our overseas friends who would like to read more The Glasshouse Mountains refer to the following Web Link.

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/4516/ghinfo.htm

Ian & Therese Goodwin

Directions

Head for Gympie and look for the signs on the western side of the highway. Route is all bitumen except the last 7 kms.

Hema 7 D12