Andrew Drynan Park
Queensland/NSW Border

Living in the Brisbane area is pretty wonderful as we have all these gorgeous little camping areas all within an hour or so easy drive. In fact there are so many we could possibly send you to a different spot each weekend for a couple of years, as this is our home patch! We truly are spoilt for choice. The scenery around Brisbane varies immensely and this camp is deep in one of the prettiest valleys in Australia. So where are we? On the Lions Road just before it crosses the border from Queensland into NSW in a spot known as Andrew Drynan Park. To find it just look for Beaudesert, then head towards Rathdowney for 24kms and pop onto the Lions Road and go another 22kms with the final 2kms on good gravel. You know you're there after you've crossed Running Creek seven times! You've passed it if you cross the creek at Moran's Bridge! The road in, is an adventure in itself. It starts off in a wide valley with dozens of horse studs. It gradually narrows as does the road, and around each corner is a new vista. Click on the compass at the end of the story for a good local mud map.

Early morning creekside at Andrew Drynan Park	The mist rolls in.......

It's owned by Beaudesert Shire Council and we certainly give accolades of praise to them as there are quite a few similarly well maintained camps in the shire such as Darlington Park and Burgess Park. Pets are allowed on leash, but there are none of those threatening signs as found in NSW. Our visit was seven days after the worst storm in 100 years, yet most of the road damage had already been repaired.

Peaceful seclusion	More happy campers

Andrew Drynan is on the side of a small hill overlooking Running Creek with a lovely backdrop of sub tropical rainforest. There is quite a large open mown area with a few large trees. The perimeter sites give the best shade and you get to hear the creek babbling away - about the best sleeping pill available! Our visit was in late March and as we need so much solar, it wasn't an issue for us. Our site was next to a nice covered table and we had our own BBQ. If you have good levelling ramps you can camp over the road right next to the creek and swimming hole. Another good shady site is under the big tree with a strangler fig growing on it in the middle of the camp. There are enough flat sites for a small club get together. We shared the area with about eight other camps and it was beautifully quiet at night. It is on a main road, but nothing happens at night.

The babbling brook beside our campsite	Notice advising camp fees

Facilities are basic, but adequate. There is running water from the only tap near the toilets. Being cattle country it is a good idea to boil it for drinking. The toilets are both flush septic and cleaned daily by the visiting ranger.

Walking is great. You are on the road, but still it is lovely and wonderful for dogs as the scenery is so stunning and varied. Walking south you pass some excellent free camping spots right on the creek such as Kings Bridge and Bells Crossing. There are a few No Camping signs put up by farmers, but everyone seems not to worry! Similarly bike riding is great, but be prepared to use the gears If you drive further south you will reach the border and come to the famous Railway Loop about 4kms further on. Keep your widows open as there are lots of bellbirds and the smells of the bush are fantastic in this area. There is a small roadside camp near Bellbird Lookout. If you are towing there are a couple of Bobbie dazzler hills just before the border 4kms further down the road from Andrew Drynan. Some older maps recommend not taking caravans this way - motorhomes don't have this problem - we just go down into lower gear! The road on the NSW side is excellent bitumen and not quite as hilly. Travelling in the opposite direction there is lots to explore in Rathdowney. Be sure to visit the Tourist Information Centre as it is excellent. Fill up with fuel at Beaudesert or Rathdowney as there is NOTHING till way over the border. The nearest shop is in Rathdowney so forget the Sunday papers! This place is so peaceful we didn't even try the TV! Firewood is SCARCE, so bring your own, or buy it from the ranger ($5) who calls around at 10AM each morning.

Self registration at the hut - just fill in the papers and display on your vehicle.	Plenty of room for doggies to snuffle

Mobiles don't work anywhere in this area outside Beaudesert. In an emergency just go to any nearby farm as they have power and phones. You probably won't get this place to yourself of a weekend, but you could be lucky on a weekday.

Fees were only $3.85 per person per night. We recommend this park to all who love camping in the bush, but enjoy having a toilet etc. If you mention to the ranger that you found this place on the web he will give you a free bag of firewood (available June to August ONLY) Winter camping in Queensland is absolute bliss!

Bob & Chrissy Eustace

Click the compass to see a map of the Andrew Drynan area