Gordon Country, Queensland
Update - 26th February 2002

Believe it or not the above photo was taken last weekend and it paints a completely different picture of Gordon Country than our story above done last June. Apparently on our previous visits the weather was abnormal giving a wrong impression that the creek always flows. This isn't so. It is just not worth the effort to drive all the way up there from Brisbane if the creek is not flowing and we sincerely apologise to anyone who has made the journey and been disappointed. We believe about 2,500 campers will be visiting at Easter 2002. Sadly the area has gone downhill with campers hacking down green trees etc. The only improvement is a fair walking map of the area handed out if requested. Be aware though that the tracks are not clearly marked.

Standing in the "river"!	Main "river" crossing

It's not all bad news though as we had a long yarn with the new caretaker and he feels that the facilities should start to improve as drop toilets may be on the drawing board and a very rough and ready portable shower is being set up for the Easter break. We can't help but wonder where the water will come from though?

No more misty mornings sadly	Delightful riverside camps are no more

During our stay over sixty motor homes passed by on their way up to Goomburra State Forest just a few kilometers further on up the track. We thought this was rather odd and enquired further. Apparently Gordon Country is seen as bad value at $5.50 per person per night with zero facilities nearby, as the State Forest is only $3.85 and has toilets serviced regularly by a local, some tank water and wood is supplied already cut beside nicely made fireplaces. Rather strangely, receipts are only issued if requested and even though we asked for a receipt and were quoted $5 plus GST - making a total of $5.50 or $11 for our night for two people - there is no ABN number or business name shown! There is a new sign indicating there are hot showers. This is only partly true as they are strictly for the use of the cabins during "busy" times. If you must have hot showers and toilets a nearby alternative is Glenrock Station. The turn off is back in the township and the sign posting is very good starting way back at the highway.

Highway sign posting is much improved	New sign is slightly misleading

The only real positive is that they take dogs. Rex absolutely loves it. But take care, horses and cattle are roaming over the all camping areas - so if you have a dog who chases, make sure it is on a leash. The strange noise you hear in the night could be a horse licking the side of your van or tent for the dew. Crimson rosellas, sulphur crested cockatoos and kookaburras are frequent visitors, but no other wildlife was seen during our two days.

The excellent local shop	Delightful rest area on the highway at Gladfield

The local shop is for sale if you are looking for a change of lifestyle. Wonderful people - if you ring them before coming up they will give you the local weather and tell you if the creek is flowing - Owen and Janella Lawrance (07) 4666 6207. They also clean the amenities up at the State Forest and do an excellent job. You cannot camp with a dog in the State Forest, but you can visit the day picnic area, go on all the walks with your pet and if you wish drive out to the lookout.

Foot operated wash basin!	Local map in the rest area

Want to save a nights camping fees? Just stay out on the highway at Gladfield. Never free camped before? This is an ideal spot to break you in, as everything is very well lit up at night. The views of the valley are lovely and unlike Gordon Country at present the grass is super lush. Lots of covered tables and the traffic noise isn't too bad at night. During holiday periods this large rest area also acts as a Driver Reviver station so you can have a free bedtime cuppa! We loved the foot operated taps over the basins!

Bob & Chrissy Eustace

Lush grass in the Gladfield rest area	Delightful valley views from rest area

Click on the compass for a map of the area