Charlie Moreland Camping Ground
Imbil National Forest
Kenilworth
January, 2013
This was Boyo’s first camping trip at 2 1/2yrs, and the first for us with two young children. So we brought reinforcements! Mr M’s brother and his girlfriend arrived one day after us. Uncle C and Aunty F were a great help and distraction, and definitely made the trip a lot easier (day 1 was very draining)!
We’ve been to Charlie Moreland before. I, in my older childhood years, went often with my family, and Mr M and I went together sometime early in our marriage (during an invasion of giant killer ants.. that.was.not.fun! Thankfully they’ve now cleared out, as far as we can tell). I have great memories of swimming in the waterhole, damming up the shallow creek, and paddling/swimming further up the creek exploring. Sadly, since the floods in 2009, the creek has been drastically changed and a lot of large debris remains. Still, the waterhole is still there and is a great spot for all the kids, especially the older ones who like to swim out a bit further to the rocks on the other side.
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/imbil/
During this trip we discovered another swimming spot which was beautiful and just perfect for younger children, but also a great spot for everyone. The creek widens here enough for deep wading (or swimming for the littlies), and there is a little offshoot full of rocks that are ideal for shifting around and making little dams, or altering the flow of the water. Small trees grow either side and overhang, creating a cubby atmosphere. We all loved it here, but long after the children were done playing Mr M and Uncle C were still busy making dams! There is plenty of sand alongside the creek for playing in or building with as well. We also trekked further up the creek, it’s very pretty up that way. Just be on the look out, as a 4wd track runs along there and crosses the creek a little further up.
There are a few walks from the campsite, varying in difficulty from an easy stroll beside the campsite, to a challenging trek (8.8km, Class 4) up to the Mt. Allan Fire Tower. Previously closed due to structural instability, the fire tower should be open again in April 2014.
Photo: R Ashdown, QPWS Photo: Robert Ashdown, NPRSR
The campsite itself is a large, flat, open grassy area, with bush surrounding and plenty of trees scattered throughout. There are flushing toilets, and creek water taps. Access is via Sunday Creek Rd, which is unsealed and pot-holed, but suitable for 2WD vehicles- just drive with care.
http://www.aussiecampovenforum.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?action=print;num=1231397611
http://letsgotravelaustralia.com/tag/charlie-moreland-campground/
There is plenty of wildlife. Bird calls fill the air, our favourites being the bell birds and whip birds. You will also see lace monitors and bush turkeys so ensure your food and rubbish is well secured when you’re not around. Possums can be seen at night, and one time we even saw a tiny scorpion hiding beside some cement outside a toilet block!
Facilities:
- Flushing toilets – no showers
- Fire rings – bring your own wood
- Free choice of camping spot
- Creek water taps – boil or bring your own water
- Generators are not allowed
- Public dump point available in Kenilworth
- Horse paddock located beside camping area
Fees apply and bookings are required. See here.
The campsite and day use area is currently undergoing an upgrade, information can be found here.
