Emu Creek, Benarkin State Forest - 12 and 13th of January



We just got back from our latest camping trip to one of our favourite camping spots – Emu Creek, Benarkin State Forest http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/benarkin/camping.html

This campground has only just re-opened after being shut for nearly 2 years, the floods of January 2011 damaged a large section of the road into the campground. We couldn’t believe how different everything looks with so much vegetation and soil being removed from some sections of the river bank as you head into Emu Creek. It would have been amazing to see the power of the water coming  down through the valley. There is a large section of road works as you head up the Blackbutt Range on the D’Aguilar Highway repairing the road and concreting the sides of the hills to prevent future landslips in heavy rain, according to the sign costing $39.7 million…

The Emu Creek campground is a large open grassy area suitable for all forms of camping. Access is suitable for conventional vehicles but the track is quite rocky and rough in sections, large camper trailers and caravans would need to take their time. The facilities include flushing toilets and cold showers and there are fire rings spread around the campground. No dogs allowed here but you can take your pooch to the nearby Clancy’s Campground. The campground overlooks the Emu Creek which wasn’t flowing this time due to the lack of recent rainfall, on previous visits the creek had a gentle flow to it. There are a couple of swimming holes in front of the camping area which despite the lack of flow are still deep and we spent a few hours swimming in the creek trying to cool down.

We had very hot days during our stay, according to our Engel thermometer the ambient temperature maxed out at 42.7 degrees on Saturday with a low of 21.5 degrees overnight. By the time we had packed up on Sunday morning the temperature had climed to 237.1 degrees and another swim and cold shower was needed to cool down before we drove home.

We also tested out our new BBQ, an Everdure Neo Buddy and Anna knocked up a very tasty lamb roast with all the trimmings and it handled breakfast duties of pancakes with no worries. Very happy with the performance and look forward to many more meals on it.

Our next camping trip is planned for the Australia Day long weekend and we are heading to Yandilla for 2 nights.

Trip distance = 210km
Total distance travelled with camper = 3742km
Total number of nights = 26











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