There are few places where you can bring the whole family including the dog to somewhere with great facilities, yet still camp and explore the region in your 4WD and even walk within a pristine national park.
Where is Gordon Country?
One such place where all this is possible is Gordon Country near Goomburra, 47km north-east of Warwick in south-east Queensland, just 150km from Brisbane. We started our Journey in Warrick, explored Condamine George and Queen Mary Falls before heading to Gordon Country on the edge of Goomburra section of the Main Range National park.
Gordon Country Facilities
Here you can experience as much or as little as you want with a choice of campgrounds, facilities such as flush toilets and hot showers, and pristine camping beside a river. There are 4WD tracks to explore and test your vehicle, and an adjacent national park to experience and explore.
Several years back the Trayon Annual Muster was held at Gordon Country and it was a fantastic venue for such an event.
Getting There (Directions)
Gordon Country and the Goomburra section of the Main Range National Park is in south-east Queensland, around 150km from Brisbane. The closest major town is Warwick which is the ideal place to stock up with supplies as there are only basic supplies available at Gordon Country.
To get to Gordon Country from Warwick head north on the New England Highway before joining the Cunningham Highway east. After 18km turn left into the Clintonvale Goomburra Road heading northwards and then join the Goomburra Road.
The Goomburra Road terminates into Inverramsay Road – turn right and follow this road through scenic farmland for 21km before entering the forested area and Gordon Country.
About Gordon Country
Gordon Country is a private property within the Goomburra Valley offering camping, cabin & caravan stays. The property also has a range of 4WD tracks to suit all levels of experience.
The 4000 acre property borders on the Great Dividing Range and incorporates large beautiful reaches of rain forest into the adjacent Heritage listed Main Range National Park.
There are kilometers of creek front camping with over 20 separate sites which are each several acres in size. There are even powered campsites, cabins and private areas for groups so everyone is covered.
Gordon Country is the perfect destination for the whole family including your 4 legged family members as well.
Prior to heading into Gordon Country it is worth checking out their website and choosing (and booking) a campsite or cabin particularly in busy times such as holidays and long weekends as it does tend to get quite busy in peak seasons.
Campsites
There are campsites and areas for groups of all sizes so you are definitely spoilt for choice – our recommendation is the campground right adjacent the Main Range National Park which is Gordon’s Retreat.
Talk to the helpful staff and they will help you choose the best option for your needs, perhaps during quieter times just head into the area and call into the office.
Whether you have booked or just rolled up, the first port of call is the Gordon Country office.
Here you can confirm (or make) your booking and get the latest up-to-date information and discuss options for your stay. Now is the time to choose your 4WD adventure with the helpful staff and grab the maps for your tracks of choice.
Once the campsite is chosen and camp setup, it’s time to relax by the campfire and take in the magnificent surroundings. Ideally something like a Trayon Camper will have you setup in just a few minutes ready to take it all in.
Expect visits from plenty of birds, kangaroos & wallabies, and maybe even try your luck to catch dinner in the pristine river that winds past the campground.
Once sufficiently rested, decouple your Slide on Camper or camper tailer and take your vehicle to tackle one of the fantastic 4WD tracks, or head into the adjacent Main Range National Park to explore one of the walks or take in the views from the lookouts.
Main Range National Park
Adjacent to Gordon Country, Goomburra is part of Main Range National Park – a portion of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Rugged mountain ranges, spectacular lookouts, trickling streams and rare wildlife make this a very special place.
Two open, grassy camping areas hug Dalrymple Creek, close to three walking tracks ranging from an easy 1.2 kilometre circuit suitable for wheelchairs with assistance, to a six kilometre track showcasing waterfalls and freshwater habitats.
A short four-wheel-drive away, two more tracks lead to scenic lookouts, both within an hour’s walk.
Several longer walks can also be chosen, including along an old forestry snigging trail to a winder used back when timber was hauled from these forests.
Look for New England blackbutt and manna gums in dry open forests; giant spear lilies on cliff edges; and vines, palms and epiphytes in the rainforests of moist gullies and the escarpment. Watch for echidnas and koalas. See satin bowerbirds and variegated fairy-wrens, or listen to the calls of shy yellow-tailed black-cockatoos.
Check out the main range national park website to find out more.
Beyond Gordon Country
After several days at Gordon Country it is worth exploring some of the other attractions in the region. One option is to head back to Warwick then onto the historic town of Killarney and further to some fantastic waterfalls including the Queen Mary Falls, then tackle the scenic Condamine River Road.
Queen Mary Falls
The spectacular Queen Mary Falls is 11km from Killarney along Spring Creek Road. On the way there stop and check out the other waterfalls including Browns and Daggs Falls.
From the Queen Mary Falls picnic area, the walking track to the falls heads through a eucalypt-topped ridgeline to the lush, rainforested gorge and the main lookout.
At the lookout, watch Spring Creek plunge 40 metres over the falls to the valley floor. Marvel at the rainbows created by the waterfall’s sheer mist, and watch as the creek continues its twisting journey along the valley, to join the Condamine River’s upper reaches.
Continue along the track to the valley floor and cool off in the waterfall’s misty spray—perfect on a hot summer’s day.
There is a caravan park opposite the picnic area if you are looking for an overnight stop.
Check out the Queen Mary Falls website for up to date information.
Condamine River Road
The Condamine River Road is 4WD only road which winds through the Cambanoora Gorge crossing the Condamine River 14 times along its 20km length. Normally the track is easy with shallow river crossings but during times of wet weather the river can rise rapidly making the road impassable. There is a 30 km/hr limit on the road so allow about an hour to complete the journey.
Conclusion
Gordon Country is a great place to bring the whole family for a weekend (or longer) adventure that everyone will enjoy. The fantastic scenery, awesome campsites, spotless facilities, and terrific range of activities will make Gordon Country a memorable experience you will not forget in a hurry.
Plan your family holiday for Gordon Country and just head into this pristine area of southern Queensland – you will not be disappointed!
