Happy campers are enjoying the reopening of one of the hinterland’s most popular camping areas after a $2.6 million upgrade.
More visitors are now able to enjoy Conondale National Park’s Booloumba Creek 1 camping after a major upgrade of the area’s facilities was just completed.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services ranger in change Bronwyn McAdam said three new trailer/campervan/caravan camping sites were added to the camping area, increasing the overall visitor capacity to 150 people.
“Other upgrades included the construction of two day-visitor parking areas, a new persons-with-disability (PWD) campsite, and a new amenities block,” she said.
Melanie, who preferred to only be known by her first name, comes to camp at Boolouma Creek every year with her extended family from Brisbane.
While they usually camp at campsite 3, they jumped on the chance to experience the newly upgraded Campsite 1.
“We are so impressed with the new upgrades, the areas are huge” she said.
“I really like how the campsites are the flat and raised and how they’ve created the fire pits.
“They’ve done a lot of planting and it looks like there is more to do, so it will only get better.”
While upgrade works were delayed by more than two months, Melanie said they were happy to be able to visit for the second half of the school holidays.
“They’ve finished it just in time for us,” she said.
“It’s just a magical area, just beautiful nature, and it’s not too many people which is what we like.
“It’s just yeah amazing, the kids just Love it. It’s a great place to take kids because there is lots to explore and lots to do and there’s no danger.
“It’s pretty quiet, but now with more capacity for more campers, I’m sure it will get busier.”
Ms McAdam said the camping area’s resilience to future flood events has also been significantly improved as part of the upgraded works.
“Many of the camp sites which were impacted in previous flooding events have now been repositioned above flood heights,” she said.
“The lush rainforest, tall eucalypt forests, cascading waterfalls, boulder-strewn creek and spectacular scenery of Conondale National Park attracts thousands of visitors every year.
“Booloumba Creek 1 camping area is one of the national park’s most popular camping areas, despite its relatively secluded location on the banks of the beautiful Booloumba Creek.
“I am very proud this upgrade means even more people, including those living with a disability, are now able to safely enjoy visiting and camping in this very special part of Queensland.”
Local construction company Be! Building Group Pty Ltd was awarded the contract for the upgrade project.
Be! Building Group’s David Salmon said approximately 60 personnel were involved in the delivery of the Booloumba Creek redevelopment throughout the various stages of the project.
“This included Be! Building Group staff, consultants, and site-based contractors, most of which were based on the Sunshine Coast or hinterland area,” he said.
“Where possible, we also sourced materials and logistics support from up to 25 local businesses, so this project has had a significant flow on effect to the Sunshine Coast economy.”
National parks contribute $2.7 billion to Queensland’s economy and are an important part of Queensland’s great lifestyle.
The state government is investing $51.9 million to improve visitor experiences and revitalise infrastructure in our national parks
More information on Conondale National Park and Booloumba Creek 1 camping area is available here.
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