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Christmas Creek Bush Retreat – Lamington QLD Camping

Escape to the natural serenity of Christmas Creek Bush Retreat, a sprawling 160-acre bush campground nestled in the stunning Lost World Valley, right on the edge of the Lamington National Park wilderness. This authentic bush camp offers a genuine back-to-basics experience, perfect for families, groups, and couples looking to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Set along the crystal-clear, flowing waters of Christmas Creek, the retreat provides a picturesque backdrop for swimming, fishing, and exploring. With its spacious, unallocated camping areas, simple cabins, and a firm emphasis on enjoying the outdoors, it’s an ideal base for bushwalking, birdwatching, and soaking in the tranquillity of the Gold Coast hinterland.

The retreat is proudly pet-friendly (on leash) and offers a range of simple but essential facilities for a comfortable stay. Guests can choose from expansive unpowered, grassy sites for tents, camper trailers, and caravans. The heart of the camp is its clean amenities block, which includes hot showers and flushing toilets. Communal campfires are a key feature, with open fires permitted in designated pits (BYO firewood or purchase onsite), creating a perfect atmosphere for relaxing under the stars (always subject to local fire bans). Gas barbecues and picnic tables are available for guest use. It is important to note that the camp operates on tank water, so bringing your own drinking water is highly recommended. As a true bush retreat, mobile phone and TV reception are very limited to non-existent, encouraging a digital detox. The property is a haven for wildlife and offers direct access to the creek for swimming in rock pools and freshwater fishing.

Located at the end of Christmas Creek Road, the journey itself is part of the adventure, winding through spectacular mountain scenery. The nearest town for basic supplies is Rathdowney, which has a pub and general store, while the larger town of Beaudesert is further afield. The retreat is a gateway to the remote sections of Lamington National Park, offering numerous bushwalking trails for all skill levels, from gentle creek-side strolls to challenging mountain hikes. Nearby attractions include the stunning scenery of the Lost World Valley and the majestic peaks of Mount Barney National Park. For a true bush camping experience with the soundtrack of a flowing creek and crackling campfire, Christmas Creek Bush Retreat is an unbeatable choice.

Christmas Creek Bush Retreat – QLD Map

Christmas Creek Bush Retreat

Address: 2660 Christmas Creek Rd, Lamington QLD 4285
Website: Facebook
GPS Coordinates: -28.28232, 153.02742

Site Details

Location: Secluded bush setting on Christmas Creek, adjacent to Lamington National Park in the Lost World Valley.
Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, small to medium caravans/motorhomes (check with owners for large rig access), cabins.
Road Access: Sealed road (Christmas Creek Rd) most of the way, may become unsealed or have creek crossings towards the end, especially after rain. Check conditions before travel.
Site Surface: Large, open grassy areas.

Facilities and Features

Picnic Tables: Yes, available in communal areas.
Potable Water: No, only tank water available. It is highly recommended to bring your own drinking water.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none. Expect a digital detox.
TV Reception: No.
BBQ’s: Yes, gas BBQs available.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, amenities block with hot showers and flushing toilets.
Ullage (Dump Point): No. Nearest public dump point is in Beaudesert or Rathdowney.
Drive Through Sites: No, unallocated open grass camping.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
Open Fires: Yes, permitted in designated fire pits (subject to local fire bans). BYO firewood or purchase onsite.
Generator Use: Generators are generally not permitted to maintain the peace and quiet. Check with management.
Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, all food supplies (remote location), firewood, insect repellent, torches.
Pet Friendly: Yes, permitted on leash (conditions apply, confirm with management).
Fishing: Yes, freshwater fishing in the creek.
Short Walks: Yes, excellent bushwalking on the property and into Lamington National Park.

Local Amenities (Nearest Towns: Rathdowney & Beaudesert)

Pubs

Rathdowney Hotel (The “Rat Hotel”): (Approx. 35 km) – Classic country pub with meals.
Beaudesert Hotel: (Approx. 60 km) – Large pub in the centre of Beaudesert.
Logan & Albert Hotel: (Approx. 60 km) – Another historic pub in Beaudesert.

Places to Eat

Rathdowney Hotel: (Approx. 35 km) – Pub meals.
Rathdowney General Store/Cafe: (Approx. 35 km) – Basic takeaways and coffee.
Beaudesert Township: (Approx. 60 km) – Numerous cafes, bakeries, fast food, and pubs.

Local Attractions

- Lamington National Park (Green Mountains/Binna Burra): (Onsite/Nearby) – Access to remote walking tracks. Main sections are a 1.5hr+ drive away.
- Lost World Valley: (Onsite) – Explore the stunning local scenery.

* Christmas Creek (Onsite): – Swimming, rock hopping, and fishing.

Mount Barney National Park: (Approx. 50 km) – Challenging mountain hikes.
Rathdowney Historical Museum: (Approx. 35 km) – Local history.

Nearest Caravan Parks

Darlington Park (Council Campground): (Approx. 40 km) – Large, popular council-run park on the Albert River.
Beaudesert Showgrounds: (Approx. 60 km) – Offers low-cost camping.

Nearest Free Camps

Andrew Drynan Park (Running Creek): (Approx. 45 km) – Low-cost council campground, not technically free.
Lake Wyaralong (Sculpture Park): (Approx. 70 km) – Basic, free camping area (booking may be required).

Nearest Dump Points

Rathdowney Memorial Grounds: (Approx. 35 km) – Public dump point available.
Beaudesert Showgrounds: (Approx. 60 km) – Public dump point available for campers.

Nearest Petrol Stations

Rathdowney General Store: (Approx. 35 km) – Basic fuel supplies.
Beaudesert: (Approx. 60 km) – Multiple major service stations (BP, Shell, Caltex).

Nearest Drinking Water Resupply

Rathdowney Memorial Grounds: (Approx. 35 km) – Public tap available.
Beaudesert: (Approx. 60 km) – Water available at service stations (ask first) or parks.
(It is essential to arrive at the camp with full water tanks).

Nearest Public Toilets (Outside Camp)

Rathdowney Memorial Grounds: (Approx. 35 km) – Public toilet block.
Beaudesert Town Centre: (Approx. 60 km) – Multiple public toilets in parks.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lamington / Scenic Rim

Summer (December – February)

Warm to hot and humid, with the highest rainfall. This is the wet season, with frequent showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon.
Mean Max: 28°C – 30°C
Mean Min: 18°C – 20°C
Mean Rain (mm): 150-250 mm+
Mean Rain Days: 10-13

Autumn (March – May)

Warm days, lower humidity, and pleasant nights. A popular time for hiking. Rainfall decreases.
Mean Max: Cools from 27°C down to 23°C.
Mean Min: Cools from 18°C down to 12°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 70-130 mm
Mean Rain Days: 8-11

Winter (June – August)

Mild, sunny, and dry days with cool to cold nights. Frost is possible in the valley.
Mean Max: 20°C – 22°C
Mean Min: 6°C – 8°C (can drop lower)
Mean Rain (mm): 40-60 mm
Mean Rain Days: 5-6 (Driest period)

Spring (September – November)

Warm and sunny days, comfortable nights. Rainfall begins to increase towards November.
Mean Max: Warms from 24°C up to 28°C.
Mean Min: Warms from 10°C up to 16°C.
Mean Rain (mm): 60-100 mm
Mean Rain Days: 6-8