Bluff Creek Campground, Kenilworth QLD
Nestled on 100 acres of pristine Mary Valley countryside, Bluff Creek Campground is a spectacular private campground that has quickly become one of the most sought-after nature-based escapes in South East Queensland. Situated where the beautiful Bluff Creek meets the iconic Mary River, this campground offers a sublime back-to-nature experience with an emphasis on space, serenity, and stunning scenery. This is not a conventional caravan park; it’s a sprawling, thoughtfully designed bush retreat where every campsite is carefully placed to offer privacy and a unique connection to the landscape. Guests can choose from waterfront sites along the creek, shady spots under towering trees, or open, grassy areas with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and farmland.
The campground is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, water enthusiasts, and families. The clear, flowing creek is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, and it’s a renowned habitat for platypus, which are often spotted by quiet observers at dawn and dusk. The hosts are passionate about creating a sustainable and eco-friendly environment, which is reflected in the well-maintained grounds and the encouragement of a leave-no-trace ethos. A key part of the Bluff Creek experience is the campfire, with fire pits provided at every site, making for magical evenings spent under a brilliant, starry sky. The campground is also exceptionally pet-friendly, welcoming dogs to enjoy the open spaces and refreshing creek swims alongside their owners.
Despite its rustic, off-grid feel (there are no powered sites), Bluff Creek provides outstanding amenities, including beautifully designed, clean toilet and hot shower blocks that are a cut above typical campground facilities. Its location is another major plus, feeling a world away from everything while being just a few minutes’ drive from the charming country town of Kenilworth, famous for its cheese factory and bakery. For a premium bush camping experience that ticks all the boxes, Bluff Creek is a top-tier destination that requires booking well in advance.
Bluff Creek Campground – QLD Location Map
Bluff Creek Campground
Address: 44 Wilcox Rd, Kenilworth QLD 4574
Website: bluffcreekcampground.com
GPS Coordinates: -26.56246, 152.73799
Site Information
- Location: Riverside setting in the Mary Valley, just outside the town of Kenilworth.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs. Site suitability varies, check when booking.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed road to the campground.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass sites.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, booking online in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check booking platform for details.
- Number of Powered Sites: None. This is an unpowered, off-grid campground.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous spacious, designated sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: High-quality, clean amenity blocks with flushing toilets and hot gas-powered showers.
- Picnic Tables: No, sites are self-sufficient.
- Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited to none. Telstra is the most likely to have a signal at the entrance.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, for guests.
- Ullage: No dump point. Nearest public dump point is in Kenilworth town.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All campers must operate on a leave-no-trace basis and take all rubbish with them.
- Open Fires: Yes, a fire pit is provided at each site. Firewood is available for purchase.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but with very strict time limits (check with hosts) and a considerate approach to noise.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All food and supplies, kayaks/SUPs, fishing gear, rubbish bags, firewood or cash to buy it.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very popular and well-regarded pet-friendly campground.
- Fishing: Fishing for Australian Bass and other species is popular in the Mary River.
- Short Walks: Excellent walking around the 100-acre property and along the creek and river banks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Kenilworth Hotel (approx. 6 km)
- Eumundi Imperial Hotel (approx. 25 km)
- Location Mapleton Tavern (approx. 28 km)
- Places to Eat: Kenilworth has a famous bakery, cheese factory, cafes, and the pub. A wider variety is available in Eumundi or Location Mapleton.
- Local Attractions:
- Kenilworth Dairies & Cheese Factory (approx. 6 km)
- Kenilworth Country Bakery (for 1kg donuts!) (approx. 6 km)
- Fig Tree Walk, Kenilworth
- Conondale National Park & Booloumba Falls (4WD access required)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Kenilworth Showgrounds (approx. 6 km)
- Next Free Camps: Limited in the immediate area. Small rest areas available on the Eumundi-Kenilworth Road.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is located at the Kenilworth Showgrounds.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Kenilworth (approx. 6 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite for guests. Public facilities are in Kenilworth town.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot and humid, with a higher chance of rain and afternoon thunderstorms. The creek is perfect for cooling off. Temperatures average 19°C to 29°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Widely considered the best season, with warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and beautiful green landscapes. Temperatures average 14°C to 27°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Clear, crisp sunny days and cold nights. Ideal weather for campfires. Morning fog in the valley is common. Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful time as temperatures warm up and the countryside is in bloom. Excellent for all outdoor activities. Temperatures average 11°C to 27°C.