Tucked deep within the lush, rainforest-clad hills of the Goomburra Valley, the Manna Gum camping area offers a truly immersive bush experience for the adventurous, self-sufficient camper. Located in the celebrated Goomburra section of the Main Range National Park, this is a destination where the journey is part of the reward. Access is via unsealed forestry roads and involves creek crossings, making a high-clearance 4WD a necessity, particularly after rain. This remote setting ensures a peaceful retreat, far from the crowds, where the dominant sounds are the bubbling of Dalrymple Creek and the rich chorus of rainforest birds.

The campground itself is a beautiful, open grassy flat set right beside the pristine creek. Individual sites are nestled amongst towering eucalypts, providing a classic Australian bush backdrop. It’s a back-to-basics camp, with composting toilets and fire rings being the main facilities, perfectly suited to travellers who cherish solitude and simplicity. The main attraction here is the incredible network of walking tracks that begin nearby. Trails lead to stunning lookouts like Sylvesters and Mount Castle, offering panoramic views across the Great Dividing Range, while others descend into cool, shaded rainforest gullies. The drive further into the park from the campground is a scenic adventure in itself. As a national park, wildlife is abundant, with wallabies often seen around the camp, and the birdwatching is exceptional. For those properly equipped to handle its remote nature, Manna Gum is a spectacular base for exploring one of South East Queensland’s most beautiful and rugged wilderness areas.