Brooyar State Forest
What's special
In the scenic Mary Valley north-west of Gympie lies Brooyar State Forest. The campground lies in the hills between Widgee and Glastonbury Creeks. This quiet retreat contains rainforest, open eucalypt forest and hoop pine plantations. Patches of riverine rainforest fringe Glastonbury Creek. Queensland's best hoop pine plantations are in this forest.
Exploring Brooyar
Go for a scenic drive through the forest, stopping to enjoy the view from the lookouts. Turn off the Bruce Highway 20 km north-west of Gympie to the Wide Bay Highway. The return trip to Gympie via Bells Bridge is 53 km.
Walk through open eucalypt forest with a grasstree understorey to Eagle Nest Lookout for a view over the forest to Black Snake Ranges. Enjoy the view from Point Pure Lookout. Abseiling is allowed at both lookouts for individuals and authorised groups with qualified leaders. For safety, spectators should stay well back.
Camp on the banks of Glastonbury Creek. Across the creek is a grove of white cedars, a mass of gold flowers in autumn. In summer the rich red and yellow flowers of the black bean trees contrast with the orange spikes of the silky oak trees. Toilets, fire rings and drinking water are provided. You will need to bring your own firewood if using the fire rings. The camping area is suitable for caravans and motorhomes. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Camping permits are required and fees apply.
- Find out more about Glastonbury Creek camping area.
- Book your campsite online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Have a picnic or barbecue at Glastonbury Creek, where there is plenty of room for outdoor games. Picnic tables and wood barbecues are provided. You will need to bring your own firewood if using the barbecues. Relax and cool off in the trickling creek. For your safety, never jump or dive into this shallow creek.
If you enjoy your visit to Brooyar, you may like to visit the Woodworks Museum on the Bruce Highway at Gympie to discover the timber-getting history of the Gympie area. Displays include a 619-year-old kauri pine stump. The museum is open weekdays and a small entrance fee applies.
Walking
Walk through the rainforest along an old logging road at Glastonbury Creek. Short walks lead to both lookouts along the Brooyar Forest Drive. See open forest, sandstone outcrops and rock shelters.
Getting there
Brooyar is just 20 minutes north-west of Gympie or two and a half hours drive north of Brisbane. Head 10 km north of Gympie along the Bruce Highway then turn left onto the Wide Bay Highway and drive 7.8 km to the turnoff to the campground. Caravan access is via Peterson Road off the Wide Bay Highway.
Useful links
- Gympie forests locality map (PDF, 232K)*
- Species lists
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 7 June 2011
