Frequently asked questions
Facilities
Are there any powered sites?
No power is available. This means there are no power sockets in the amenities blocks for hairdryers, shavers or asthma pumps.
Are there any washing facilities?
No laundry or washing facilities are available. Campers must bring their own washing up bowl or bucket.
Are fires allowed?
Campfires are only allowed within officially constructed barbecues. Firewood must not be collected from the park or roadside—fines apply. No fires are permitted outside these areas; however fuel stoves such as gas, methylated spirits or other camping stoves can be used. Elevated barbecues and braziers that use heat beads are permitted provided the ground underneath them is protected.
Camping
Can I bring a camper trailer?
Camper trailers can access Goomburra camping areas; however due to the steep gravel access road only camper trailers towed by four-wheel-drive vehicles can access the Spicers Gap camping area.
Can I bring a caravan?
Caravans can access Goomburra camping areas but not Spicers Gap.
Will I get mobile phone service?
This depends to some extent on your carrier. Usually coverage is very poor. If you cannot reach 000 in an emergency, try 112.
Which site do I choose when I arrive?
As campers arrive they select the site that suits them best. Some campers prefer to be close to amenities or want an open sunny site, while others prefer a more secluded site.
What do campers do on arrival at Spicers Gap camping area?
If you have pre-booked, paid and been given a booking number, take a yellow and green camp site tag located on the shelf of the camping registration stand.
Select the camp site of your choice.
Write your booking number on a camp site tag and display it clearly on your tent.
If you have not pre-booked, collect a permit from the camping registration stand, complete all details including credit card details if paying by credit, or if paying by cash or cheque insert your camp fees into the envelope section of the permit and seal. Remove the camp site tag from the front of the permit before lodging it in the permit box located under the stand. Display your campsite tag clearly on your tent. Please note that you will not be able to self-register on the Easter, Anzac Day or May or June long weekends.
Visit the QPWS information display in the Pioneer picnic area car park to learn more about Main Range National Park.
What do campers do on arrival at Goomburra?
Orient yourself by reading the display stand located near the camping registration stand.
If you have pre-booked, paid and been given a booking number, take a yellow and green camp site tag located on the shelf of the camping registration stand.
Select the tent or van site of your choice.
Write your booking number on a camp site tag and display it clearly on your tent or van.
If you have not pre-booked, collect a permit from the camping registration stand, complete all details including credit card details if paying by credit, or if paying by cash or cheque insert your camp fees into the envelope section of the permit and seal. Remove the camp site tag from the front of the permit before lodging into the permit box located under the stand. Display your camp site tag clearly on your tent or van. Please note that you will not be able to self-register on the Easter, Anzac Day or May or June long weekends.
Visit the QPWS information display stand near the camping registration stand to learn more about Goomburra and Main Range National Park.
Should I be worried about theft?
There have been few reported thefts from cars and camping areas. We recommend that you carry any valuables such as car keys, garage remotes, wallets, cameras, phones and other valuables with you.
Bushwalking
Can I drink the water?
Water in all camping area taps is not treated and must be boiled or treated before drinking. Water taken from creeks within the national park should be treated before drinking as a precautionary measure.
Nature
Should I be concerned about snakes?
Snakes tend to be observed more in the warmer spring and summer months. Always take extreme caution and never attempt to pick up any type of reptile. The rule to remember is that snakes have right of way! The two most common reptiles to see are carpet pythons and nobbi dragons. In the rare case of being bitten by a snake, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, avoid moving the patient and seek medical attention quickly. It is good advice to carry a first-aid kit and always walk with another person.
What can I do to prevent leeches?
Leeches are common in rainforest, particularly after rain. They are not dangerous and can be pulled or flicked off with few effects other than local irritation of the skin. The bite will bleed for some time due to an anti-clotting agent which the leech injects. An analgesic cream will ease the itch. To prevent leech bites, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, a hat and apply insect repellent to exposed skin before walking. Another good idea is to rub insect repellent on feet (and even shoes) before putting on footwear.
What should I do if I get a tick?
Ticks tend to live in forested areas with a dry, grassy understorey. To kill the tick, use fine-tipped forceps or pointed tweezers, press the skin down around the tick's embedded mouth part. Grip the mouth part firmly, lift gently to detach the tick—avoid squeezing the body of the tick during removal. If the person becomes ill, seek medical attention promptly. Avoid ticks by wearing long sleeves and long trousers, hats and shoes. Apply insect repellent on exposed skin.
Last updated 16 February 2012