UPDATE January 2024:
Crows Nest Showgrounds now offer campers short stay sites with access to power, amenities and a dump point. The caretaker will greet and guide you to your site upon entry.
Previously only open to groups, be sure to book ahead, and if you have pets, please ask permission for them. There are koalas that inhabit the area, and so great caution has to be taken with pets.
2022 News
Crows Nest Showgrounds will be open for campers from January 4 – 30, 2022!
The local Show Society, a volunteer organisation has secured Heesco, a world renowned muralist known for silos painted in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
Consequently, Crow’s Nest will be Heesco’s first Queensland mural. The two 40 metre murals will be themed ‘Crows Nest Show’ and ‘Grown in the High Country’.
A first ever for the public, budget priced camping is offered at the Crows Nest Showgrounds during the project. Thus, powered sites at $25/night and unpowered $15/night.
“We have a ‘Stay 4, 5th Night Free Deal’ which is our way of enticing travellers to stay longer and support local businesses.” said Jess Hanson, the group’s Grant’s Co-Ordinator.
“The Showgrounds have 16 acres of shaded, flat sites with 50 sites available for campers in January. The grounds are bordered by Bald Hills Creek, which is at the headwaters of the Brisbane River and koalas call the showgrounds home.”
As well as funding the murals, the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grant from the Commonwealth Government has helped build improvements. A $200,000 All Abilities Ablutions Block with disabled facilities, six hot showers, parents room and coin washing machine is ready to go.
On ground caretakers will ensure country hospitality for pets-on-leash friendly camping, and there is a dump point on site.
The Crows Nest community is getting involved with Murals by the Show Ring side events. Every Thursday to Sunday from 3-7pm there will be a BYO Picnic area to sit and watch Heesco work. There will be larger community events, too, like ‘Markets by the Mural’ on Sunday, January 23 and Australia Day celebrations, January 26.
Planning a mural is no easy task, the community hope to have your support. “Just a two hour trip from Brisbane,” Jess says, “The showgrounds are only 800 metres out of town, and a three minute bike ride.” So, come explore the High Country!
For location and contact details for Crows Nest Showgrounds check the free CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App!
What to see and do?
Make it a summer road trip with nearby Lake Cressbrook and Crows Nest National Park. Alternatively, explore Ravensbourne National Park with free overnight camping at Ravensbourne Recreation Area and Chapman Park in Hampton or a paid site at the Crows Nest Tourist Park. Crows Nest is 40km north of Toowoomba in the Darling Downs.
Check out this new site and others nearby in the Camps Australia Wide App and guides, including the new Camps Pendium book set
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
