Gympie’s RV strategy was released this week. In summary:
- Gympie Showgrounds site to go ahead, pending development approval
- 5 new sites in total to open and 2 will close
- More dump points and water points
- Time limits extend to 72 hours
- More infrastructure planned (allocated parking instead of grassy areas) for Kilkivan and Kandanga
- Possible introduction of budget fees and coin operated showers
- No site for Rainbow Beach
- Tin Can Bay site is located well out of town
- More signage for day parking
Unfortunately, our feedback to council remains the same, although freedom campers enjoy free and budget prices – grass, trees and unallocated parking rather than concrete is generally preferred. Less development for council also means prices can be kept down, fewer grants required and hopefully – earlier opening times!
Overall, we congratulate Gympie Regional Council on aiming to provide a wonderful experience for RV travellers, with opening new sites, day parking and facilities for this market. Timing is crucial, after three years planning the RV strategy, the sooner camping is allowed at Gympie Showgrounds, the better.
Existing sites
Kandanga RV Park Kandanga camp area is the most popular of all the council controlled sites in the region. And it is a donation site! However it is pretty, opposite a pool and showers, playground, picnic area and toilets. And the Kandanga Hotel is also across the road. There are a few designated hardtop parks, but when we have visited, the majority of travellers park on the grass.
Council will increase the number of designated sites, to a minimum of 10 sites in accordance with the standards for a ‘Regional’ level site. The installation of bollards will prevent RV camping under the trees. The camp area is also known as Paul Robeck Park.
Kilkivan RSL Memorial Park Due to be renamed Kilkivan RV Park. Situated at the Rail Trail, and opposite the pub, it is another excellent location for campers. More concrete is planned for this site also.
This is how it looked when we camped there last year:
And how it is planned for the future:
Dickabram Bridge is a historic wonder in Miva – not far from Theebine Hotel. There are toilets, mobile coverage, shade and picnic tables we had beautiful Mary River views, all to ourselves!
The history of the bridge is fascinating – and no, we didn’t hear the ghost below! Make sure you read the signs.
There are plans to increase the stay to 72 hours and remove the bollards so people can once again park on the grass, not just the parking area.
Marg McIntosh Park Located on the outskirts of Widgee, west of Gympie. This rest area is next to the creek. You’ll find a flat lawned area and a section with gravel parking. A picnic table and two wood BBQs overlook a pretty view to the creek and bridge (top image), and bird life abounds. Council plan to build a dump point here in the future.
Kinbombi Falls Find this site between Goomeri and Kilkivan, with toilets and BBQ. Do take into account rainfall to the area – when we first visited the site years ago – it was too dry to swim! You cannot see the falls from the shaded parking area, follow the track and steps to the falls. This site can become busy. There was no time limit here.
Chatsworth Park Located on Vantage Road in Chatsworth, it has accessible toilets, playground, picnic tables and shade. A popular overnight stop, there are 6 back into parking bays, and other space on the entry road. There is a limited turning area if busy.
New sites
- Gympie Showgrounds (in accordance with development approval)
- Tin Can Bay (now outside of town, not the original site planned close to shops)
- Amamoor
- Gunalda
- Kandanga Railway Station (Kandanga Secondary RV Park/overflow area)
CLOSED
Carter’s Ridge RV Stop – Signage will be removed from this site on the corner Poulsen Road and Jubilee Road. It was not considered appropriate for the purposes of The Gympie RV Strategy.
Weier Oval, Kilkivan will see eventual closure, once the Rail Trail site is completed. We thought this would be an excellent option for overflow for the community. However, the site will be closed.
Find all these sites and more nearby in the CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App and CAMPS guide books. We’ll update the new sites as they are opened.
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