Frequently asked questions

Facilities

Can I drink the water?

Tap water in camping and day-use areas is not treated and must be boiled or chemically treated before drinking. It is advised that you bring your own drinking water.

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. Due to the steep gravel access road only camper trailers towed by 4WD 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 Triple Zero (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?

After you have selected a camp site of your choice, please follow these steps to complete and display a camping tag.

If you have printed your camping tag:

1. place the camping tag in a clear, weatherproof bag, and clearly display it on your tent or trailer.

If you have collected a camping tag:

1. write your permit number and other details on the tag
2. clearly display the camping tag on your tent or trailer.

If you do not have a camping tag:

1. write your permit number and surname on a piece of paper
2. place the paper in a clear, weatherproof bag and clearly display it on your tent or trailer.

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 e-permit camping stand. Select the tent or van site of your choice.

Follow these steps to complete and display a camping tag.

If you have printed your camping tag:

1. place the camping tag in a clear, weatherproof bag, and clearly display it on your tent, trailer or van.

If you have collected a camping tag:

1. write your permit number and other details on the tag
2. clearly display the camping tag on your tent, trailer or van.

If you do not have a camping tag:

1. write your permit number and surname on a piece of paper
2. place the paper in a clear, weatherproof bag and clearly display it on your tent, trailer or van.

Visit the QPWS information display stand near the e-permit camping 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

Is drinking water available?

The availability of fresh water depends on the season and rainfall. Water taken from taps and creeks within the national park should be boiled or chemically treated before drinking.

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.

How can I prevent tick bites?

Prevention is the best method for tick removal. Wear light coloured clothing including long pants, a long sleeved-shirt and a wide brimmed hat, making it easier to see ticks before they bite. Use insect repellent containing DEET (such as Tropical RID, Tropical Aerogard, Bushmans) or Picaridin (OFF!) on exposed skin before going into bushy areas. To prevent ticks climbing onto your clothing, treat with an insect repellent by spraying it directly onto your pant legs, collar, sleeves and hat.

Check yourself and children daily when camping in tick infested areas and prior to returning home. Pay particular attention to the arm pits, groin, neck and hairline.

Don’t scratch anything that itches until you have a look at it. It could be a tick and scratching it will cause the tick to inject more toxins into your body.

What should I do if I get a tick?

Ticks tend to live in forested areas with a dry, grassy understorey. Remove a tick as soon as possible after locating it. The safest method of tick removal is to freeze them with an ether-containing spray (ask your pharmacist for a suitable product). Wait for the tick to drop off or remove it carefully without compressing the tick. Read more about this method of tick removal .

If you can’t freeze 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, gently pull the tick straight out with steady pressure avoid squeezing the body of the tick during removal. Do not try to kill the tick with methylated spirits or any other chemicals. This will cause the tick to inject more toxins. If the person becomes ill, seek medical attention promptly.