Camping at Gootchie Creek Escape
Over the Queen’s birthday long weekend Ben and I dusted off our Blue Water “Murray” camper trailer, hooked up the Prado and headed to Gootchie Creek Escape for a long-awaited camp. Since we moved to Queensland, we have been chomping at the bit to get out and explore some of our local camp areas. The extended work break and an invitation from our neighbors finally allowed that.
Gootchie Creek Escape is approximately a one-hour drive from our new home in Hervey Bay. You’ll find it situated right between Maryborough and Gympie (just over 30 minutes from each town).
Looking from the top of the hill (toilet block) down to the main camp area.
This trip was different from what we are used to. There was no fishing or crabbing and really not much to do besides relax, have a beer and meet new people.
Gootchie Creek Escape seems to us that it less about the location and more about the company. There is nothing particularly off-putting about this spot. In the same breath, there is nothing particularly attractive about it either. It is basically an extra-large paddock, complete with cattle, with a body of water that campers set up around. The body of water isn’t good for fishing, nor is it very big or clean but it is still good for a paddle if it is hot enough. I would imagine it to be more impressive after a good dose of rain. There is an abundance of turtles in the water, unknowingly keeping onlookers entertained by sunning themselves on logs and popping their heads up for air intermittently.
Nevertheless, our neighbors at home, Megan and Dave and their two kids, Hunter and Ella, became our neighbors at camp, setting up their caravan next to our camper. My Mum and Dad also came along, setting up on the other side of us. One thing we have found challenging since moving states is meeting new people. Lucky for us, Megan and Dave had invited a few camps of friends and we got to know some very interesting new people.
Camping is always made better by the people you are camping with. For us, this really was what our long weekend was about. Relaxing days, staying out of the direct sun and cheerful nights chatting to new friends.
The staff at Gootchie Creek Escape went to a lot of effort to add some extras to their paddock for the long weekend. They had Yo Dough come in and make wood-fired pizza (pre-order only) Saturday and Sunday night, which we didn’t partake in, only due to the amount of food we had all bought with us. They had a talented couple provide chilled music covers around a big campfire and also set up a projector screen, playing a movie for the kids on Saturday night. The NRL Grand Final was on the projector Sunday night (unfortunately, with a couple of teething problems and reception issues). We definitely scored them an A+ for effort with these activities.
For those thinking about visiting, you can book online or give them a call. It is pretty cheap at $15 per adult and $10 per child, per night. There are no powered sites available but once you are in, you can camp wherever you like. There is a relatively new toilet and shower block, which is a short drive or a decent walk from the main camp area. In saying that, you can camp as close to it as you like. There is a dump point at reception ($3.00 to use it). The friendly reception staff also offer barista-made coffee at certain times. Gootchie Creek Escape is dog-friendly, it has some shady spots available and a small play area for kids with plenty of extra space for them to run around. You’ll need to take your rubbish home, although they do provide recycling bins for all of your cans and bottles.
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