Take a fresh look at Charlie Moreland after major upgrade

Charlie Moreland camping and day-use area in Imbil State Forest near Kenilworth has reopened after a $1.5 million revamp by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

National Parks Minister Dr Steven Miles said the popular campground now had a more open, grassy environment, better road access via an upgraded causeway over Little Yabba Creek, as well as improved internal roads, new toilets, new picnic tables and better signage.

“This is more than a facelift, it’s a total upgrade of a well-used campground that dates from the old Forestry days, and can accommodate 380 people,” Dr Miles said.

“Charlie Moreland fans know it is a great base for enjoying a variety of forest walks, beautiful Little Yabba Creek, views of surrounding ranges from the Mt Allan fire tower, and the Conondale Range Great Walk,” he said.

MP for Nicklin Peter Wellington said that although the camp ground was one of many in his electorate, people were excited to return to the much loved site.

“Families and school groups in particular love Charlie Moreland, and the rangers are looking forward to welcoming everyone back,” Mr Wellington said.

The upgrade features:

• four new toilet blocks and waste water treatment systems to replace five old and outdated facilities
• redesigned roadways to improve traffic flow and visitor safety, and a recapped causeway over Little Yabba Creek that’s longer and more resilient to flooding
• upgraded day use area with new picnic tables and barbecues
• campground vegetation belts
• new information and interpretive signs
• tree management to reduce hazards and allow grass to grow
• renewed water infrastructure with an environmentally friendly solar pump.

QPWS Senior Ranger Wyn Boon thanked the family of Charlie Moreland for their help with background and historical information for new interpretive signs.

Mr Boon said rangers were proud of the finished project, and they wanted to thank visitors for their patience with the staged closures during the two years of on-ground works.

“Many regular visitors used the opportunity to explore other great Mary Valley camping options such as Booloumba Creek in Conondale National Park, Peach Trees in Jimna State Forest, and Cedar Grove and Amamoor Creek in Amamoor State Forest,” he said.

“This area has so much to offer – check out the many options for camping, hiking and other activities at www.npsr.qld.gov.au, and book your campsite via that website too,” Mr Boon said.

ENDS

Pictured: The reopened Charlie Moreland camping and day-use area