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JULY 2022
     

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Girraween National Park camping upgrades a hit

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THE recent $3.3 million upgrade to Queensland's Girraween National Park has proved a hit with caravanners and campers.

Castle Rock camping area underwent a major redevelopment and two new camping areas improved to enhance both the visitor experience and environmental outcomes.

Hundreds of families experienced the new facilities during the school holiday period.

Environment Meaghan Scanlon, pictured, said the Girraween National Park was internationally renowned for its magnificent granite landscape, spring wildflower displays and its changing seasons.

"Girraween is one of Queensland's popular national parks, with more than 120,000 people visiting each year," she said.

"It plays a big role in the $2.4 billion economic injection our national parks provide, and that's why we've committed $262.5 million to expand and acquire new national parks across the state.

"Covid has seen more Queenslanders visiting the park in the past two years, which is located south of Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt region, and close to the border with New South Wales."

The Minister said the upgrade to Girraween's camping areas would see the Bald Rock Creek camping area close after 50 years of use, due to environmental concerns in relation to wastewater and soil erosion.

Castle Rock camping area now had sites suitable for all users, including specifically dedicated ones for larger groups and people with disabilities.

"The new Terrawambella camping area has grassed, open areas suitable for large, organised groups and larger camping structures," she said.

"People will love the Kambuwal camping area which is nestled among trees and granite rocks and has more intimate sites suitable for small trailers and various sized tents.

"The names given to the two new camping areas recognise Girraween's First Nations people - the Kambuwal People - and their connection to this special place.

"Terrawambella is the Kambuwal People's name for The Pyramid and all three camping areas take in spectacular views of The Pyramid and Castle Rock."

Ms Scanlon said about 80 percent of visitors to Girraween walked up The Pyramid, which was a strenuous walk to the top of a massive granite dome.

"With the latest improvements to The Pyramid walking track, many visitors to Girraween will enjoy climbing to the top to take in the breathtaking views of the park," she said.

“As part of the work building a better Girraween, a concept plan for the development of an exciting new Girraween Visitor Centre and Precinct has been completed, as has the installation of additional water supply infrastructure and waste treatment system.

"If you’ve never been to Girraween, or haven't been for a while, plan a trip and enjoy the improved visitor facilities and experiences on offer."

Girraween facts:

The landscape was formed from tectonic plate and volcanic activity around 225 million years ago
First Nations peoples lived for countless generations in the Girraween National Park area
The national park is about 12,000 hectares in size
Girraween means 'place of flowers'
The park is renowned for its massive granite outcrops and granite features including the Granite Arch and The Pyramid
The park includes camping areas, day-use and multiple walking tracks
Wildlife includes the common wombat, spotted quoll, lyrebird, Cunningham’s skink and the turquoise parrot

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