Keen campers, new to Queensland, we jumped at the chance to go bush camping with some family and friends for the weekend. One of their favourite spots is Flanagan Reserve, a one and a half hour drive south of Brisbane. I had never been camping in the bush before and did not know what to expect. To my surprise, it was not unlike camping at a caravan park except dirtier and dustier.
Flanagan Reserve, situated on twelve hectares in the Scenic Rim region near Rathdowney, has modern conveniences; flushing toilets, coin-operated hot showers and a kiosk selling basic items including ice-blocks. The best and most popular camping sites are on the shady banks of the Logan River facing Mount Maroon. Make sure you get there early to secure one of these prime spots; sites are allocated on a first in, first pick basis.
Each camp site has a picnic table, fire pit, and wood-fired barbecue. All camp sites are unpowered so be prepared. As we were only going for the weekend, we took some battery-powered lanterns while our friends had some solar-powered ones. Generators are okay too but must be shut down at a certain time in the evening. Also, take tent pegs that are suitable for hard ground; our (soft ground) pegs kept bending in the rock-hard dirt.
It was a cracking hot weekend when we went and the river was the perfect escape from the oppressive heat and dust. The kids had a ball swimming, tubing and canoeing on the Logan. When they weren't busy frolicking in the river, they were either playing tag on the wide grassy banks or riding their bicycles on the dirt road.
The evenings were just as enjoyable. My brother in-law served up a scrumptious chicken and vegetable camp oven and we dined al fresco as the sun set over Mount Maroon. When the stars came out at night, we sat around a roaring camp fire singing songs while our fifteen year-old niece played her guitar. The younger kids delighted in roasting marshmallows on the fire.
I can see why our friends and family keep going back to Flanagan Reserve; it is ideal for a weekend getaway and you can even take the family pet (as long as they are restrained).
Camp fees are charged per person. Adults are $6.60 per night and children over 5 cost $3.30 per night. Families are charged a maximum of $22 per night. Dogs are free. Hot showers cost 20 cents for two minutes. Wheelbarrows of firewood are available at the kiosk for $10 or you can take your own.
