Kenilworth

Escape

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Kenilworth is around two hours from Brisbane via the Bruce Highway or scenic routes through Maleny or Eumundi. Once you leave the main road, the rolling hills and quiet farmlands instantly put you into an escape mindset. This is where Queensland’s lush interior really shows off.

For 4WDers, there are multiple access points into the Imbil State Forest, Conondale National Park, and Mapleton National Park — all offering unsealed roads, off-road tracks, and high-clearance-only access. It’s a region where you can roll from town to trail in under 10 minutes.

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Popular 4WD entry points include:

• Sunday Creek Road (off Eumundi–Kenilworth Road) for scenic forest trails.
  
• Booloumba Creek Road for creek crossings into Conondale National Park.
  
• Charlie Moreland Day Use Area as a basecamp to hit backcountry tracks.
  
  

Explore

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This area is crisscrossed with forestry trails and steep mountain drives that wind through subtropical rainforest and open eucalyptus woodlands. Some tracks are maintained gravel roads, while others turn into rugged, steep climbs with washouts and deep ruts — perfect for high-clearance 4WDs.

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Booloumba Creek Road (4WD Access Only)

• Accesses Conondale National Park.
  
• Requires multiple creek crossings — deep after rain.
  
• Leads to Booloumba Falls, Artists Cascades, and great walking tracks.
  
  

Sunday Creek Road & Kandanga Forest Drive

• A scenic loop through the Imbil State Forest.
  
• Mix of gravel and moderate 4WD tracks.
  
• Stunning views, hill climbs, and lookout stops.
  
  

Bluff Creek & Little Yabba Creek areas

• Around Kenilworth Bluff and the Mary River.
  
• Great detours for those wanting more secluded trails.
  
• Can be muddy and technical in wet conditions.
  
  

Adventure

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Kenilworth’s camping scene is second to none for those who like to fall asleep to the sound of flowing water or wake up surrounded by towering gums. Most sites are 4WD-friendly and have direct access to rivers, creeks, and bush tracks.

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🏕 Kenilworth Camping (Kenilworth Homestead)

• Private property with large, grassy riverside campsites.
  
• Suitable for large groups, off-grid campers, and 4WDers.
  
• Access to Mary River and open fire pits.
  
  

🏕 Charlie Moreland Campground

• In Imbil State Forest, 4WD recommended but accessible.
  
• Toilets, BBQs, and fire pits.
  
• Close to Mt Allan fire tower hike and forest drives.
  
  

🏕 Booloumba Creek Campgrounds (1, 3, 4)

• Nestled in Conondale National Park.
  
• Access via multiple creek crossings (4WD essential).
  
• Crystal clear water, walking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
  
  

🏕 Bluff Creek Campgrounds

• Smaller, low-key site near Little Yabba Creek.
  
• Secluded, fire-friendly, and 4WD-accessible after wet weather.
  
  

These spots are ideal for swimming, kayaking, stargazing, and spending lazy afternoons under the shade of a gum tree.

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10 Things Not to Miss Around Kenilworth

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1. Crossing Booloumba Creek – low-range fun and crystal-clear water.
   
   
2. The Kenilworth Dairies – a must-do before hitting the trail.
   
   
3. Camping riverside at Charlie Moreland – classic bush camping under the stars.
   
   
4. Driving Sunday Creek Road at dawn – misty mountains and golden light.
   
   
5. Hiking to Mt Allan Fire Tower – epic 360° hinterland views.
   
   
6. Photographing Artists Cascades – a jungle-like waterfall in Conondale.
   
   
7. Swimming holes near Booloumba 3 – cool off after a dusty trail run.
   
   
8. Off-roading near the Kenilworth Bluff – steep, rutted climbs and scenic bush.
   
   
9. Campfire cooking by the Mary River – nothing beats a riverside BBQ.
   
   
10. Stargazing from a remote site – no light pollution, just endless sky.
    
    

Trip Snapshot: Kenilworth 4WD Getaway

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Distance from Brisbane

~150 km (2–2.5 hours drive)

4WD Areas

Imbil State Forest, Conondale NP, Booloumba, Sunday Creek

Best Time to Go

Autumn–Spring (mild temps, creek levels stable)

Top Tracks

Sunday Creek Rd, Booloumba Creek Rd, Bluff Creek

Top Campsites

Charlie Moreland, Kenilworth Homestead, Booloumba 3

Facilities

Varies: some with toilets & fire pits, no power

Permits Needed

QPWS camping permits for national parks

Essential Gear

Snorkel (after rain), traction boards, detailed map

Ideal Trip Length

2–3 days (long weekend)

Activities

4WDing, hiking, swimming, stargazing, kayaking

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