Visiting Brooyar safely

Getting there and getting around

Maps

• Brooyar State Forest map (PDF, 396.8KB)
• Gympie forests locality map (PDF, 293.0KB)

People travelling with caravans or trailers can access the forest from its southern entrance by taking the Gympie–Woolooga Road and turning right into Diggins Road and onto Greendale Road. Follow the signs to the camping area. This access route includes sections of unsealed road.

To access from the north, head 10km north of Gympie along the Bruce Highway then turn left onto the Wide Bay Highway and continue 7.8km. Turn left onto Petersen Road and follow the signs to the camping area located on the left 2km past the forest entrance.

Caravan access along Petersen Road can vary according to conditions. Please check local conditions.

Sections of Brooyar Forest Drive to Point Pure lookout are unsuitable for caravans and trailers. The unsealed roads have some steep, uneven and rough sections, and they can become slippery in wet conditions making them unsuitable for 2WD or low clearance vehicles.

Staying safe

• Never walk alone—if something happens to you someone in your group can go for help.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans inform them.
• Wear sturdy, closed-in shoes.
• Stay on the designated roads and walking track.
• Carry a first aid-kit and know how to use it.
• Observe and comply with all regulatory signs.

Read additional safety information specifically for roped sports—abseiling and rockclimbing.

Road safety

Forest roads—expect the unexpected!

Unsealed forest roads can be steep and winding.

• Slow down. Allow time to react to unexpected situations and changed conditions. You share the road with other drivers, logging trucks, cyclists, walkers, horse-riders, cattle and wildlife.
• Be courteous. Pull over to the left to allow vehicles to pass. To take photos and enjoy the scenery, find a safe place to pull over or turn around. Do not stop on the roadway.
• Watch out for curves and steep slopes. Drive carefully around corners, especially after rain. Stay on your side of the road and avoid sudden slowing. Shift down a gear when roads are steep.
• Wet roads. Take extra caution when driving on wet roads. Never cross flooded roads or causeways.
• All road rules apply. Obey speed limits. Always wear a seat belt. Never carry passengers outside the vehicle cabin. Obey all signage—access to some areas may be restricted, such as when logging operations are being conducted.

Flood safety

Flood waters in this area rise and fall quickly and are a hazard to life and property. The camping area can become isolated following high rainfall events.

For your safety

• Obey all road closures—roads may be closed due to deep water levels at creek crossings or wet and slippery conditions.
• Avoid flooded crossings as submerged obstacles may pose a hazard and traffic ahead may have created hidden hazards such as deep holes.
• Do not walk into flood waters—if in doubt, wait it out!

In an emergency

In case of accident or other emergency please:

• Call Triple Zero (000).
• Call 106 for a text-only message for deaf or speech or hearing impaired callers.
• Advise the location and nature of the emergency.
• Stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

Mobile phone reception can be limited in the forest. The nearest hospital is Gympie.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

• Bring adequate drinking water, a first-aid kit, insect repellent and a mobile phone.
• For walking, wear sandshoes or similar sturdy closed-in shoes, sunscreen and a hat.

Opening hours

The forest is open 24 hours a day.

Before you go, check park alerts for current access, closures and conditions.

Walking tracks, abseiling sites, roads and camping areas within the forest may be closed during fires, adverse weather conditions, for essential track maintenance or safety reasons.

Permits and fees

An organised event permit may be needed for planned large group activities in this area.

Camping permit

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

• Book your camp site online.
• If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.

Pets

Dogs are permitted on leash in Brooyar State Forest. Remember:

• keep dogs on a leash and under control at all times
• bag and remove dog faeces from the park.

Climate and weather

Always check weather conditions before you visit. Forest areas are hazardous during strong winds, as branches may fall.

After high rainfall, check road conditions before you visit. Temperatures in the area can rise to above 30°C in summer and drop below 0°C in winter. Nights can be cool at any time of the year.

For more information see the tourism information.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel, general supplies, public telephones, meals and light refreshments are available at Gympie, Curra Service Centre, Widgee General Store and Kilkivan.

For more information see the tourism information.