Swan Knoll remote bush camp | Main Range National Park (2024)

• You need specialist skills to get to this remote bush camp. Photo credit: Briony Masters © Queensland Government
• The nectar in the grasstrees' flower spikes feed birds like this Lewin's honeyeater. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

If you’re an experienced off-track walker with specialist equipment and well-developed navigational skills, then the walk to this remote camp site is for you.

Pitch your tent among eucalypts and fire-scarred grasstrees on the crest of the knoll about 1080m above sea level.

Grab a cuppa and take in the views to the east of the camp site, where the ancient volcanic intrusions of MountsGreville, Edwards and Moon rising gracefully from the Fassifern Valley.

If the wind picks up there’s a more protected site just 60m west on a lower shelf.

This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity (especially of rare, threatened and endemic species).

Getting there and getting around

Getting there Swan Knoll remote area bush camp is in Main Range National Park, about 120km south-west of Brisbane.

Before preparing to walk to remote camping areas, walkers should consider their experience and preparedness levels. A high level of physical fitness and navigational skills are essential.

• Plan to walk safely and be responsible.
• Familiarise yourself with the area before attempting an extended walk.
• Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
• Research the route thoroughly and get local advice. Recommended maps for bushwalking are 1:25,000 topographic maps. It is also advisable to carry a recognised guidebook for the area.
• Carry good navigation and communication gear.
• Complete a bushwalking advice form (PDF, 523.7KB) and leave your plan with a responsible person.
• Contact your local walking club or Bushwalking Queensland for further information.

Camping permits are essential.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Swan Knoll remote area bush camp is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Camping area features: Open forest site with limited protection from wind. Limited views. Tent sites on the crest of the knoll or on a lower shelf approximately 60 m to the west.
Location: Map Sheet: Cunninghams Gap 9341-11, Grid Reference: 431 889, GPS Reference: 56J 0443164 6888944 (WGS 84).
Access: Nearest vehicle access is by 2WD/4WD to the eastern end of Swanfels Road, east of Yangan.
Number of sites: Open area without separately-defined sites. Maximum of 8 people.
Camp sites are suitable for: self-sufficient, walk-in camping.
Camp site surface: Grass.
Facilities: None. Must be self-sufficient. No water available nearby. All rubbish (including food scraps) must be carried out.
Open fires: Prohibited. Use fuel stoves only.
Generator use: Not allowed.
Essentials to bring: Drinking water, extra food, first-aid kit, topographic map, compass, torch, warm clothing, wet weather gear, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fuel or gas stove and a small trowel for burying human waste. Read more about before you visit.
Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.
Mobile phone coverage: Poor.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Main Range safely and camp with care.

Last updated

20 June 2023