Choose camping at the iconic Woodford Folk Festival’s tent city or in nearby national parks.
Woodford is best known for the annual Woodford Folk Festival, held over the summer holidays (27 December to 1 January), when campers converge to soak up music, performance, and high-profile speakers, all of which culminates in a fire event on New Year’s Eve. During this time, Woodford plays host to more than 2,000 international performers—including some big names—and around 120,000 festival-goers. But there’s plenty for Woodford campers to do year-round. Surrounded by farmland and once the hub of a thriving timber industry, Woodford is noted for its lovely colonial buildings—and it still has weekly cattle sales in the main street.
Cruice Park
About four kilometres north of Woodford, Cruice Park is dedicated to explorer Ludwig Leichhardt, who made camp nearby. Check out the plaques throughout the park for the full story, then settle into the park’s small free camping area for a single-night stay.
D’Aguilar National Park
Mount Mee State Forest, part of the D’Aguilar National Park, has well-marked walking tracks, picnic areas, and camping sites. Hike to the summit of Mount Mee for sweeping views of Moreton Bay and surrounds, or walk the 1-km Picabeen Walk, suitable for all ages. Experienced bushwalkers will enjoy the challenge of the 13-km Somerset Trail, home to creeks, waterholes, and fantastic views to enjoy as you walk through the gum trees. Allow up to four hours.
Bellthorpe National Park
Bellthorpe National Park is at the southern end of the Conondale Range, west of the Glass House Mountains and just 90 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. There are plenty of hiking trails as well as 4WD tracks. Stony Creek, on the border of Bellthorpe National Park, is a great place to cool off and a favourite with the locals in part due to its wheelchair accessibility.
The best—but most crowded—time to visit Woodford is for the Woodford Folk Festival at the end of December. This can be a hot, humid, and sometimes wet (or muddy at the festival site!) time, but the rewards of the festival are great. Woodford village is lovely to visit at any time of year.