RV TRAVEL
Byfield is on the Capricorn Coast , about an hour ’ s drive north of Rockhampton , Qld . It ’ s claimed to be the start of the largest undeveloped area on the central Queensland coast , and with its massive amount of plantation pine forests , rugged mountains and many acres of low growing heathlands covering countless sand dunes , it ’ s not hard to see why .
ACCESS
Getting to Byfield is as easy as heading north along Byfield Road from Yeppoon , through lush Queensland farmlands where mango , pandanus and pineapple plantations flourish in the rich volcanic soil , where rugged pinnacles and the coastal range shadow the gullies below . Mount Ganter , Maryvale , Bayfield , Castle Rock and Rocky Perch are significant landmarks that you can ’ t miss as you head further into Byfield .
Before heading into the Byfield National Park and State Forest , it is recommended that you drop into the Byfield store for last-minute supplies , a coffee or some local knowledge about current warnings , as the people here generally have their finger on the pulse .
Byfield State Forest covers an estimated 25,000 hectares with a diverse range of pine plantation , which is logged commercially . It has large areas of wallum swamplands along with side pockets of stunning rainforest areas . Sections of the forest are regularly shut for harvesting but they are sign-posted as ‘ no entry ’.
The great thing about this area are the activities at the various campsites . Upper Stoney , on the banks of Stoney Creek , offers swimming – a welcome relief when the days are hot and steamy . Across at Red Rock , the camping areas are huge , with large , grassy sites , plenty of tall trees for shade , and dogs are allowed if kept on their leads . Water Park Creek is another great camping spot where you can swim , explore surrounding areas on the walking trails and even have a quiet fish . With abundant water beside the camp , kingfishers , doves and other birds often call this haven home .
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