South Branch remote bush camp
Spend the night at this creek side camp below the iconic Steamers Range and majestic Mount Superbus.
Accessible by
- Walk-in
Camping area facilities
- Tent camping
- Long walk to tent
- Walking
Always check
- Park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
- Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts.
- Current bushfire warnings and incidents and also fire bans and restrictions.
- Your camping permit is booked.
- Any park-specific camping information for
Main Range.
- Visiting Main Range safely for important safety information.
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.
At 712m elevation, this flat and grassy camp site is nestled in open eucalypt forest at the bottom of the western flanks of Main Range, and near the junction of Emu Creek South Branch and Cryptocarya Creek.
Relax at your camp and take in the northern views to the spectacular cliff-lined broad trachyte pinnacle—The Prow—which forms the western end of the iconic Steamers Range and resembles the prow of an old steamship.
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
South Branch 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 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
South Branch 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 located near the junction of Cryptocarya Creek and Emu Creek South Branch. This is primarily intended as an overnight site for bushwalkers undertaking extended walks into the Main Range.
Location: Map Sheet: Mount Superbus 9341-12, Grid Reference: 437 790, GPS Reference: 56J 0443730 6879015 (GDA 94).
Access: 4WD vehicle access is along Emu Creek Road, east of Emuvale.
Number of sites: Open area without separately-defined sites. Maximum of 12 people.
Camp sites are suitable for: self-sufficient, walk-in camping.
Camp site surface: Grass.
Facilities: None. Must be self-sufficient. Water is usually available under good conditions. Water collected from creeks should be treated before drinking. 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. To protect water quality, ensure toilet areas are located on east draining slopes. 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.
- Main Range National Park - Cunninghams Gap section walking track closures 7 February to 5 May 2024
- Roadworks at Cunninghams Gap - Mount Mitchell track temporarily realigned 10 November 2023 to 31 July 2024