• Spot Cunningham's skinks sunning themselves on the rocks. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland
• The Steamers are a nearby feature of this camp site. Photo credit: © Tony Kevin Photography

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.

You’ll face a steep, 400m climb to the base of The Steamers before heading towards The Stern. The iconic flat-topped pinnacles of The Steamers are remnants of a thick horizontal trachyte lava flow embedded between basalts, and isolated and fractured by erosion. They form a steamship-like series of peaks—prow, funnel, mast and stern.

If you're lucky enough to be here in spring, the fragile mountain heath will be bursting with colour, filling the air with sweet perfume and attracting an array of birds.

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

Stern 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

Stern 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 heath understorey, located on the Stern.
Location: Map Sheet: Mount Superbus 9341-12, Grid Reference: 452 805, GPS Reference: 56J 0445260 6880571 (GDA 94).
Access: Nearest vehicle access is by 4WD along Old Mill Road via Emu Creek Road, or by 2WD in dry weather to the start of Old Mill Road, east of Emuvale.
Number of sites: Open area without separately-defined sites. Maximum of 6 people.
Camp sites are suitable for: self-sufficient, walk-in camping.
Camp site surface: Grass, ferns.
Facilities: None. Must be self-sufficient. No water available nearby. 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. 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.