England Creek bush camp is located between two ridges, Joyner's Ridge Road and Lawnton Road, which extend westward from Mount Glorious Road. In conjunction with England Creek Road, this route is also known as the 'Aquila Loop' and is popular with both bushwalkers and mountain bike riders.
The walk along Joyner's Ridge Road to England Creek starts at the management road gate, adjacent to 'Miala' a busy picnic ground further along Mount Glorious Road. From here the walk to the bush camp is approximately 10kms and can be completed in about 3-4 hours, depending on rest stops and rate of travel. The start of the walk begins in a section of lush rainforest before opening up to sclerophyll forest, with spectacular views of the surrounding Park, including Northbrook mountain and further West towards Wivenhoe and Toowoomba. There are some interesting features along the walk including birdlife, rocky outcrops and a variety of plant species. Bellbirds can be heard echoeing their distinctive 'tinkling' sounds in the surrounding trees and Lace Monitors can often be spotted if not heard, rustling in the leafy undergrowth of the trees bordering the track.
The walk to England Creek is fairly easy going and the road gradually descends to the catchment below, however there are some uphill sections to negotiate just before the campsite is reached. It should be noted here that on return the ascent to Mount Glorious can become long and tiresome, especially when carrying a heavy backpack! After about 7kms or so, turn right (left turn will take you down to England Creek Right Branch. Please see other relevant posts on this Blog) at the intersection and follow 'England Creek Road' for about 1.5 hours. Mobile reception on the flat stretch of road just before you reach the campsite is relatively good here.
My friend and I recently camped here and upon arriving at the campsite, noticed it had been maintained since our last visit. Prior to this, the tent sites had been left in poor condition and were overgrown with weeds and there were some old rotting logs hastily arranged around a firepit. The condition of the campsite has dramatically improved since then and the old logs have been replaced with much larger logs sculpted into benches to sit on and there are two distinctive areas to pitch tents with minimal weed infestation. The creek crossing appears to have been severely damaged possibly by the 2010 flood, as part of the concrete slab has been washed a bit further downstream.
England Creek Bush Camp is for those looking for that authentic remote bush camping experience. After walking for a few hours the creek is immediately inviting and the campsite awaits for complete rest and relaxation. The night we stayed at the campsite it was very pleasant with very few mosquitoes and the temperature was mild and fairly comfortable at night, but a bit cooler the next morning. It wasn't cold enough to light a fire and also due to possible fire restrictions, we decided to use a portable gas stove and billy instead. Later that night we were greeted by some very bright stars (as well as an unexpected 'drive-by' from someone driving a Landcruiser - possibly a Park Ranger) and when the moon rose in the sky, the stars disappeared and the light from the moon cast an unusual 'glow' on the surrounding trees. The creek was quite low, however it was enough to take a dip, which was a great way to freshen up for the return walk the next morning!
What I think makes England Creek Bush Camp so memorable and unique is the location and the peaceful surroundings. The gentle, soothing sound of water running past in the creek lulled me straight off to sleep in my tent! A special place to camp and just take it all in.
