Go bush at Woodfordia

Published 12:00pm 2 December 2020

A new summer camping destination for some and an adaptation of a longstanding tradition for others, Woodfordia’s Bushtime is ready to welcome music lovers, nature enthusiasts, craft connoisseurs and anyone in need of a leafy escape this summer.

Organisers will open up the 500-acre site for the second time this year, offering four separate camping events.

Camping event dates

Camp 1

Saturday, December 12-15 (four nights)

Camp 2

Friday, December 18-20 (three nights)

Camp 3

Sunday, December 27 to Friday, January 1 (six nights) SOLD OUT

Camp 4

Saturday, January 9-13 (five nights)

About the location

Nestled in a green valley in the Moreton Bay hinterland, the expansive parkland is home to bountiful wildlife and plenty of secluded spots to set up the ideal campsite, whether you’re toting a tent, caravan, motorhome or camper trailer.

A number of pre-erected campsites are also available, including luxury bell tents complete with bedding, furnishings and lighting.

All campgrounds include amenity blocks with flushing toilets, warm showers and hand washing stations, and all water on site is potable.

After a day spent wandering the 500 acres, guests may be more tempted by the cool waters of Lake Gkula than a warm shower. The lake is the largest of its kind in Australia and features waterfalls, native fish, an island and sandy beaches. Pack a snorkel and explore the abundant fish and plant life, or set up in the shade and disappear into a good book.

Entertainment line-up

A total of 100 artists will hit the stage, across the four camps, relieving patrons and performers from a year light on gigs.

Among them is ARIA-nominated Emily Wurramara; Japanese drumming team Taiko Ton Taiko; award-winning singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke; Brisbane gypsy-jazz ensemble Cigány Weaver; Sunshine Coast indie-folk duo The Dreggs; award-winning cellist Monique Clare; and Balkan-French folkies MZAZA.

A generous selection of self-led activities and workshops has been put together and there’s something to suit campers of all ages including circus classes, writing workshops, painting and drawing, instrument intensives, yoga, woodworking and dance.

Parents are encouraged to drop the kids at a three-hour workshop and enjoy some well-earned me-time. Those keen on nurturing nature can join in a series of Discovery Labs, citizen science projects and talks from passionate environmental experts.

A café, licenced bars, a few food stalls and a fully-stocked general store will take the stress out of forgotten supplies and give campers a day or two break from cooking.

Pre-made cheese platters are the ideal accompaniment for sunset on Woodfordia’s Hilltop, which has knockout views of the Glass House Mountains.

So, whether you’re craving space to explore, music to dance to, a new hobby to hone or an easy getaway for the whole family, Bushtime may just be the holiday your 2020 needs.