Camping between ELQ and Mitchell

Home Valley was closed to campers when we went thorugh - Ellenbrae was open.

Mh

Motherhen, any idea why Home Valley was shut? Last year it was obvious they had put a lot into building a massive ablutions block at the bush camp area. I think it is now aboriginal owned and TAFE were using it to provide training in tourism industry. We did find it annoying that the advertised attractions/activities on the place were not open, due to the wishes of the aboriginals and the filming of Outback Jack next series there, but the camp spot was superb.

No idea, wendys. Early in June, some people on a tour told us they had stayed there, but camping was shut unitl 1 July. It was still shut into July when we left the region.

Mh

In 2006 we camped for 3 days beside the Durack River and then 2 days at Dawn Creek, only 20kms further on, simply to enjoy the bush and the birdlife and basically chill out.

Does this mean we are not allowed to camp at either of these places anymore? Of course we always take our rubbish away with us.

The 2007 Guide, put out by Derby Visitor Centre, which is the most up to date information available each year, states "Camp in designated areas ONLY". It also makes the point that all the land along the Gibb and associated roads, is owned, leased or managed by someone - i.e. is not public property.
I agree, it used to be great when one could - responsibly - camp in some of the excellent bush areas along the road (we loved it on our first trip, in 1993). However it is the same story as in other places - the selfish few spoil it for the rest of us, and that is what has happened along the Gibb. They have provided the rationale for campers to now be funnelled into the "official" camp areas, and be charged for same.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Simpson and Cape York do not start to see increasing restrictions soon; the CSR too.