Wolf & I Co. Blog | Adventures Of The Wolf Pack

If you have a penchant for country towns, beautiful scenery, idyllic waterways and a local pub worth a feed, then Imbil, just a short drive from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, could be a worthwhile addition to your 'must visit with my dog' list.

Imbil is a small town and locality in the Gympie region. It lies just 48km south west of Gympie and is just a stones throw from the well known adventure playground of Kenilworth.

With a population density of about six people per square kilometre, Imbil is one of those places that feels like it has space to breathe. A low key, relaxed demeanour where the pace of life seems to slow, where the cows take their time to munch the green pastures and the streams and creeks effortlessly flow by without the need to rush.

We stumbled across Imbil years ago as we explored the many 4wd tracks in the Imbil State Forest behind the town, and since then have witnessed the popularity of this little gem flourish with a spattering of new Hip Camps, well established camp grounds, weekend markets, bull bucking Rodeos and produce stores.

Beautiful views amongst the pine trees in Imbil State Forest

Speaking of Rodeos, The infamous Imbil Rodeo known as Bulls, Broncs and Barrels is a great spectacle and has several rounds throughout the calendar year. July 6 2024 will see Round Two take place at the Imbil Showgrounds which is located right in the centre of town. Camping is available on site or check out one of the many private and public camp sites in the area.

But don’t worry, if bucking bulls and handsome cowboys isn’t your thing, there are plenty of places to escape and relax in pristine nature. In fact, thats what makes Imbil special and there are so many camp sites to choose from - the best part, they all allow dogs!

Here's a short list of some of our favourite dog friendly camp sites in the Imbil area:

Maluka Park is a hidden gem and is a small privately run camp site set on a majestic 110 acre property. Camping is set along a kilometre of the Yabba Creek and comprises of about 40 acres. One of our personal faves to relax and unwind and especially dog friendly with so much well kept grass for them to explore. Green and serene, quiet and peaceful. Kayaks are provided at this spot. Tell 'em Byron sent ya for a free campsite tour. ;)

Pristine dog friendly camp sites at Maluka Park, Imbil

Imbil Camping Retreat is located right in town and situated on 12 acres. It's also a very popular spot as it's also right on Yabba Creek. Make sure you pack the stand up paddle boards or kayaks to explore the creek and a bonus is you can walk into town for dinner if you have forgotten the pan and pantry. This dog friendly spot features powered and unpowered sites for you and fido to enjoy! Just keep on mind this is an on leash camping ground.

Dog friendly Imbil Camping Retreat is on the Yabba Creek

Kumback Camping is a short drive out of town and has nice large grassy areas to set up camp and throw the ball for your dog. It's a top spot to relax and unwind by the creek. There are no amenities here so being self sufficient is a must. This is proper camping if you ask us!

Dog friendly camping at Imbil

Borumba Deer Park is up towards Borumba Dam, it's also on the Yabba with plenty of fun to be had on the water. The creek is beautiful and the park has great facilities. If your dog is up for meeting the locals, there are deer around as well as sheep and goats. It can get busy during school holidays so keep that in mind to avoid those times or book ahead. Hot tip: Remember the canoe and floaties!

Righto! So you got the camp spot by the creek - what else is there to do? Hold on cowboy here you go:

Being a stones throw from Kandanga add this to your day trip list. Kandanga is home to the Amamoor Pub and the Kandanga Farm Store both of which are dog friendly. We have had a feed at both and reckon you can’t go wrong.

Mary Valley Rattler - Reckon a train ride on the old Rattler with your dog sounds fun? Well we think so - this is full steam ahead people! Chooo Choo Yahoooo! The Rattler Run is a great way to experience the Steam Engine in full action. It operates from the Gympie Station and travels through the scenic Mary Valley and remarkable small town of Dagun, before arriving at the Amamoor Heritage Station. This puppy operates Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and is great dog friendly experience for your dog and for the whole family. Your dog will love it!

Mary Valley Rail Trail The start of this dog friendly trail is located about 500m from the pub and meanders along the old Imbil Rail line. It is a 5km trail from Imbil to the former rail terminus at Brooloo. It's a mostly flat, well maintained gravel track suitable for all ages. You could walk or cycle and if feeling adventurous head all the way to Broolooo or take it easy and do a short stint. Either way there is a dog friendly pub if your thirst needs quenching when you return! We reckon it might...

Railway Hotel Imbil Right in the Main Street of town this is an old school heritage pub with old world charm and a strong local following. It's dog friendly outside which is the place to be as people watching is at its finest. There's plenty of 4wds to observe and on a Sunday it's popular with the motorcycle crowd. You can't go wrong with a parma and beer and don't forget a bowl of water and maybe a few chippies for your dog. Coming right up!

Take time out for lunch with your dog at the Railway Hotel Imbil

Imbil Markets On every Sunday from 8am - 1pm in the centre of town are the Imbil Markets. You can browse local produce, gifts, food, handmade creations. Why not get something for mum and support the locals.

Kandaga Hotel Motel While you're in the area, head out to Kandanga to this gem of spot. The original Queenslander built in 1914 sadly burnt down but today stands a new building with some of its original character. With a popular menu and dog friendly outdoor area, you can expect a good feed, friendly locals and good old country hospitality.

Imbil Town & Country Bakery Got a thing for quiches? We reckon this ones a beaut! Try it and let us know but if it doesn’t rate in your all time top five we will be shocked! Expect a decent range of baked goods but get there early as they sell out fast.

The famous quiche at Imbil Town & Country Bakery

Borumba Dam stores water for drinking as well as irrigation as part of the Mary Valley irrigation scheme. The dam holds an impressive 45,952 Mega Litres and has its dam walls reach a mind blowing 43m tall! Wow Wee Kevin Macgee. It's a big body of water that you can also take your boat out on or just have a fish in. Go for a geezer but just keep in mind the Borumba Dam area is not dog friendly so you'll want to move right along.

Amamoor State Forest Within the Amamoor State Forest is the Amamoor Creek camping area which is dog friendly. There are some cruisey 4wd tracks so you can explore the riverine rainforest. Definitely add it to your list!

Imbil State Forest OK wow literally so many tracks to explore and many hidden gems to find around each turn. Take a GPS because this is some serious terrain and only well equipped trucks with experienced drivers should attempt to get lost in here. Head in down the dirt road past Sterling Station and cross the winding creeks and into the hills you go...

Many creeks can be found for your dog to have a dip

Some things to keep in mind while exploring the Imbil and Amamoor State Forest's is 1080 Dog Baiting. Wild dogs have caused farmers a lot of grief and with the subsequent loss of considerable livestock, the Gympie Regional Council has jumped in to help curb the problem. Watch your dog at all times if out in the forest.

The wild dogs are mostly mixed dingo breed and certainly not domesticated animals. Whilst we don’t agree with the baiting method we can understand the frustration of farmers losing their cattle. With this being said please keep an eye out for the signs and exercise caution if heading into the forest to explore with your dog and 4wd. 1080 Bating is frequent and having your dog on a leash is a must.

Explore the Imbil State Forest with your dog in a Landrover Defender

Like many hidden gems, a lot of out of out of towners have discovered this place and it’s very busy on weekends, especially long weekends and public holidays. But we think this ads to the town and creates a VIBE so get the truck packed, let the dog jump in and get out to Imbil this weekend. We are sure you are going to love it!

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