THOUSANDS of campers have headed to the Hastings hinterland this Autumn, drawn by the promise of stunning bushwalks, clear and crisp waterholes, misty mornings, fireside chats – and a little peace and quiet.
Normally, Swans Crossing ticks every box on that checklist.
Situated 20 minutes west of Kew, the former dairy and beef farm was a popular destination for families and off-grid travellers over the Anzac Day long weekend – as it is most public and school holidays.
Named after the farming family that once owned the land, Swans Crossing became part of the Kerewong State Forest in 1964.
Now a free, pet-friendly campground, it features a playground with a carved replica steam train and climbing ropes, easy steps down to the Upsalls Creek swimming holes, and easy-grade bushwalks including the Gorge Trail and Cascade Walking Track.
Pulling into this hidden gem, at the end of a bone-rattling corrugated dirt road, the first thing you notice is how well-kept and idyllic it is.
Encircled by towering gums, the campsites are spread out over several, separately accessed areas, and are covered in a lush, thick lawn.
“Our Wauchope-based staff work to maintain this campground,” a Forestry Corporation spokesperson told News Of The Area when asked who deserves the credit.
“We are proud to welcome visitors over long weekends and throughout the year… and we encourage visitors to ‘tread lightly’ in the forest.”
Unfortunately, this particular weekend attracted a large group of heavy-footers.
While the majority of families and friends in tents, swags and campers were nothing but respectful of the campground and surrounding bush, there were those who clearly failed Campground Etiquette 101.
A large party camped slightly away from the main area grew in size each day, resulting in a procession of 4WDs, twin cab utes and even an e-scooter.
The noise was loud enough to shake the treetops, especially when they cranked up the volume on their 80s-90s themed playlists from the middle of the day until well after dark – every day.
Even amid the musical din, the swearing and shouting cut through, disrupting campfire chats and stargazing efforts across the entire campground.
As other campers gathered sticks and twigs to start their modest campfires, this group of not so young men and women twice tied a chain to the back of a ute, wrapped it around power pole size tree trunks, and dragged them back to their campsite where a chainsaw roared into life, passing through multiple hands, for what seemed like hours.
Then the generator started up.
In the dark, members of the group could be seen lugging the chemical waste from their portable loos, and dumping it in the campground pit toilets, contrary to Forestry warnings.
The peak of their drunken weekend came on Sunday morning 26 April, when a Forestry worker was left with the unpleasant task of pressure hosing the vomit and worse out of the pit toilet block.
After that, other campers started packing up.
Some made a beeline for a much-needed coffee at the Kew Corner Store, with one visiting camper sharing: “Did you see they even took all the toilet rolls.”
No one was hurt, but hopes of a quiet weekend away were dashed.
“Most visitors treat State forest campgrounds and their fellow campers with respect so that everyone can have a great break away in the forest,” the Forestry spokesperson said.
“Unfortunately, from time to time, there are some people who behave antisocially and this behaviour should be reported to the local Police at the time so it can be dealt with appropriately.”
Information on sustainably visiting forests can be found on the Forestry Corporation website at forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/minimise-the-impact-of-your-visit.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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