Forest campsite. Photo: Apertur 2.8/Pexels.
A Queensland campground which hosted the Rhythm of the Wild festival has temporarily closed as questions continue over approvals for events held at the property.
Hidden Camp, an off grid campground at Glenwood between Gympie and Maryborough, announced its temporary closure on August 7 while it works through a planning and development approval process. Existing bookings were cancelled, with the venue saying it hoped to reopen once that process was completed.
The closure follows Rhythm of the Wild, which was held at the property in July.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has since said the festival was held without the required council approval and it was assessing what action, if any, was needed.
Council concerns predated festival
Documents published as part of a development application and reported this week show council had received complaints about activities at the property months before Rhythm of the Wild was held.
A letter dated October 25, 2025 referred to a complaint about the alleged operation of a nature based tourism facility at the site.
Further compliance notices referred to complaints about alleged event and tourism activities and the sale of food at the property, according to the documents. Council officers said they believed some activities were being undertaken without the required approvals and sought confirmation they had stopped by April 2.
Minutes from an April 29 pre lodgement meeting also stated temporary entertainment events could not be held at the property without approval under local laws.
Fraser Coast Regional Council says events on private land can require permits depending on the property’s planning approval, while temporary entertainment events are regulated under council local laws.
Hidden Camp’s owners have lodged an application seeking approval for a nature based tourism operation at the Glenwood property.
The proposal includes 70 campsites, including 62 sites for recreational vehicles, along with future amenities including toilets and showers, a camp kitchen, reception area and kiosk. Council has not yet determined the application.
Police investigation continues
The planning issues come as Queensland Police continue to investigate the death of 40 year old Kallangur man Trenton Ehrhorn during Rhythm of the Wild on July 25.
Emergency services were called to the property about 1.20am after an incident in which Mr Ehrhorn reportedly fell up to two metres from a stage. He died at the scene.
A 33 year old Burpengary man was taken to Gympie Hospital under police guard following the incident but was later released without charge.
No charges have been laid and police investigations remain ongoing.
Hidden Camp said following the event that those involved had been deeply affected by the death. The remainder of Rhythm of the Wild was cancelled.
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