Hold onto your safari hats, folks – because the wild, untamed “jungle” that’s been the backdrop for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! isn’t quite the remote, impenetrable wilderness we’ve all imagined. As this season’s A-list lineup – think Martin Kemp dodging spiders, Shona McGarty swapping EastEnders drama for Bushtucker Trials, and Jack Osbourne, Ruby Wax, and Lisa Riley swapping luxury for kangaroo-tail feasts – settles into their creepy-crawly adventures, it’s time to spill the beans on where this iconic camp really hides. Spoiler: it’s not as far-flung as you might believe, and the truth might just blow your mind!
For years, we’ve pictured the celebs roughing it in some exotic, off-the-grid Australian outback, miles from civilization. But let’s rewind to the beginning: the very first season back in 2001 kicked off near Queensland’s lush landscapes, specifically at King Ranch (also known as Tully River Station) in Cardstone. Perched right on the banks of the serene Kooroomool Creek, it set the stage for all the drama, laughs, and gross-out challenges we know and love.
Fast-forward to 2003, and the camp got a major relocation for season two – and guess what? It’s stayed put ever since, nestled in the breathtaking wilderness of New South Wales. This eastern Australian gem is sandwiched between Queensland to the north, Victoria to the south, and South Australia to the west, making it surprisingly accessible for a supposed “remote jungle.”
Zoom in closer, and you’ll find the magic happening inside Springbrook National Park – a paradise of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforests, and towering ancient trees. The exact spot? Dungay Creek, where the camp sprawls across 366 and 486 Dungay Creek Road. Once a humble banana plantation near the charming town of Murwillumbah, this area still functions as a working creek, but its main gig these days is hosting TV’s most glamorous survival show.
And here’s the kicker that proves we’ve been tricked: this so-called “isolated jungle” is just a one-hour drive from bustling Brisbane, hugging the coastline and practically a stone’s throw from Queensland. No need for a multi-day trek or private jet – it’s closer to urban vibes than the show’s dramatic edits let on!
In a twist that’s sure to delight this year’s star-studded sufferers, the camp has even gotten a fancy facelift in recent years. Executive producer Olly Nash dished to The Mirror: “We’ve introduced the Leaders Lodge – a cozy haven with ultra-comfy beds shielded from the rain, plush pillows, and those thick, snuggly duvets (or ‘doonas’ as the Aussies say) to keep everyone toasty warm.” Talk about glamping in disguise!
So, next time you watch the celebs battle bugs and bond over beans, remember: the “jungle” isn’t some mythical faraway land – it’s a cleverly disguised slice of Aussie paradise, right under our noses all along. Who knew reality TV could pull off such a masterful illusion?