Warren “Wazza” Swadling leaves Platypus Bush Camp after three decades

A beloved rainforest getaway is in new hands, three decades after its larrikin founder stopped his wanderings to build a home in the gorgeous Pioneer Valley.

A beloved rainforest getaway is in new hands, three decades after its larrikin founder stopped his wanderings to build a home in the gorgeous Pioneer Valley.

The first time he came to Finch Hatton, Warren ‘Wazza’ Swadling said “wow” and promptly fell in love with his home for the next three decades.

Built largely by Wazza himself, Platypus Bush Camp has become a well loved and much visited rainforest retreat for travellers and residents alike.

Thirty years later, back problems and health issues have led him to hand over the reins of the treasured getaway.

Wazza sold the bush camp in July to new owner Shane Leverett and has since bought a house in North Mackay.

But the Pioneer Valley’s most colourful character said the journey had been worth it for the company.

Warren "Wazza" Swadling at his home in North Mackay. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“(The best thing is) all the friends I’ve made out there, people from all over the world,” he said.

“The world has come to me.”

The iconic Platypus Bush Camp sign in Finch Hatton. Photo: Contributed

Wazza estimates he’s hosted about 100,000 people at Platypus Bush Camp over the years, with many becoming repeat customers and lifelong friends.

He said he’s held eight weddings, several for close mates and even one couple who met at the bush camp.

Wazza's Platypus Bush Camp.

Wazza has also had his faithful dog named Dog II, a cockatoo called Rocky Horror, and the diverse fauna of the Finch Hatton rainforest for company when guests went home.

“I was proud of what I did and I think the proudest moment was building my own home out there,” Wazza said.

Wazza and Dog II. Photo: Contributed

“I’ve had three beautiful dogs … four cockatoos, (and looked after) a little agile wallaby (called) Les.”

“That must have been the late 1990s … and I thought, what a stupid bloody name for a wallaby.

Warren "Wazza" Swadling in the 1990s, pictured here with his dog named Bear. Photo: Contributed.

“Anyway (then) I feed him and he used to burp and fart and sh-t everywhere and dribble and carry on.

“And I thought you are Les aren’t you … Sir Les Patterson!”

Warren "Wazza" Swadling's dog named Bear riding on top in the 1990s. Photo: Contributed.

Wazza founded Platypus Bush Camp while on holiday himself in around 1990 with the first of his dogs, named Bear.

Fresh after folding his building supply business in Mullumbimby, he spotted a chance to cater to those looking to get off the beaten path.

Wazza's Platypus Bush Camp.

“We went up to explore Finch Hatton Gorge (with) a couple of backpackers,” Wazza said.

“I drove in straight down to where that (picnic) table is and looked over the edge and there’s the river.

“Well, wow … and I thought I’m coming back for this.

Cartoonist Harry Bruce pays tribute to Warren "Wazza" Swadling, who sold Platypus Bush Camp after 30+ years in Finch Hatton.

“I’m going to buy this, this is mine … and got talking to a couple of other backpackers about what to do.”

From those humble beginnings, Wazza leaves Platypus Bush Camp with a legacy tied to its founder.

Now settling into a new house much closer to healthcare support, he said will miss meeting new people and living so close to nature.

After 30 years of being a pillar in the community, it’s a safe guess many in the Pioneer Valley will miss him too.

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