[9] The Department of Education acquired the site in 1977 and named it the Mary River Field Study Centre.

Facilities at the Centre in 1977 were very basic with an office, a corrugated iron walled dining room with an open fireplace for cooking meals and three wooden sleeping quarters.

[9] In the 1990s, the old school building at Gallangowan (now neighbouring Manumbar) was moved to the centre and is used as the office and staff room.

An extensive plant nursery, with three hot houses and a large fenced hardening area has also been established.

The dining room and kitchen facilities have been updated and easily cater for all groups who utilise the centre, which has the capacity to sleep 75 people.