Top Camp Sites In Queensland
During your Big Lap, you want to see the best of Queensland. Nothing but the best. Well, for any travelers looking to camp in Queensland’s stunning scenery and lovely landscapes, you’re in luck. We have collated the ultimate top 13 camp sites to enjoy in Queensland, from nature-embracing retreats, to hard and gritty experiences. Trust us – you do not want to miss out on these.
1. Noah’s Beach, Cape Tribulation
Who can say they’ve gone camping amidst two of the World Heritage-listed natural wonders? At Noah’s Beach, you have the opportunity to camp between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, setting you up on possibly one of the most unique beachside locations in Queensland.
Noah Beach’s camping area is located just 50 meters from pure white sand and crystal clear waters. It is easily accessible by car or small campervan, just don’t forget to bring your own drinking water – we don’t want to be salty, now do we?
Find out more here
2. Sandy Bay, South Molle Island
My fellow campers, I would like to introduce you to the wondrous camping at Sandy Bay.
Located west of Whitsunday Island, South Molle Island is a laid-back natural refuge that has somehow managed to escape the persistent commercialization the rest of the area has experienced. Sandy Bay is South Molle’s most popular campsites. There’s not much on it, apart from some toilets and picnic tables – but its location, positioned directly on the water, more than makes up for it.
Wake up to the gorgeous views of clear skies and powdery sands, as the waves crash and thrash in front of you. For you active-freaks, there are plenty of hiking trails, mountain biking tracks and snorkeling spots on offer. Woah, hold your horses before you go ahead and start driving straight there. You’ll have to catch a ferry from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour to get to Sandy Beach. But trust us, it’s worth it.
Find out more here
3. Nightfall Wilderness Camp, Lamington National Park
Nightfall Wilderness Camp is home to a series of architect-inspired, hand-built luxury safari tents where camping meets luxe accommodation. Who says you can’t camp in luxury? Nightfall combines all the best things about camping, with the comfort of its luxurious amenities. Have your meals brought staright to you, cooking from local, organic produce and made by fire.
Nestled next to the crystal-clear, gushing headwaters of Christmas Creek in Lamington National Park, Nightfall also offers a range of adventure activities – or you can choose to get a massage by the creek for a bit of relaxation. And if you’re feeling chilly once the sun sets over your ancient rainforest surrounds, you could zip yourself into the privacy of your tent and curl up by a roaring fireplace.
Did someone say hubba hubba?
Find out more here
4. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
Whitehaven Beach is not only the poster child of Australian beaches everywhere, but is also the home to some amazing campsites. That’s right. You can actually spend the night on this mind-bogglingly beautiful beach.
Whitehaven Island is a national park, so the only other people you’ll meet are other fellow campers – basically, you’ll pretty much have this island paradise to yourself for a night.
You’ll have to get in quick though – numbers are strictly limited and selling faster than you can say “Whitehaven”. A permit to camp will set you back about $6.35 a night, but boy is it worth it.
Find out more here
5. The Wrecks, Moreton Island
Moreton Island is home to some stunning snorkeling for visitors, where you can swim alognisde over 100 species of fish and the occasional dolphin, wobbegong, and dugong. Camp here and have the offshore wrecks to yourselves to explore. A total of 17 vessels were deliberately sunken between the ’60s and the ’80s and now reside in the turquoise waters of Moreton Bay. Camp and snorkel amongst history – pretty amazing, huh?
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6. Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park
You’ve probably never heard of Carnarvon Gorge, but this tropical, cool camping nirvana runs for 35km at the heart of the 302,000 hectares Carnarvon National Park, its white cliffs reaching almost 600 meters tall as they surround Carnarvon Creek.
The gorge thrives with a range of plantlife and wildlife, but one of its most underrated features are the Indigenous rock art that is scattered around the gorge. Rich in cultural heritage, you do not want to miss out on the chance to camp here.
The campsites are located under a canopy of gum trees and Carnarvon fan palms between the Carnarvon Gorge visitor center and the carpark. Camping in the gorge itself is only permitted during the Easter, Winter, and Spring Queensland school holidays. Otherwise, you can camp at the Big Bend campsite, open all year round.
Take a trip to Carnarvon Gorge for some memories with the little ones that you will never, ever forget.
Find out more here
7. Mount Barney National Park, Scenic Rim
Ever wanted to take a break from the fuss and bustle of the world? With no facilities whatsoever, Mount Barney National Park offers you the chance to unplug and get in-tune with your spiritual side. Mount Barney National Park takes all of the back-to-nature vibes that Bigriggen Park offers and combines them with an adventure holiday you’ll be bragging about for years.
Wander through Queensland’s awe-inspiring natural beauty – all camping areas are only accessible by foot – and allow yourself to live truly, and utterly, in the moment.
Find out more here
8. Bunya Mountains National Park, Bunya Mountain
Bunya Mountains National Park offers three different camping experiences to choose from. Dandabah camping area is open to vehicle-based camping, whilst the Westcott and Burtons Well areas are only suitable for tents (as you’ll have to leave your car a little ways away in the nearby sealed car park). Facilities in all areas include showers, BBQ equipment and permission to build your own campfire.
The Bunya Mountains are a literal natural paradise; enjoy the views of tall peaks dotted with dense foliage, home to the largest stand of ancient bunya pines in the world, and soak in scenery from its lower levels that open up into rolling green hills and plains where you might just spot the occasional kangaroo grazing.
After you go camping here, you’ll practically be begging friends to hear all about your trips. Yep, it’ll be that amazing.
Quick tip: don’t forget your hiking boots!
Find out more here
9. Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island
On your Big Lap of Australia, there is no doubt that North Stradbroke Island is a part of the quintessential Queenslander experience.
Fall asleep on Cylinder Beach as you listen to the calming sound of the ocean, and wake up to some killer views that are like no other place on Earth. Cylinder Beach is also a Lifesaver patrolled beach, so worry not about taking a relaxing swim in the languid waters.
Believe it or not, alongside a myriad of other amenities, the campsite comes with free WiFi!
Find out more here
10. Lake Moogerah, Brisbane
Located just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Brisbane, Camp Old is the perfect place for group activities. Come and stay with your friends, school, church, family or sporting club and enjoy activities such as kayaking, archery, abseiling, swimming, The Commando Mud Course and more.
The campsite offers onsite catering, or you can choose to bring your own food. Camping or bunkhouse accommodation is also available – take your pick! The Peak National Park is a local attraction that offers some incredible hikes, from Mount Greville, Mount French, Mount Edward, Mount Alford, to the Mount Moon Summit.
Did we also mention there’s a lake? Lake Moogerah is the only lake in Australia that does not speed limit, so feel free to water ski, jet ski, tube or wakeboard for some awesome fun in the sun. You can fish here too.
Lake Moogerah is not only renowned for its amazing activities – it racks up some stunning viewers, resulting in photographers flocking from far to snap some breathtaking shots. Meanwhile, you’ll be able to spend the night at this jaw-dropping location. Enjoy.
Find out more here
11. Charlie Moreland, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
It doesn’t get more rural than this. This camping spot is for those who truly want to disconnect from the rest of the world. Charlie Moreland’s camping ground is only accessible by 4WD, and basically has no facilities – but that’s what makes it so memorable. The nearby creek serves as an excellent bathing spot. But don’t forget to bring your own drinking water!
Due to its location on the edge of Conondale National Park, this hidden gem offers up some seriously good nature vibes. The area is brimming with beautiful birdlife.
If you’re up for it, hike up to the Mt Allan fire tower, where you’ll be treated to 360-degree views over the rolling green hills of the Conondale Ranges.
Find out more here
12. Bigriggen Park, Scenic Rim
If you’re a camping enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in nature, Bigriggen Park, situated between Boonah and Rathdowney in the foothills of Mount Maroon, is perfect for you.
From acres upon acres to hilltop flats, to towering gum trees and gurgling rivers, to both powered and unpowered campsites – Bigriggen Park is giving you the rare opportunity to be one with nature. We’re serious.
Better yet, the campsite is easily accessible for every type of vehicle, with plenty of hiking options to enjoy in the surrounding national parks. Some of the mountain views on these trails will literally make your jaw drop.
End the night by the fire, enjoying an ice cream from the camp store, chatting away to your favorite people as the natural wildlife slowly settles in for the night.
At Bigriggen Park, you’ll make memories you’ll never forget.
Find out more here
13. Bartle Frere, Tropical North Queensland
You can probably tell by now that Queensland offers some truly whopping campsites. Well we’ve topped off our list with one that is truly unique. Bartle Frere, Queenslands’shighest campsite, is perhaps amongst the most unusual as it is located on the edge of a cliff 1400 meters above sea level, on the state’s highest mountain peak.
That might sound pretty amazing, but brace yourself, as the trek here is no easy feat. First, you’ll need to leave your car at the Josephine Falls car park, located about 80 kilometers south of Cairns, and climb up four hours through a steep rainforest – but let us tell you the effort is more than worth it.
As expected, views are insanely amazing, with panoramic viewers over the Atherton Tablelands and Innisfail on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other.
Find out more here
Queensland camping doesn’t get much better than this.
