Your guide to cheap camping from Brisbane to Cairns

A short hop north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast really does live up to its name. Endless postcard-perfect beaches, sub-tropical hinterland and vibrant coastal towns meet a laidback attitude that’ll put you in holiday mode from day one.

Nature lovers will find peace along the coastal trails of Noosa National Park, which lead to quiet coves, sandy beaches and hidden rock pools. If you’re after a little more elevation on your hike, pit-stop at Glass House Mountains on your drive and summit Mt Ngungun. Or, head for the hills of Montville and Maleny where you can spend the afternoon hopping between cafés, galleries and waterfalls. 

Where to camp: Head inland to find the cheapest camping on the Sunshine Coast.

Charlie Moreland camping area is a scenic spot beside Little Yabba Creek, in Imbil State Forest. On the doorstep of Conondale National Park, camping here will set you back around $7 per person, per night. Facilities include toilets, water and fire rings. A little further north toward Gympie, the same fee will get you a spot at Amamoor Creek camping area within Amamoor State Forest.

With a little more in the budget, camp steps from the sand at these caravan parks.

Where to eat: Try the best restaurants and find these local coffee shops.

What to do while you’re here: From meeting the wildlife at Australia Zoo or SEA Life aquarium to local markets and surf lessons, here are the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast. On a budget? Try these.

Stop 2: Fraser Coast

The landscape takes a wilder turn as you head toward the Fraser Coast: the beaches are quieter, the national parks more rugged. Up here, seaside Hervey Bay and World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) take centre stage for most travellers.

In the winter months, humpback whales stop to nurse and play on the Fraser Coast during annual migration: time your road trip right and you’ll likely catch a glimpse of these majestic giants leaping out of the ocean.

Where to camp: Those who love to get off-the-grid flock to the beaches of K’gari to bliss out at one of the island’s 45 camping areas – but it takes a 4WD, permits, some confident beach-driving skills, and being self-sufficient to do it right. If that’s you, head here to get our best advice.

If you prefer the facilities of a caravan park, you’re spoiled for choice in Hervey Bay, with unpowered sites starting at around $30 per night. A little outside of town, Riverside Burrum Heads is a pet-friendly, tranquil eco tourist park with rates from $30 per night.

Where to eat: The local seafood is famous for good reason – especially Hervey Bay scallops and Fraser Isle swimmer crab – and you’ll get an excellent bite at any of these spots.

What to do while you’re here: Day-trip to K’gari, go whale-watching, and explore the best of the region.

Stop 3: Bundaberg

Another two hours up the road is Bundaberg: famous for its rum, sugarcane, ginger beer and oodles of local produce. It also happens to be famous for its marine life – a gateway to the beauty of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and home to Mon Repos, the best place in Queensland to learn about sea turtles and witness the magic of annual nesting and hatching seasons.

Where to camp: Be lulled to sleep by the sound of waves at BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Bargara, where unpowered sites start at $38 per night, with access to a camp kitchen, BBQs and bathroom facilities.

With a 4WD, you’ll have access to the campground at Burrum Coast National Park for just $7 per person, per night.

Where to eat: From freshly made strawberry ice cream to local dining hotspots, treat your tastebuds here.

What to do while you’re here: Tour the rum distillery, day-trip to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef at Lady Musgrave Island, meet the turtles at Mon Repos and fill your itinerary with wonder.

Stop 4: Agnes Water & 1770

Your next stop is the quiet seaside twin-towns of Agnes Water and 1770, in Gladstone region. The pace may be slower here, but you don’t have to be: fill your days with fishing, surfing, swimming, kayaking and so much more. You’ll discover a strong community spirit, secluded beaches and a pure natural connection that makes this spot a mainstay on the Brisbane to Cairns backpacker circuit.

Where to camp: It all depends whether you want beachfront vistas or forest immersion – and how much you want to spend. Right by the beach, Agnes Water Holiday Park offers unpowered sites from $39 per night.

Seek tranquillity among the trees at Traveller’s Rest from $14pp, or nab a campsite at 1770 eco camp from $20 (glamping also available here from $75). Those looking to meet fellow travellers may prefer Southern Cross Travellers Retreat, where camping is available in addition to dorm-style cabins – plus there’s a resort-style swimming pool, fully equipped kitchen and plenty of games and activities.

Those with a 4WD can access beach camping at Deepwater National Park from $7 per person, per night.

Where to eat: Don’t miss lunch at Getaway Garden Café, a snack at beachside Holidays Café, or fish and chips from Coral Sea Seafood.

What to do while you’re here: Learn to surf, rent kayaks, beach-hop and much more.

Stop 5: Yeppoon

The jewel of the Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon is one of those places you probably have never heard of until this road trip – but visit and it’ll long remain in your heart. There’s hidden treasures to find on the mainland, from deserted beaches to ancient cave systems.

Where to camp: Stay close to the action and close to the beach at NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park, where unpowered sites start from $22 per night (or $45 for powered sites).

By far one of the most magical spots is Upper Stony camping area in Byfield State Forest. Surrounded by bushland and with a serene waterhole to swim in, life just doesn’t get better for $7pp, per night. The camp area is accessible by conventional vehicle, but you’ll have to tackle 11km of gravel road to get here.

Seeking a little island time? If you’ve packed lightly, pack up your tent, leave your vehicle behind and jump on the ferry to Great Keppel Island, where the Holiday Village offers limited island camping from $30. Be sure to book well in advance.

Where to eat: Foodies should put Vue Wine Bar on the to-do list, while Chapter and Lure Living are among the best cafes in Yeppoon.

What to do while you’re here: Cool down in the calm waters of (free) Yeppoon Lagoon, explore the beaches and bays of Great Keppel Island, and discover the town’s urban art scene.

Stop 6: Cape Hillsborough

North of Mackay, Cape Hillsborough is home to one of Australia’s most special wildlife encounters. It’s worth the stop alone to stay the night and share sunrise on the beach with these seriously photogenic wallabies and kangaroos – but that’s just the beginning of what’s great here among the great outdoors.

Where to camp: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park is the closest to Casuarina Beach, making the early start as easy as possible. Powered sites are a short walk from the sand, and begin at $43 per night.

Otherwise, head for bordering Cape Hillsborough National Park, where a night at peaceful Smalleys Beach campground will set you back $7 pp, per night.

Where to eat: Food options are very limited in Cape Hillsborough, so be sure to stock up on camp supplies while you arrive – though make time to try the scones at historic Old Station Tea House. Passing through Mackay, it’s well worth a stop at The Dispensary or 9^th Lane Grind.

What to do while you’re here: Wake up early for the wallabies, take a coastal walk, and consider heading inland to meet more wildlife at Broken River and hidden swimming holes at Eungella National Park. Get all the details here. 

Stop 7: Airlie Beach

Equal parts lively party town and jump off point to spectacular Whitsundays beauty, there’s no doubt Airlie Beach will be a highly-anticipated stop while camping from Brisbane to Cairns.

While you won’t be alone on the beaches here, Queensland’s sailing capital has a unique spirit: a waterfront esplanade dotted with dining and bars, a nearby national park where you can hike and swim in waterfalls, and most importantly – the gateway to the region’s 74 islands. If you do anything here, make it a day trip that encompasses Whitehaven Beach and Great Barrier Reef snorkelling.

Where to camp: Tasman Holiday Parks Airlie Beach is home to unpowered and powered sites, along with glamping and cabins. Rates start from $35 per night. Campers have access to the camp kitchen, BBQs, swimming pool, free WiFi and bathroom/laundry facilities.

Closer to the water in Cannonvale, NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park boasts unpowered sites from $32 per night.

To stay in the heart of Airlie Beach on a budget and explore without a vehicle, you may wish to forgo the camping and book into a backpacker resort instead. But if you’ve ever wanted to embark on an island-hopping camping adventure, this is the spot. Tour operaters like Scamper make it easy, with island transfers and even camping equipment hire (great if you're van-lifing it up the coast but want to experience tent camping on the islands).

Where to eat: With endless options, there’s always something good to fuel your days. Fat Frog Beach Café is a must for breakfast.

What to do while you’re here: Stay a day, or stay a week – you’ll likely want to stay forever, given the experiences and idyllic islands waiting for you. There’s plenty of free activities too.

Stop 8: Bowen

An undiscovered paradise, Bowen is much more than a cosy coastal hamlet with a big attraction.  

The Big Mango will make a great photo, but don’t just drive through town to your next destination. Stay a day or more and it’ll be a big highlight of your camping trip from Brisbane to Cairns. Snorkel and swim in quiet bays, shop local at the markets, and spend sunset with your toes in the sand.

Where to camp: Spread out at the Bowen Palms Caravan Park for $25 per night, complete with camp kitchen and BBQ area, amenities blocks, pool and book exchange library.

For waterfront accommodation at Queens Bay, book a site at NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park from $42.

Where to eat: Fish and chips don’t get better than at Bird’s Fish Bar, nor the coffee at Kevla Espresso.  

What to do while you’re here: Use this guide to fill your days.

Stop 9: Magnetic Island

Leave The Whitsundays behind to discover more of the tropics, starting with Townsville. It’s North Queensland’s largest urban centre, so if you’re craving some city culture stay a while here to hop between museums, bars and restaurants. But if you’re ready to explore another Queensland gem, take the short ferry trip to Magnetic Island (you must book ahead to reserve a vehicle space).

Maggie, as it’s known to the locals, is a truly special escape, where the best of the Aussie bush meets coral reef and rocky beaches. Go koala spotting along Forts Walk, hand-feed rock wallabies, go horseback riding through island bush, snorkel in Cockle Bay or Magnetic Island Reefs

Where to camp: Bungalow Bay Koala Village is an eco-accredited destination that offers wildlife tours and breakfast with the koalas, alongside cabins and camping ($20pp for unpowered sites, $25pp for powered sites).

Where to eat: Magnetic Island is known for its relaxed café scene – but be sure to save time for an ice cream from Fruits N Scoops in Nelly Bay before you take the ferry back to the mainland. 

What to do while you’re here: Here’s where to find the hiking trails, snorkel trails and wildlife on Magnetic Island.

Stop 10: Townsville

Back on the mainland, the highway turns away from the coast and into the misty Paluma Range: prime waterfall-chasing territory. Wind your way into the rainforest in search of hidden swimming holes and unique wildlife, then choose if you want to head back to the beach or further into the green.

Where to camp: For more moments by the sand, stay at Taylors Beach Holiday Park; this beachside village just 20-minutes from town is known by locals as an angler’s paradise. Unpowered sites from $30 and powered sites from $40.

Or, drive one hour north to the Broadwater Camping Ground among the eucalyptus forests of Abergowrie State Forest – it’s just $7pp, per night. If your sights are set on Wallaman Falls, there’s very affordable camping right here in the national park. 

Where to eat: Fuel your adventure in Townsville before heading north.

What to do while you’re here: Nature is calling, and there’s endless ways to cool off among World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest – and plenty of local secrets to discover.

Stop 11: Mission Beach

Nestled between World Heritage-listed rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Mission Beach is well and truly off the main tourist radar. Which is part of the reason it’s so special, and still retains the magic of feeling undiscovered.  14km of palm tree lined beaches are all yours, flowing along four coastal villages with a big community feel.

Where to camp: Mission Beach Camping and Caravan Park offers unpowered beachfront sites suitable for tents, campers and off road caravans start from $35 per night. Ocean views and breezes are free.

Tasman Holiday Parks at South Mission Beach offers unpowered grass or concrete sites for $30 per night, with generous cooking facilities and refrigeration, outdoor gas BBQ, bathrooms and laundry.

Up for a real adventure? Grab your camping gear, take the water taxi service to Dunk Island and pitch your tent in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef - but be sure to bring all the food and supplies you'll need: this is very much off-the-grid camping. 

Use this Mission Beach accommodation guide to plan your trip.

Where to eat: Nourish your body at Bingil Bay Café, and splash out for a meal at BUKO.

What to do while you’re here: Stop for a soak in azure Cardwell Spa Pool on your drive north to Mission Beach – then dial up the action on white water rafting adventures and Great Barrier Reef day trips. Start making plans here.

Stop 12: Cairns

You’ve made it to the final stop on an epic camping trip from Brisbane to Cairns – and more stunning beaches, ancient rainforests and adrenalin-fuelled activities await, taking you to all corners of two World Heritage sites.

Where to camp: Park up at the council-run Bramston Beach Campground, 20-minutes from Babinda, where you’ll find showers, toilets, a laundry and BBQ facilities to go with those million dollar beachfront views from $23 per night.

For camping that’s a total bargain, make your way to the end of Boulders Road to find Babinda Boulders Free Camping Area. It’s just a short walk from the main sights and creek. Facilities are limited here: expect toilets, cold showers, BBQs, but no electricity – but that’s the price you pay when camping is free for stays up to 72 hours. No bookings required, but space is limited so it’s wise to have a plan B.

Where to eat: The small town of Babinda is home to a bakery, café, pub and grocery store for camp supplies. Save the rest of your budget for the incredible restaurants waiting in Cairns.

What to do while you’re here: First time to Cairns? Here’s what you need to put on your to do list. Then, discover the best beaches, head to the outer Great Barrier Reef, or take these day trips.

Where to next? Continue the camping adventures around Cairns, or make your way north to Cape York.