The best camping in Queensland for a long weekend getaway

Perched on a spectacular finger north of Rainbow Beach, Inskip Point is home to one of the best sunsets you’ll come across in Queensland (the sun sets over the water to the west). There’s a good selection of sandy, picturesque campsites amongst the she-oaks, 15 minutes from town and just a stone’s throw from the beach. This is great 4WDing territory, but camping here is still possible without one.

Giving you the best of both worlds, there’s a surf beach on the east, and the calm, sheltered waters of Tin Can Bay and the Great Sandy Strait to the south/west. Early mornings and late evenings make for spectacular bird watching, and the bay gets regular visits from dugongs, turtles and dolphins. Tip: plan your attack early because this is one hot piece of camping real estate.

Check out our weekend guide for more ideas on how to spend your days in and around Rainbow Beach.

Is this your first time camping on a beach? Check out these tips before you go. Also, read our summer camping checklist.

Cooper Creek, Outback Queensland

Set in the heart of Queensland’s iconic Channel Country, there’s a track that runs for about one kilometre west of the township, which then follows the Cooper Creek as it slinks through the floodplains. There’s something really special about this part of the country. The birdlife along the river is fantastic (particularly at sunset), and there are various markers to show you the names of the flora that surrounds you.

The best way to spend your days is on or beside the water, canoeing, swimming or fishing for yellowbelly. The peace and quiet out here is hard to beat. However, another drawcard is that camping along Cooper Creek is free. You’ll find individual bush camping sites along both sides of the Creek upstream and downstream of the bridge and toilets on the east side. 

Blackdown Tableland National Park, Capricorn

A steep climb from the flat plains of Central Queensland sees you venture into a very special national park. Blackdown Tableland National Park sits stark against its surroundings and provides a unique ecology to explore. There is some great bushwalking to take part in that leads through rainforest gullies to swimming holes, lookout spots and Aboriginal rock art. Don’t miss Rainbow Falls and the rock pools (bring your bathers!) – they really are exceptional. There’s also a 4X4 ‘Loop Track’ that accesses some beautiful views from the plateau.

The Munall Campground is the only camping site in the area. You’ll find composting toilets, log seats and individual fire rings. What you won’t find is big crowds - with just 16 numbered sites, this is a quiet, secluded campsite.

Sandy Cape, Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a national treasure, but only a few know of the hidden treasures that lie in the lesser explored parts of the island. Sandy Cape on the northern end of the island is truly a world away from the ‘main drag’ of Fraser. After traversing some coffee rock, you’re rewarded with stunning vistas and a distinct lack of crowds; perfect for a campsite.

This is strictly ‘bush camping’ though, so don’t expect toilets or showers. A trek up to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse makes for a superb day trip with awesome views.

Want to explore more of K’gari while you’re there? Here’s how to spend a weekend on Fraser Island. Plus, read this guide to camping on Fraser Island before you go.

Byfield National Park, Capricorn

Boasting 12 kilometres of impressive coastline and four beaches, Byfield National Park (just over one hour north of Rockhampton) has some of the best camping in Queensland tucked away behind the foredunes along Nine Mile Beach, along with plenty of acreages to explore. Those wanting to wake up by the beach should set up camp at the Five Mile Rocks camping area. If you’re looking to surround yourself with lush greenery, the campsites next to Upper Stony Creek are set among pine trees and natural bushland and you can swim and kayak in the creek.

Don’t get too comfortable at your campsite though, you’ll want to spend most of your days exploring the national park. There are some walking tracks near Upper Stony Creek that range from 900 metres to four kilometres. Also, check out the Orange Bowl sandblow and Stockyard Point along the coast, and try your luck fishing at Five Rocks Beach.

Flinders Beach, North Stradbroke Island