A beginner's guide to camping in Queensland national parks

What’s not to love about sleeping in a rainforest system that’s been around for 100 million years?

While Lamington National Park might be ancient as far as landscapes go, don’t assume this campground is dated. Lamington’s campgrounds have composting loos, hot showers and there’s even a free WiFi hotspot at the Green Mountains Information Centre.

You’ll find this heighty-hinterland an hour west of Surfers Paradise, or two hours south of Brisbane. And it’s not short on things to do, with 160km of bushwalking trails and plenty of waterfalls to find along the way.

If you need a break from the butane stove, the cafés and restaurants of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat are right on your doorstop.

Note: this site will reopen in late 2020 after being redeveloped following work from Ecotourism Revitalisation Project.

Broken River campground, Eungella National Park

This national park might fly under the radar, but the early bird gets the platypus sightings in Eungella National Park.

Translating to ‘land of the clouds’ in the local Aboriginal language, Eungella National Park will make you believe magic truly exists. Often shrouded in mist, the cool sub-tropical rainforest sits 1.5 hours west of Mackay in the highlands. It’s a frequent retreat for locals and visitors, with over 20km of walking tracks ranging from easy 30-minute strolls to full day hikes.

You’ll find Broken River campground tucked away in the middle of Australia’s longest sub-tropical rainforest, though you won’t need survival training to enjoy this wilderness. The campsite is so close to civilisation that you can walk to a handful of cafes for your morning coffee fix. You can also pick up some local goods at the gift store which stocks everything from local mountain garlic, to hand-knitted headbands, kauri bowls and of course, platypus paraphernalia.

Real flushing toilets and fire rings are a plus to this campground, and if you want a shower just take a dip into the emerald waters of Finch Hatton Gorge.

Ben-Ewa campground, Moreton Island National Park

There’s no better healing power than sunrise over the ocean, sand between your toes and the sea breeze gently buffeting your tent at night.

If island camping sounds remote, don’t worry. Ben-Ewa on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) is so comfortable that you could easily forget you’re camping at all – WiFi included. From its western beach location, you’ll be a short drive from the Bulwer General Store, which sells everything from ice cream to boat battery acid. Not just backup of essentials though, you’ll find your hit of barista-made coffee and the local favourite Mad Moreton Burger.

Fuelled up with caffeine and carbs, you’ll have more time to get your tyres dirty with adventure, cruising up the endless miles of sandy beaches and inland tracks. This is a destination where you’ll spend more time out of your tent than in it. And if you have a weekend, follow this itinerary. 

Castle Rock campground, Girraween National Park

Nestled at the foot of spectacular granite monoliths and just a short drive from these Granite Belt wineries, Castle Rock campground will make you a happy camper.

Girraween National Park is truly an outdoor nirvana, just a few hours’ drive south from Brisbane. Here you’ll find a granite jungle gym with 12 walking tracks, and plenty of rugged wilderness worth exploring over a couple of days. All tracks are graded between 2-4 and crisscross the national park, including the calf-muscle-challenging Pyramid Track.

If you’re after creature comforts, there’s hot showers, toilets, picnic tables and communal wood barbecues. And if you don’t feel like cooking, drop in for dinner at one of these locally loved restaurants.

Bring layers for the chilly evenings and pick up some red wine at the cellar doors for an extra one.  

Big Crystal Creek campground, Paluma Range National Park

Visiting Townsville? Once you’ve had your fill of exploring the city and nearby islands, head an hour north to find picturesque Paluma Range National Park. It’s the rainforest gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed area – and home to some of the best camping in Queensland national parks.

It’s all about fresh mountain air and mossy mountain freshwater streams here, with Big Crystal Creek and the cascading falls of Little Crystal Creek just steps from the campground.

For first-time campers, it’s mountain magic. All sites come complete with a stunning view, privacy and amenities block. And though the showers might be cold, you won’t notice anyway. The humid conditions of the rainforest is the only hot and steamy atmosphere you’ll need. 

Dandabah campground, Bunya Mountains National Park

Set amongst a 30-million-year-old landscape and Australia’s largest collection of Bunya pines is Bunya Mountains National Park. Once the gathering place of Indigenous people during bunya festivals, a camping trip here is the perfect weekend escape, being just a two hour drive from Brisbane.

There are three campsites in the national park; Dandabah, Westcott and Burtons Well. But if you’re a beginner camper, head to Dandabah. It’s got picnic tables, flushing loos, hot showers and coin-operated barbecues.

Nine different types of rainforest can be found here, so get out and explore on the Scenic Circuit – where you can waterfall chase Festoon Falls and Tim Shea Falls. At dusk, look out for the many red-necked wallabies that call the Bunya Mountains home.

And if you can’t live without your morning coffee, you’re in luck here. The campground is a short walk from several cafes in the area as well as a general store.  

Chilli Beach campground, Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park

Discovering the jewel in Queensland’s national park crown is certainly worth the long trek as you steer yourself toward Chilli Beach on the Cape York Peninsula. Sandwiched between the reef and the rainforest, you’ll need a 4WD to reach this remote beauty.

The traditional land of the Kuuku Ya'u people, pitch your tent at camp sites tucked behind the sand dunes, grab one of the fallen coconuts and drink in the views.

Here, you can beachcomb or boat by day. By night, the area comes alive with a chorus of owls, frogs and lapping waters to rock you to sleep.  

You’ll find composting loos and space for camp fires, which is a rare treat in most national parks. What this campground lacks in life’s luxuries (like showers and barbecues), it makes up for with ocean-front views that will convert you to camping faster than any amenities block ever could.

This is a popular camping area so you need to book well in advance to secure your spot. 

Looking for something closer to Brisbane? There’s plenty of camping spots within a stone’s throw of the city. Once you’ve gotten used to your camping training wheels, pitch your tent on these islands and wild campsites. You need to a camping permit to camp in a national park. Book and pay for your camping permit online in advance before you arrive at your camp site.