Queensland’s best free campsites

Pitch a tent or park the caravan a short walk from the Babinda Boulders, just south of Cairns, where lush rainforests surround an emerald-green swimming hole. With toilets, showers and BBQs here, you have everything you need to call this place home for 72 hours.

Please note: Stick to the designated swimming areas (indicated by signage) and do not swim in strong currents or poor weather conditions, especially after heavy rainfall.

Embrace life in the slow lane and take a float down Babinda Creek with Babinda Kayaking and SUPs. Immerse yourself in the Atherton Tablelands food bowl by indulging in cheese and chocolate at Gallo Dairyland or sip a fresh roasted coffee at Skybury Roast Café (Australia’s oldest coffee plantation).

Tip: Because it’s a National Park, pets aren’t allowed – but Fido is welcome at the nearby Babinda Rotary Rest Area.

Toomulla Beach Campground

Catch bream or flathead and throw it straight on the barbie at this beachside camping spot on Townsville’s northern beaches. Not just for fishers, this is a family-friendly site, with well-lit picnic areas, a boat ramp and even a shaded kid’s playground.

You’re only 50 minutes from Townsville, where you can catch the SeaLink ferry to the island-paradise of Magnetic Island. There, pop on your flippers and explore life under the sea on the Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail. After you’ve dried off, head to Scally Wags Café and say ahoy to a pirate burger.

Tip: Book your spot at the campground in advance through the council website – it gets busy.

Japoonvale Rest Area

This idyllic spot is perched on the shady banks of Liverpool Creek where you can unwind as the sun sets over the cane fields. Amenities are basic, but what it lacks in facilities it makes up for in scenery, making this is a great place to pull up stumps in the Cassowary Coast region.

Ten minutes down the road you will find Paronella Park, one of Queensland’s most romantic spots. This 1930s Spanish castle is set amongst five hectares of tropical gardens that come to life at night with an incredible light and sound show.

Need a kick-start for the next leg of your travels? For breakfast and a caffeine-fix, hit up Bingle Bay Café in the palm-fringed town of Mission Beach.

Tip: Best not to swim at the creek – crocs have been sighted.

Long Waterhole (Winton)

It’s fitting that you can camp by a billabong at this campground in the home of Waltzing Matilda.

You can stay here as long as you like, so wait until your billy boils, savour the outback sunsets and soak a little longer in the waterhole.

There are no amenities here, which is a great excuse to get out and explore Winton (aka the Dinosaur Capital of Australia). Travel back in time and visit the Australian Age of the Dinosaurs or go the full Waltzing Matilda and stop for a cold one at the North Gregory Hotel — where Banjo Patterson’s iconic song was performed for the first time.

Tip: Mobile reception can be patchy, so download maps in advance.

Julia Creek Campground

Crack open an ice-cold sundowner next to the creek at this popular site in the beating heart of the outback. Stay for up to 96 hours and snag a spot next to the creek where you can catch yabbies and redclaw, or ride one of the free bikes into town.

This site is for fully self-contained campers only, so there’s no showers — but you can take a bath! Just down the road you’ll find the Julia Creek Artesian Baths where you can soak in hot thermal water in a clawfoot bath. Just make sure to book in advance – they're seriously hot property.

If you’re in town between April and September, don’t miss the award-winning Bush Dinners at the Caravan Park every Monday night. BYO cutlery, drinks and chair (outback hospitality is free).

Tip: Get your permit from the Visitor Information Centre or on-site caretaker during peak months.

Mary Kathleen 

Welcome to this literal ghost town! This once-bustling mining town was abandoned in the 1980s, with everything including the kitchen sink demolished. Nestled between Mount Isa and Cloncurry, all that’s left here is suburban streets and concrete slabs but hey, that’s all you need when you’re in a self-contained cruiser!

You guessed it, there are no amenities here, but there’s also no time limit. So, explore the local area and marvel at the technicolour waters pooled in the old Uranium Mine. Drive there yourself or take a day trip with North West Tours. 

After a day exploring, drive to the nearby town of McKinlay where Hollywood meets the Outback at the Walkabout Creek Hotel — as featured in Crocodile Dundee.

Tip: The mine site is photo-worthy, but it’s not safe to swim.

Ngumbi Camp Site (Mt Joyce Base Camp)

This camp comes served with a side of adventure! Accessible only on water or on foot, this outdoor playground on the edge of the Scenic Rim’s Lake Wyaralong offers hiking, kayaking and mountain biking.

This site is for tent-campers only, but don’t think that means this place is light on in facilities—there’s toilets, picnic areas and even an old homestead that you can bunker down in.

Keep the adventure going at the nearby Scenic Rim Adventure Park, featuring 28 kilometres of 4x4 tracks. After you’ve had your fill of adrenalin, stop in at Overflow Estate 1895 or Scenic Rim Brewery & Café for a well-deserved tipple.

Tip: The site is serviced by tank water so you might want to pack your own!

Kinbombi Falls 

Snuggled in the rolling hills of the Gympie Region, this spacious rest area comes with a well-hidden secret. A set of stairs will take you down to the impressive Kinbombi Falls, where you can explore rock pools, spot turtles, or take a refreshing dip.

There’s no time limit here, so you can explore the area until your heart is content. Jump aboard the Mary Valley Rattler and take a train ride into yesteryear. 

Oh, and make sure to stop in at Pomona Distilling Co, where you can enjoy local produce served with a dose of Pomona hospitality.

Tip: To see the cascades at their best, visit after rainfall.

Little Yabba Creek 

Looking for somewhere to lay your head in the gorgeous Sunshine Coast hinterland? Then pop Little Yabba Creek into the GPS!

Make the most of the BBQ facilities then relax by an open fire and stare up at the blanket of stars above. In the morning head out on a scenic rainforest walk or enjoy a swim in the fresh-water creek.

Don’t forget to stop in at the Kenilworth Bakery—it’s worth waiting in line. And if you’re a bird-lover, swoop on over and make some feathered friends at Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World.

Tip: It can fill up quickly, so get there early (and don’t forget the firewood!)