Why Queensland? The Ultimate Camping Destination in 2024
Overview of Queensland’s Camping Diversity
Queensland offers one of the most varied camping experiences in Australia, ranging from heritage-listed rainforests and Great Barrier Reef islands to outback bush and coastal beaches. National and conservation parks, glamping, caravan sites, and wild off-grid campsites cater to every adventurer. In 2024, Queensland’s camping industry ranks among the top contributors to Australia’s $35.5 billion adventure tourism market, with hiking representing 31.6% of activities for visitors.[1]
2024 Travel Trends in Outdoor Adventure
The past year’s data highlights a 47% rise since 2014 in nature-based tourism participation in Australia, with Queensland driving much of the growth.[2] Key 2024 trends include increased demand for immersive nature experiences, growth in eco-friendly and glamping options, a surge in rail trail and 4WD adventures, and strong family-friendly and pet-friendly offerings. Events like the QLD Caravan & Camping Supershow have broken attendance records, confirming the state’s leadership in outdoor innovation.[3]
Quick Picks – Queensland’s Standout Camping Grounds for 2024
Best for Families: Kid-Friendly Campsites
- Cobb and Co Nine Mile (Gympie) – 50 acres of space, playgrounds, BMX tracks, cap on bookings for crowd control, $58/night.[4]
- NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park – 4.8/5 from 497 reviews, amenities include camp kitchen, pool, and close proximity to waterfalls and bushwalks.
- Alpha Caravan Park (Central Outback) – Spacious, grassy sites, family BBQ, spotless facilities, praised for tranquility.[5]
Best for Couples: Romantic Nature Retreats
- Mitchell Grass Retreat (Longreach) – Luxury ensuite glamping, private decks, outback sunsets, winner of the 2024 QLD Unique Accommodation Award.[6]
- Nightfall Camp (Lamington NP) – Secluded safari tents, bathtubs, fireplaces, organic meals.
Best for Pet Lovers: Dog-Friendly Campgrounds
- Elim Beach (Cape Bedford) – Beachfront, off-grid, pets permitted, direct access to colored sands and tidal pools.[7]
- Selected Hipcamp/holiday parks – Check site-specific pet policies.
Best Wild Camping & Off-the-Grid Experiences
- Cooloola – Great Sandy National Park – Beach camping, true off-grid immersion, popular for 4WD.[8]
- Lara Wetlands (Barcaldine) – 15,000-acre station, birdwatching, artesian thermal pool, remote tranquility.
- Upper Davies Creek (Cairns Tablelands) – Secluded creek, fire pits, swims, best accessed by high-clearance vehicles.
Hidden Gems: Underrated & Newly Opened Sites
- Yalboroo (Mackay region) – Hipcamp Award Winner, 137 roomy sites from AU$19/night, creeks, privacy.[9]
- Noah Creek Eco Huts (Daintree) – Eco-focused, high guest ratings, remote rainforest immersion.
Top 15 Best Camping Grounds in QLD (Ranked & Reviewed)
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Julia Creek Caravan Park (Outback QLD)
Features: Powered and grassed sites, private artesian bathhouses, camp kitchen with BBQ and TV.
Amenities: Laundry, Wi-Fi, hot showers, easy walk to town.
Insider Tips: Book bathhouse early, visit nearby museums; awarded Queensland’s Best Park (2021).[10] -
Mitchell Grass Retreat (Longreach, Outback QLD)
Features: Luxury glamping tents, ensuites, bathtubs, kitchenettes, eco-friendly.
Amenities: Saltwater pool, private decks, gourmet breakfast hampers.
Tips: Book sunset dinners; top pick for couples, 2024 QLD tourism award winner.[6] -
NRMA Atherton Tablelands Holiday Park
Features: Family focus, extensive recreation, tropical gardens.
Amenities: Camp kitchen, pool, playground.
Tips: Rated 4.8/5 from 497 reviews; base for Tablelands waterfalls and walks. -
Cooloola Camping Area (Great Sandy NP, Sunshine Coast)
Features: Sandy coastal wilderness, 4WD access, off-grid experience.
Amenities: Basic toilets.
Tips: Check tides and permit requirements; book early via Queensland Parks.[8] -
K’gari (Fraser Island, Great Sandy NP)
Features: Dune camping, lake swims, beach drives.
Amenities: Campfires permitted in zones, 4WD access.
Tips: World Heritage, high demand—reserve in advance. -
Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area
Features: Sand peninsula, ocean and bay access.
Amenities: Toilets, suitable for dogs (leashed).
Tips: Top spot for family fishing and relaxation. -
Bribie Island National Park
Features: Bridge access, mangroves, long beaches.
Amenities: Basic toilets.
Tips: Family and dog-friendly; book early due to popularity. -
Danbulla National Park (Tinaroo, Cairns Region)
Features: Lakeside camping, birdwatching, hiking.
Amenities: Toilets, fire pits.
Tips: Great spot for waterfall circuit; eco-retreats nearby. -
Lara Wetlands (Barcaldine, Outback QLD)
Features: Artesian pool, lakeside peace, birdwatching.
Amenities: Hot showers, firewood, toilets.
Tips: Bring binoculars; best for off-grid tranquil retreats. -
Alpha Caravan Park (Central Outback)
Features: Spacious, peaceful, drive-through sites.
Amenities: Spotless showers, modern camp kitchen, Wi-Fi.
Tips: Birdwatching on site; book during Outback festivals.[5] -
Elim Beach (Cape Bedford)
Features: Beachfront, unpowered shaded sites, colored sand cliffs.
Amenities: Showers (cold), toilets, camp kitchen.
Tips: Run by traditional owners; best for 4WD and off-leash dogs.[7] -
Cobb and Co Nine Mile (Gympie)
Features: Family-centric activities, BMX, grassy fields.
Amenities: Kiosk, fire pits.
Tips: Cap on nightly numbers for more privacy; book weekends early.[4] -
Noah Creek Eco Huts (Daintree)
Features: Open rainforest eco-huts.
Amenities: Basic eco cabanas.
Tips: 4.9/5 reviews; one of north QLD’s best eco stays, pet-friendly options.[11] -
Upper Davies Creek (Tablelands)
Features: Secluded, on the creek, campfires allowed.
Amenities: Fire rings, pit toilets.
Tips: Great for hiking and solitude. 4WD/high-clearance vehicles recommended.[12] -
Yalboroo (Mackay)
Features: Award-winning, large, private creekside sites.
Amenities: Toilets, fresh water, camp kitchen (Hipcamp Award 2024).
Regional Guide to Camping in Queensland
Sunshine Coast & Hinterland
Famous for national park and beachside sites. Popular options: Cooloola (beach/off-grid), Inskip Peninsula (family/dog-friendly), and private eco retreats. Campers enjoy kayaking, fishing, and nature walks.
Tropical North & Cairns Region
Rainforest/beach campsites like Ellis Beach, Upper Davies Creek, NRMA Cairns Holiday Park dominate—ideal for reef trips, hiking, and swimming.[13] Many free/basic creekside sites and mountain access.
Outback Queensland Adventures
Remote bush campgrounds (Julia Creek, Lara Wetlands, Alpha Caravan Park) focus on wildlife, peace, and authentic Outback hospitality.[5] Artesian pools and historical towns are highlights.
Gold Coast to Brisbane
Glamping and family-friendly holiday parks near surf beaches and city attractions. Accessible island camping on Bribie, Stradbroke, and South Stradbroke by ferry or 4WD.[14]
Coastal vs. Inland: What to Expect
Coastal: Mild weather, surf/fishing, developed sites. Inland/Outback: Harsher climate, stunning sunsets, starry skies, off-grid camping—prepare for extremes.
Specialty Camping Experiences in QLD
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Camping
- Noah Creek Eco Huts – Open cabins, minimal environmental footprint.
- Daintree Riverview Lodges – Riverside, low-impact, high rating.
Adventure-Based Camping: Hiking, Climbing, Water Sports
- The Settlement Campground (Springbrook NP) – Direct rainforest walking tracks, waterfalls nearby.
- Stonesthrow, Misty Mountain (Lamington & Springbrook) – Hinterland adventure on Hipcamp.
Luxury & Glamping Options
- Nightfall Camp (Gold Coast Hinterland) – Private tented suites, all meals included.
- Mitchell Grass Retreat (Longreach)
Accessible Camping for All Abilities
- NRMA Cairns Holiday Park – Accessible bathrooms, close to city.
- Tipplers (South Stradbroke Island) – Tent-only, accessible by boat, basic but managed.
Essential Planning Tips for Camping in Queensland (2024 Update)
Booking & Reservation Insights
Permits required for QPWS-managed sites: Book online before arrival. Cost: $7.25/person/night. Must attach your camping tag and arrive within 24 hours; display the permit for inspection at all times.[15]
| Step | Details | Penalty for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-book via QLD Parks | Online, instant email printout | $154 onsite fine, up to $1,757 court max |
| Tag Display | Name, permit #, dates, persons, vehicle plate | 10 penalty units (2024: $1,757) |
| Max person/site | Listed on permit | Offenders fined |
What to Pack for Queensland’s Climate
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
- Rainproof tent and tarps (wet season: Nov-Apr, av. 28-32°C)
- Insect repellent/mosquito nets
- BYO water (collection prohibited); food in sealed containers
- Firewood (no bush collection)
- Sun protection (UPF clothing, hats, sunscreen)
Safety, Permits & Park Regulations
- Campfires: Only in QPWS fire rings (extinguish with water); follow current fire bans.
- Vehicles: Licensed, registered only, stick to signed tracks/roads.
- Dogs: Banned in national parks (except some recreational areas/certain campsites with leash rules).
- Drones: Banned in camping areas.
- Penalties: $154+ on-site; major breaches up to $1,757.
- Read updated park bulletins before arrival: parks.qld.gov.au
FAQ: Your Questions About Camping Grounds in QLD Answered
Do I need a camping permit in national parks?
Yes, always. Cost is $7.25 per person per night. Fines for non-compliance can exceed $150.[15]
What must I display at my campsite?
Your camping tag (printed or hand-written permit details) attached to tent/vehicle at all times for rangers’ inspection.
Can I leave my campsite unattended?
No more than 24 hours or permit is void, per 2024 rules.
Are fires allowed?
Only in provided fireplaces/fire rings, never collect bush wood; bans apply in dry seasons.
How do I handle pets?
Check each campsite’s rules; some allow dogs on leash, but QPWS parks generally do not. Always confirm in advance.
When were the camping rules updated?
New QLD camping regulations came into force 22 September 2024, including stricter enforcement on “ghost camping” and simplified campsite tag display.
Quick Links & CTA
Plan your next adventure in Queensland’s best camping grounds for a safe, sustainable, and unforgettable outdoor experience in 2024 and beyond.