Australians love the great outdoors, and there is plenty of it for them to love! Australia’s national parks and preserves cover about 3% of the country, which doesn’t sound like that much. But, consider that it’s around 350,000 square kilometers of land, a bit bigger than the size of the UK and the Netherlands combined! There’s plenty of natural beauty and wildlife for the adventurous souls who head out into Australia’s vast wilderness and stay awhile by camping! Queensland is one of the most popular destinations because of its outstanding natural beauty and many camping options. Here are some of our favorite parks and campsites you should consider staying at during your next camping holiday!
In recent years, truck camping has become incredibly popular Down Under. People purchase ready-made recreational vehicles or go a more DIY route, like installing a ute canopy in Brisbane, to stow their camping gear and supplies while they explore the less traveled roads.
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Top 5 Best Camping Spots in Queensland
Lamington National Park
This is the wild heart of Yugambeh country, featuring ancient trees in the lush Gondwana Rainforest and unbelievably fantastic scenery! This undisturbed Australian World Heritage Area is a protected region of subtropical rainforest bursting with unique flora and fauna.
To explore the ancient interior of Lamington National Park, your home base is two excellent campgrounds:
- The private Binna Burra Mountain Lodge and
- The public O’Reilly’s Campground.
Expect incredible views, many kilometers of walking tracks, and loads of ecological wonders to experience in this gorgeous area.
D’Aguilar National Park
This 36,000-ha national park stretches from just 10km out from Brisbane’s city center north into the Moreton Bay Region. A very short drive from the city will bring stellar views of Moreton Bay, vast expanses of eucalyptus woodland, and remote gorges filled with hidden pockets of lush subtropical rainforest. The park features many outdoor activities and walking trails, and plenty of great campsites exist.
If you are looking to rough it, park the truck at the trailhead and hike to the secluded walk-in campsites at:
- Light Line Road,
- Dundas Road,
- Scrub Road,
- Northbrook Mountain,
- North Kobble,
- Middle Kobble,
- South Kobble, and
- England Creek.
If you prefer the comforts you keep under your ute’s camping canopy, then Archer and Neurum Creek campgrounds are the place for you. Thay have convenient bathroom and cooking facilities on hand, so you don’t have to get too rough!
North Stradbroke Island and Minjerribah
This is where you can marvel at some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery. Catch the barge to this lovely island, famed for its long, white sand beaches, rumbling surf, and dramatic headlands.
Point Lookout offers some of the best whale watching in the entire world, an experience that should not be missed!
More incredible views can be had from the Gorg Walk, and if you need to cool off, you can enjoy a dip in the island’s delightful freshwater lakes.
There are also three charming small townships if you desire a little taste of civilization in a laid-back village setting.
Minjerribah Camping manages hundreds of excellent campsites across the island; some of the most well-loved are:
- Amity Point,
- Thankful Rest,
- Main Beach,
- Bradbury’s Beach,
- Home Beach,
- Flinders Beach,
- Adder Rock, and
- Cylinder Beach.
If you want to bring your faithful pooch on your adventures, dogs are welcome at Main Beach and Flinders Beach!
Mt Barney National Park
This rugged expanse of wilderness is for those who enjoy a challenge and love to rough it in the wild! Jagged mountain peaks tower above the surrounding wilderness, which brings you to park and hike on foot to reach the remote camping areas. The park is located 120 kilometers to the southwest of Brisbane. Bushwalkers revere this ancient primeval forest that is home to a vast number of rare animal and plant species.
The campsites are simple, with no facilities or amenities, so you must pack up and carry whatever gear and supplies you want for your sojourn. It’s important to note that you must pack out any rubbish you accumulate, so be prepared for that. The campsites all require a camping permit, so be sure to obtain one before you pitch your tent!
Plenty of hiking trails crisscross the Mount Barney National Park range, with various difficulty levels from moderate to very steep. So, plan your routes carefully before you end up somewhere a bit wilder than you had intended!
Bribie Island
The expansive Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area lies just 65km north of Brisbane. The island is connected by a bridge to the mainland, and it features tranquil campsites with excellent facilities, but be warned, it will require a 4WD to get to them; the terrain is very rough and wild, making the area so beautiful!
You can find campsites all over the park; some favorite spots are:
- Lime Pocket,
- Gallagher Point,
- Poverty Creek,
- Mission Point, and
- Ocean Beach.
Each campsite is unique, offering slightly different amenities and fantastic island views. Check-in with the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service office to pick up their visitor’s guide. Because, a beneficial resource to have on hand when exploring Bribie Island’s wild reaches.
If you prefer to pull up to a more accessible seaside camping experience instead of running the off-road gauntlet, then you can relax at the Bribie Island Caravan Park just outside of town.
There is also excellent boating and fishing in the Pumicestone Passage, along with great nature-lover activities like some of the best birdwatching in the country!
Conclusion:
There are still many other exciting outdoor recreation activities, campsites, and fantastic scenery around Queensland, but this is all we have space for today. We hope we have inspired you to pack up your camping supplies and head out to some of Australia’s most wild and beautiful destinations!
FAQs:
Queensland offers a plethora of fantastic camping spots, including Fraser Island, Carnarvon Gorge, Cape Hillsborough, Lamington National Park, and Cooloola Recreation Area.
The best time of year for camping in Queensland is from April to September when the weather is mild and there is plenty of sunshine.
Yes, you must have a permit to camp in most of Queensland’s national parks and conservation areas. You can obtain the license online or from the park’s information center.
Some essential items to bring when camping in Queensland include a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove, insect repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits in some camping areas, but it is essential to check with the park management for any fire restrictions before starting a fire.
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