The Best Camping Spots QLD

A Queensland holiday is one of the most highly sought after for families who love to escape the southern winter. For those who love camping, Queensland has some of the greatest camping destinations and many are off the main tourist trail.

Here you’ll find some of the best camping spots in QLD; from camping with dogs QLD, the best fishing spots in Queensland or perhaps you’re looking for great free camping Queensland offers.

Chilli Beach, Iron Range National Park, Cape York

Chilli Beach is an idyllic white sand beach that’s fringed with palm trees and crystal clear water. It’s in the remote Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park and the traditional owners are the Kuuku Ya’u people, many of whom live in the nearby community of Lockhart River.

The park is only accessible by 4wd during the dry season (approx April to December) which means the area isn’t a tourist trap and you will usually only see a small handful of people while you’re there. The seclusion is so relaxing and more and more families are choosing to take camping holidays all over Cape York.

Chilli beach is a true bush camping experience and only offers basic campsites without power but campfires are allowed and there are public toilets at the site. Prices are really affordable, with kids under 5 camping free or a family passes available.

Don’t let the seclusion fool you though, there’s plenty to do on a camping trip to Chilli Beach. The nearby adventure tours company “Cape York Experience” can take you on a thrilling dirt bike tour on exclusive tracks or you can book a charter boat out to the Great Barrier Reef for some fishing and diving. If that sounds too adventurous, there’s always beach combing or wildlife spotting and just around the corner at the remote township of Portland Roads there’s a great seafood cafe.

If you need a few more home comforts after a couple nights of basic camping, nearby accommodation “The Greenhoose” offers modern and comfortable air conditioned rooms with hot showers and has an onsite chef and takeaway van.

By Australian Kitchen & Home

‘Ringers Rest,’ Mareeba – Far North QLD

The bush-style camp of Ringers Rest in Mareeba is nestled in the Atherton Tablelands of Far North Queensland. If you’re wanting to explore the tablelands region and Cairns, Ringers Rest provides the perfect base camp for you.

Mareeba serves as the Gateway to Cape York and will also lead you west to the famous ‘Savannah Way,’ winding through northern Outback Queensland.

Ringers Rest is a no-fuss Aussie camp where you can enjoy a chinwag with Dave (the owner) around the evening campfire. Listen as he shares his stories of an adventurous life as a Ringer (aka. Stockman). Then wake up bright and early to the sounds of Hot Air Balloons landing right next to the camp ground in the adjoining paddock. Atherton Tablelands is a beautiful region, which boasts a much more temperate atmosphere than the humid coast down below.

Pack a picnic lunch and spend a day exploring the Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit. While you’re exploring you’ll find yourself passing through some gorgeous little villages that are worth checking out as well.

Kuranda is a famous Atherton village, which offers multiple alternative and touristy markets. While you’re there, consider taking the Scenic Railway or the Skyrail experiences. There are also a couple of rainforest-surrounded lakes, which were created around 12,000 years ago when magma rose to the water table surface.

No trip to Atherton is complete without visiting Lake Eacham, which is a popular spot for swimming, relaxing and walking.

If you want to head down the Cairns for some more coastal vibes, it’s only 62km away, taking about an hour to drive.

There are plenty of grocery stores, petrol stations and everything else that you need in Mareeba, plus in the nearby township of Atherton.

• Family and budget friendly;
• Pet friendly;
• Horses, cows and bettongs;
• Hot air balloons;
• Evening campfire;
• Composting toilets;
• Unfiltered water available;
• Rubbish bins;
• Phone reception.

Please note that this camp is off-grid, so you’ll need to take your own power supply, drinking water and showers.

By MY RIG Adventures

Neurum Creek Bush Retreat and Campground

Neurum Creek Bush Retreat and Campground lies approximately an hour and a half drive north of Brisbane on the D’Aguilar Highway. It is about one an hour and 15 minutes from the middle of the Sunshine Coast and the nearest town is Woodford which is only around 12 minutes away. It is located in an area bordering the Mt Mee State Forest, and is situated close to Lake Somerset.

Neurum Creek campgrounds are popular with families who love the easy access and friendly owners. The campgrounds offer all the amenities you would expect at a well established location:

• Large campsites
• Shady shelter and a communal fire pit (which is used for organised activities)
• Camp fires on each campsite
• Walking tracks and hikes
• Music events – the owners organise live gigs on certain dates
• Swimming holes

The water holes proved popular with the kids, who went swimming and were grateful for a way to cool down in the Queensland heat, and others had brought colourful canoes to explore the waterway.  Nearby there is a platypus pond, where you may get lucky and spot one of these shy creatures before it submerges beneath the murky waters.

Neurum Creek is a dog-friendly campground, and many people take advantage of this and bring their furry family members, who cavort happily together.

No tent? No worries! If you don’t own a tent or caravan, the camp will even supply and put up rented tents for you, so there really is no excuse not to book a fantastic family holiday at this gorgeous camping ground near Brisbane!

By Families Magazine

Fraser Island

If you want to experience the wilderness in Queensland, going camping on Fraser Island is the perfect thing to do.

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. It’s home to incredibly beautiful natural landmarks that should be on your Australia bucket list! 
To get there, you will have to take a ferry from Hervey Bay or Inskip Point (near Rainbow Beach). It’s a pretty easy and short trip.

As the entire island is made of sand, the only way to get around is with a 4WD. There is no way around it and you won’t be allowed to board the boat with a 2WD. Driving on the island is very good fun as you get to drive on the beach a lot! As a matter of fact, the main highway is the 75-mile beach.
There are many things to do on Fraser Island including visiting Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, the Champagne Pools and Lake Wabby. If you are visiting in winter, make your way to Indian Heads to watch the whales.

In terms of campgrounds, opt for one of the beach camping choices if you want to stay close to the main attractions and be able to walk to the beach for sunrise. If you are travelling with kids, stay at Central Station camping. There are more amenities and it’s known to be the most family-friendly national park campsite on Fraser Island.

Camping permits are minimal in cost and they must be purchased in advance! Due to the lack of facilities on the island, campgrounds can be booked up months in advance.

Finally, make sure to always keep your food in your vehicle. There are many dingoes on the island and food can attract them. Campsites are safe. Some of them are even dog-fenced but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

By BeeLoved City

Click here for more great Queensland Island holiday adventures!

Murphy’s Creek

If you’re an outdoorsy family, you must add Murphy’s Creek near Toowoomba in beautiful Queensland to your list of places to pitch a tent. Originally a railway town on the line between Toowoomba and townships like Helidon, Ipswich and Brisbane, Murphy’s Creek Escape is a town rich with railway history and loads of fun for families.

If you are in Toowoomba, Murphy’s Creek campsite is only a 20 minute drive on the New England Highway. If you are travelling from Brisbane, it is more like a 1 hour 3 minute drive along the Warrago Highway.

Murphy’s Creek has a range of camping choices to suit all type of adventurers. For those looking to pitch a tent, there are powered and unpowered sites. There are also remote sites that can be accessed by 4WD only as well as bush land sites and sites atop a canyon. There are large and small site options to suit all families and group combinations. Lastly, there are also luxurious safari tents if you are planning a lovely child-free trip away!

Murphy’s Creek is well set up to be a home away from home. It has everything from a camp kitchen, BBQ’s, washing machines and dryers, amenities block with hot showers, children’s play area, onsite shop and wine cellar to a dog run and horse yards so you can bring your horse! They offer both motor cycle and horse trail rides.

Pack your togs too! There is also a creek (the clue is in the name!) where you, your family, your dog and your horse can take a dip. Murphy’s Creek really does have it all!

By Get Out With Kids