Under the Stars: 17 National Park Camping Spots in SE QLD and Northern NSW

These amazing camping spots are on Indigenous Country. I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all these areas and their connection to land, sea and community. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present.

It’s no secret that I love camping spots that are at least further than an hour away from home on the Sunshine Coast, and ideally are in a national park.

We rarely choose a caravan park as a destination unless it happens to be in/near a national park (e.g. at Cania Gorge), if we need a convenient overnight stop (or simply a shower) on a road trip, or it’s our only option.

BEACH CAMPING OR BUSH?

Christmas and Easter are peak periods in South East Queensland with popular campgrounds booking out months in advance. If you’ve missed the boat, it’s worth checking for cancellations on the Queensland National Parks booking system—spots do open up unexpectedly as people cancel last minute.

If you live in the South East, heading over the border into Northern NSW is a great alternative. Just keep in mind that the same rules apply: sites are popular and must be pre-booked via NSW Parks as well.

Note: All distances given are from Brisbane. From the Sunny Coast, add 100km to the NSW spots and subtract about 100km from the northern spots.

* Selected areas (e.g. K’gari beach zones, Bribie beach sites, Teewah) require a portable toilet.

BEACH CAMPING

It goes without saying that camping on or near the beach is a pretty perfect combination in Queensland, or really anywhere in Australia.

For the spots mentioned here, you’ll need a proper 4WD—or at least a very brave AWD that doesn’t mind a face full of sand.

Just keep in mind that on top of your camping fees, you’ll also need to organise a 4WD vehicle access permit to hit the tracks in some of these areas.

TO THE LOCAL BEACH (UNDER 1.5 HOURS)

1. BRIBIE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK | ~80KM

Only a bit over an hour north of Brisbane, Bribie Island is understandably a popular camping destination.

You’ve got the ocean, sand 4WD-ing, lagoons, WW2 remnants, and generally a fairly relaxed vibe on the island. It’s not the kind of place I’d come back to again and again but if you haven’t been and want to relax, it’s not a bad spot to camp.

There’s camping along the beach (bring your own toilet) or within the marked ‘P’ camping area that also offers toilets and cold showers.

HEADING UP THE COAST (2-3 HOURS)

2. RAINBOW BEACH, GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK | ~240KM

Rainbow Beach, just north of the Sunshine Coast, is one of the most popular holiday spots over the summer. At Easter or any long weekend, it also gets very busy with day trippers.

If you just want to fish, read or do nothing, it’s an ideal spot but don’t expect peace and quiet over a long weekend. Teewah Beach can feel like a 4WD highway!

If you want to be more active, you could explore the Carlo Sandblow (from the Rainbow Beach township end), walk up to the lighthouse at Double Island Point (4WD required), or run around the beach all day.

You can’t camp on or just behind Rainbow Beach but you can plonk your tent or caravan down at Inskip Point Recreation Area, Teewah Beach or Freshwater. That’s about as close to camping at Rainbow Beach you’re going to get!

3. BURRUM COAST NATIONAL PARK | ~350KM

The Burrum Coast spans four different sections but you can only camp at two of them: Kinkuna and at Burrum Point (near Woodgate).

If you’re fully self-sufficient (including a portable toilet), Kinkuna is a great option for finding a quiet spot among the dunes and scrub. Keep in mind that you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD.

Burrum Point is the “civilised” alternative with toilets and cold shower facilities. You don’t actually need a 4WD here unless you want to go beach driving near Woodgate.

There’s a few short walks at Burrum Point but to be honest, none of them left a lasting impression. They’re more exercise than experience.

BEACH MISSIONS (FERRY OR 4+ HOURS)

4. K’GARI, GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK | ~250KM (PLUS FERRY)

You won’t escape the crowds and noise if you’re camping on K’gari (Fraser Island) during peak periods, but the white sands, spots like Lake Mackenzie, translucent Wanggoolba Creek or the rather cool Maheno Shipwreck are hard to beat.

You have a myriad of options of camping areas to choose from—ranging from fenced areas with toilets/cold showers to commercial campgrounds with full amenities, and self-sufficient spots behind the dunes.

5. DEEPWATER NATIONAL PARK | ~470KM

A few hours north of Bundaberg, Deepwater National Park is a bit of a drive from Brisbane but it’s easily one of our favourite coastal camping escapes.

Wreck Rock is just a short walk from the beach, and somehow a really relaxing spot—plus there are cold showers to wash off the salt!

Both camping areas at Deepwater tend to book out early, especially over long weekends and the busy Christmas period so definitely plan ahead for this one.

You’re not far from Agnes Water and 1770 so if you’re hankering after a ‘city outing’, it’s easily accomplished.

CAMPING AND HIKING

If you’ve had enough of the sand, there’s plenty of decent hiking and bush camping within a two-hour radius of Brisbane.

Just don’t expect a private audience with nature—given how close these spots are to the city, be prepared to share the camping areas and tracks with plenty of other people who had the same fabulous idea.

THE BACKYARD SPOTS (UNDER 1.5 HOURS)

6. D’AGUILAR NATIONAL PARK | ~35-75KM

D’Aguilar National Park is possibly one of the closest national parks to Brisbane.

There are two main sections with the park, North D’Aguilar and South D’Aguilar, but the camping areas are all in the northern part.

Not surprisingly, it can get busy here so if you can, come during the week. There is plenty to explore, from historic remnants, walking trails and lookouts to 4WD scenic drives.

7. SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK | ~110KM

Springbrook is one of the three amazing rainforest national parks in the Gold Coast hinterland. It’s the only one where you can still camp for the actual “national park prices”.

It’s a popular spot but as long as you come with the expectation that it’ll be busy, you’ll enjoy it. Spectacular Purlingbrook Falls (especially after some rain) and the Natural Bridge glow worms might make up for the lack of room though!

The campground only has 11 sites so you’ll need to be organised if you want to camp over long weekends or holiday periods.

8. LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK | ~110KM (BINNA BURRA) | ~115KM (GREEN MOUNTAIN)

Right next to Springbrook (though a fair drive between the two plateaus) sits Lamington National Park, which is split into two sections: Binna Burra and Green Mountains, both managed privately.

To be honest, the camping area at Binna Burra is nothing to shout about; it’s right by the road and has gotten nowhere near as much love as the other fancy accommodation options at Binna Burra.

Green Mountain (O’Reilly’s) is the better pick for views but offers little privacy for tent camping. Be aware that there’s no camping for caravans (campervans, camper trailers and tent camping only).

We’ve actually found the safari tents to be the smartest option for “camping” at either section. Fortunately, the ancient beech forests and waterfalls around Lamington make up for the less than spectacular camping.

Book early if you want come during busy periods.

THE FRIDAY ARVO MISSION (1.5-3 HOURS)

9. MAIN RANGE NATIONAL PARK | ~120KM

Further south along the Scenic Rim, Main Range is split into four sections with enough walks to keep you busy for at least two weekends away.

If you’re heading for the walks at Cunningham’s Gap, Spicer’s Gap is the closest spot to camp. It’s apparently 2WD accessible but I wouldn’t trust that given that the unsealed road is often in a fairly rough condition.

On the further side of Cunningham’s Gap is the Goomburra section with two camping areas, both 2WD-friendly. You’ll also find a few walks though they’re not quite as spectacular as the ones at Cunningham’s Gap.

There’s no national park camping at Queen Mary Falls so you’ll have to book a spot in the commercial caravan park.

10. CROWS NEST NATIONAL PARK | ~160KM

Crows Nest is a tiny, tiny national park north of Toowoomba. The campground only has 13 sites, reflecting the general size of the national park.

The camping area isn’t exactly a scenic masterpiece—it’s set up in a circle with central views of the toilet block! But the kookaburras are everywhere and who can say no to those beautiful birds!

There are a couple of short walks to rock pools (check water levels first, if stagnant, don’t swim) and not much else to do. That’s kind of the charm though as it means plenty of time for relaxing.

11. BUNYA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK | ~240KM

Rising up from the surrounding flatlands, the Bunya Mountains are a plateau with fabulous views and sunsets out west.

We’ve been back a few times, and while the campgrounds are often busy, the tracks never feel too crowded— especially if you head to the western side.

Beyond the views into the flatlands and a few small waterfalls, the main highlight here is no doubt the abundance of wallabies roaming the campgrounds and adjacent areas. If you’re not in the mood to rough it, there are also plenty of cottages and B&B’s.

12. GIRRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK | ~250KM

If massive granite boulders and rocky creeks are more your thing, Girraween National Park is paradise. It’s a solid drive southwest of Brisbane near Stanthorpe but easily reached by 2WD.

There are enough tracks to keep you speed-hiking if you only have a couple of days—it’s easily one of our favourite spots in southeast Queensland.

The camping areas had a big massive make-over a few years back, resulting in two new camping areas and one of the old ones being closed.

And after prolonged drought, the showers went “DIY” – cubicles and hooks remain, the rest is DIY. You still get flush toilets and potable water.

13. BORDER RANGES NATIONAL PARK (NSW) | ~145KM

The Border Ranges are exactly that: Sitting right at the edge of the Scenic Rim between Queensland and New South Wales.

It’s beautiful rainforest country with lookouts, a few walking tracks and a scenic drive to do.

Just remember that NSW Parks require online bookings for their camping areas, make sure you book your spot before you rock up.

After a bit of a make-over, the larger campground, Sheepstation Creek, now offers 25 campsites; Forest Tops only has three sites (and they’re not that exciting, to be honest!).

You’ll also need to pay the motor vehicle entry fee ($8 per day); it usually works out much better if you buy the annual pass.

14. BALD ROCK NATIONAL PARK (NSW) | ~250KM

If you’re already out near Girraween, you might as well head across the border to Bald Rock National Park. It’s effectively the same area but with slightly different scenery and fewer crowds.

There aren’t as many walks at Bald Rock but the climb up Bald Rock is both exhilarating and achievable, and offers fabulous views all around. Sunset from up there is rather nice.

The campground is much smaller than its Girraween counterparts but just like Girraween, you need to pre-book. The camping fees are higher at Bald Rock, and there’s a daily vehicle entry fee ($8) on top.

LONG WEEKEND CAMPING DESTINATIONS (4+ HOURS)

15. AUBURN RIVER NATIONAL PARK (QLD) | ~400KM

If you’re keen to head further afield (though I admit, it’s a bit far even for a long weekend), Auburn River is a tiny national park not far from Mundubbera, some 400km north of Brisbane. While there isn’t much to do here, the river gorge is fun to explore, especially if you don’t expect much in the first place! 🙂

The real draw is the gorge, which is deeper than it looks on a map and is filled with sandy-coloured rock pools and massive boulders. Sunsets from the lookout aren’t too shabby either.

The camping area is as tiny as the national park and only offers five sites.

16. SUNDOWN NATIONAL PARK (QLD) | ~300KM

About an hour west Girraween in Southern Queensland, is Sundown National Park.

With a few hiking trails to explore here, Sundown also offers peaceful camping along the Severn River. You’ve got the choice of several camping areas along waterholes with or without facilities.

If you only have a 2WD vehicle, you can easily reach The Broadwater camping area. But 4WDs are required for any of the other camps.

17. GIBRALTAR RANGE NATIONAL PARK (NSW) | ~410KM

Located in northern New South Wales about 100km west of Grafton, these two adjacent national parks are well worth the drive from southeast Queensland.

There are plenty of lovely walks through bush and granite country including to a couple of waterfalls and cascades.

You can camp at either national park but we loved staying at Mulligans Campground in Gibraltar Range. It’s so close to beautiful Little Dandarah Creek, and the luxury of flush toilets and showers!

As with all NSW Parks, you’ll need to pre-book your site as well as pay the daily vehicle entry fee.

WHERE THESE NATIONAL PARKS ARE

SO, THAT’S MY CURRENT SHORTLIST!

Most of these spots are within a few hours’ drive of Southeast Queensland, though a few are slightly beyond (looking at you, Auburn River) and require a bit more commitment.

If you can’t decide between the sand or the bush, flip a coin—just make sure you’ve actually booked the permit before you head off! 🙂

Happy camping,

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