Calling all adventurers, thrill seekers and nature lovers, if you are up for your next bucket list travel experience, look no further than camping in Queensland (qld). With so many of the best camping qld has it all and we are about to prove it to you! Bookmark this blog and let the fun begin!
When to go camping in Queensland
Before you go pitching your tent or even locating your next Queensland campground you may want to know what weather you will encounter when you are camping in Queensland.
Now, let the record show that Australia is a continent of extremes with Queensland generally going through two types of weather per year:
- Dry, clear and cool weather which generally runs from between May and October. This weather usually comes with a little bit of humidity, refreshing breezes and plenty of incredible sunshine.
- Wet, muggy and hot weather where you will most likely experiences tropical downpours later in the day with the occasional electric storm from November to April.
It would, therefore, be in your best interest to search for the perfect qld camping sites AFTER you have looked at Queensland’s weather patterns! Naturally, if you can get your qld camping permits during the dry, clear weather that would be ideal!
Keep in mind that the recent bout of arid conditions, coupled with crystal-clear sunshine days means that the National Parks in Queensland, Australia are in top condition. Especially for deep explorations like camping, hiking and four-wheel driving. This also means that camping in Queensland is a prime activity to add to your itinerary.
Campsites in Queensland
We took advantage of the 25+ days of no rain to head out and explore a spot we had not visited previously. So, let the below be a guide for your next qld camping adventure:
Conondale National Park
Approximately 130km North West of Brisbane in South East Queensland, the Conondale reserve spans an enormous 35,000+ hectares.
To gain access we had two creek crossings to make. The waters at this time of year were less than half a metre deep, but it was still a thrill to take the vehicle pummelling into the glassy, ice-cold streams.
We were at once surrounded by trees, hundreds of years’ old rainforest with towering palms and other native plant life of every shade of green. With our windows down, crisp country air rich with the scent of the earth began filling our nostrils and immediately grabbing our attention. Its’ coolness felt like a slap in the face.
We parked up at the first campsite which was a wide-spanning grassy area in amongst trees and flanked by thicker forest and bordered at one side by the pristine creek, glistening in the sunshine.
We discover there are four separate campsites. These are some of the best-maintained areas we’ve seen, including toilets, running water, creek views, rainforest surrounds and fire rings. Campsite 1 even includes shower facilities. Families, couples and individual adventurers have plenty of privacy and space between each site. Camping in Queensland National Parks can be very luxurious when you have privacy and decent amenities!
Related read: Camping on Fraser Island, Australia
Platypus Bay Creek Camp
Located on the banks of a running creek, this is the perfect Queensland campsites for those who enjoy engaging with water. All campers are granted access to the creek where you can enjoy fishing, catching yabbies, swimming and paddling.
When it comes to campgrounds qld Platypus Bay Creek Camp is the ideal spot for those of you who are okay with being completely self-sufficient. You do however have access to the toilet and shower facilities available under the main house. They are only a short walk away!
This specific location also offers plenty to do and see in the area, including mountain bike trails, walking trails, beautiful beaches, national parks, restaurants and pubs.
It is also closely located to certain must-see locations including Noosa Heads, which is a simple 20 minutes away from this camping site. It is also 15 minutes to Cooroy and 35 minutes to Gympie.
The Orchard Camp
If you are planning on camping in Queensland, make sure to add The Orchard Camp to your list of must-visit campsites. Tucked away near the Girraween National Park and the Bald Rock National Park sits the only one and only Orchard Camp that is a 4th generation farm! You can expect fruits galore at their gld campsite as it is known for its blossoming apples, berries, pears and veggie produce!
What makes this location so ideal is that you will notice that there is a sense of privacy with this location. The campsite is pretty well spread out, so you don’t have to feel claustrophobic among fellow campers. Overlooking the dam, you are allowed to fish (there is a plethora of cod, silver perch and catfish).
There are toilet facilities nearby with portable water! You will also be given free firewood for your campfire. Better yet, this location is pet friendly!
Just keep in mind that this is an active farm, please be aware of daily activity and drive slowly on all farm roads!
Here are our top tips for a safe & rewarding camping trip to this unique area:
1. Log on to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website to check current conditions, closures and any current warnings.
2. Choose your preferred spot and pre-book your campsite qpws.bookeasy.com/ or phone 13 74 68 (within Australia).
3. Hire a 4×4 vehicle. Shop around for the best deals with Sunshine Coast or Brisbane companies. They will generally be willing to beat the last quote you receive.
4. If you’re not into camping, there are plenty of B&B options in nearby Maleny, Montville or Kenilworth. However, camping in the Sunshine Coast is a top-notch activity.
5. For hiking, pack plenty of water and food – take more than you think you’ll need. Make sure you take a map of the trails with you.
6. Whatever you bring in, you must bring out with you. Don’t leave anything behind, including food that could be consumed by animals and encourage them to become reliant on humans. Instead pack all refuse and dispose of when you return to town.
7. Plan ahead. For those using the mountain bike trails as well as hiking trails – only walk/ride within your ability.
8. Be aware that there is no mobile phone signal, so ensure you are well-prepared and exercise caution at creek crossings, on slippery trails and so forth. Don’t take unnecessary risks.
9. Allow yourself enough time to walk back to camp before dark.
10. Look up, look down and look around. Be aware of your surroundings, keep your noise to a minimum and you’ll come upon wildlife in its’ natural habitat. Enjoy the scenery and the stillness of your surroundings.
Camping in Queensland incredible national parks and gorgeous campsites is an adventure worth experiencing and now that you have this guide, what’s stopping you? Let’s go!
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