Discover rugged Mount Barney and tranquil Lake Moogerah when camping near Boonah.
In South East Queensland, not far from Brisbane and Surfers Paradise is Boonah. Its name is derived from the local Yugarapul word for bloodwood tree or acacia and it offers an unparalleled outdoor experience for campers. Boonah serves as a gateway to the serene waters of Lake Moogerah, where caravan and tent campers can go kayaking and freshwater fishing for golden perch and eel-tailed catfish. Or navigate through the rugged trails of Main Range National Park, then stay the night in developed camping areas with stunning views of the Great Dividing Range. Dare to go off-the-grid with more bush camping at Mount Barney National Park. Explore its majestic peaks, cliffs for rock climbing, and unique fauna and flora for a quintessential Australian camping adventure.
Less than 20 kilometres west of Boonah is Lake Moogerah, also known as Moogerah Dam. In addition to private caravan parks in the area, Moogerah Peaks National Park on the lake’s northern shores offers two on-site campsites. Walk-in tent pitches are at Frog Buttress, a grassy area set among an open eucalypt forest with toilets and picnic tables. Vehicle camping for campervans is next to Mount French car park. After finding a pitch, go wakeboarding, tubing, fishing, canoeing, or swimming in the lake. Rock climbing on the park’s volcanic peaks is a popular activity too.
Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia Wild Heritage Area, Main Range National Park inspires awe among campers exploring its rocky ridges and the Great Dividing Range. A short walk to Governors Chair delivers an incomparable panorama of the surrounding area. A popular bushwalking destination, Main Range has developed camping areas in Spicers Gap and Goomburra for tent pitches and caravan camping. Water availability and quality can vary based on season and rainfall, so it’s advisable to bring your own drinking water.
Experienced bushwalkers will delight in spotting rare animals and plant species when bush camping in Mount Barney National Park, home to one of the highest peaks in Queensland. Walk-in pitches with no facilities in the rugged mountain landscapes are truly off-the-grid. Camping areas include Ballow Creek Junction in a rainforest setting, Barrabool amid rocky outcrops, and Montserrat Lookout on the summit. Walking routes range from moderate to very steep, challenging skilled wilderness explorers with rewarding vantage points.
Camping near Boonah is generally best enjoyed from April to October. Temperatures are milder with daytime highs in the low 20s and overnight lows around 5℃. And, there’s considerably less rainfall compared to the hot summer season when temperatures regularly exceed 40℃. Snakes and ticks tend to be more common during warmer spring and summer months, which coincides with Australia’s monsoon season. If camping in these seasons, come prepared with rainwear.