This northern Queensland town is a handy base for exploring the Whitsundayss and forested parks.
Proserpine is in Queensland’s Whitsunday region, a short distance inland from Airlie Beach. It’s on both the Bruce Highway—the main north-south coastal-adjacent highway connecting Brisbane and Cairns—and the North Coast line, a railway that also connects Brisbane and Cairns. While many travellers use Airlie Beach as a jumping-off point for exploring the Whitsunday Islands, Proserpine is a solid alternative base, especially for campers who want to stay near the highway or railway. There are holiday parks within the town itself, and campsites at nearby Lake Proserpine.
Whitsunday Islands National Park
The 74 Whitsunday Islands lie just off shore, and are a paradise for campers seeking white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Tent campers have options on Whitsunday and Hook Islands, from rainforest, grassland, or beach-side campsites. Sites are basic, with toilet facilities and picnic tables at most, but you’ll need to bring your own water and gas stoves as open fires aren’t permitted.
Conway National Park
Located on the Conway Peninsula south of Airlie Beach, this large area of lowland tropical rainforest is a fun mainland escape in the Whitsunday region. There are three basic camping areas in Conway National Park: Swamp Bay bush camp is accessible only on foot or by boat or kayak, while Repulse Creek and Bloodwood camping areas are only accessible on foot or by mountain bike. Conway Beach is located at the southern end of the park and is accessible by road from Proserpine via Mount Julian. There’s a well-equipped holiday park at Conway Beach.
Lake Proserpine
About a half-hour drive from Proserpine town, Lake Proserpine (also called the Peter Faust Dam) was formed by the damming of the Proserpine River. It’s a popular fishing spot as there are many large barramundi fish here (fishing permits are required). It’s also popular among water sports enthusiasts. There’s a large lakeside camping area that’s set up for fishers and boaties.
The tropical climate of this part of Queensland means domestic travellers are drawn here when it’s cold down south. The weather is warm even from June to August, when southern Australia shivers, while September to November are high season. While Proserpine and the Whitsundays also get busy during Christmas and over the Australian summer school holidays, the low season is from January to March, when the weather is wet and not ideal for lounging on a beach.