Camping near Cairns

Leave your campsite to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the islands and rainforests around Cairns.

97% (1950 reviews)
97% (1950 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cairns

Available this weekend

Under $50

12 top campgrounds near Cairns

99%
(329)

Wally's Roost

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Chewko, QLD
We are wildlife carers and have turned our property into a wildlife reserve for the animals. There is wildlife including wallabies (agile and betongs), brush tail possums and birds. A night viewing of possums and wallabies may be available. Please contact hosts to arrange this viewing.Enjoy the sunsets as you relax around the campfire. The property is surrounded by various nature reserves and attractions in the area within a 30 minute drive.(Granite Gorge Nature park, Davis creek national park and Emerald creek falls)We have three separate sites secluded from each other. One site accommodates large recreational vehicles, and is drive through, with farmland and hill views. The other two sites are situated by the creek. Please contact us before booking to discuss which site is best for your vehicle and camping set up. This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower, and drinking water supply.Your beloved pooch is most welcome to join you but required to remain within your campsite and must be restrained during the night due to the wildlife.If you would like to stay longer, we are happy to offer you a discount code (minimum 4 nights) - please contact us prior to booking.Children aged 13 years and under camp for free.Senior discounts available.
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from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(24)

Malanda Stream Private Camping.

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Malanda, QLD
Welcome to A lovely, secluded streamside campsite. With a private maintained streamside camping area of aprox 1 acre on a ten acre property, surrounded by rain forrest and farmland. Kids are welcome to join small farm activities, feeding chickens and cows, collecting eggs and harvesting fruit trees when fruit is available. Some very special wildlife for the quite observer including regular sitings of platypus and tree kangaroos. Close to township of Malanda with tourist activities throughout the atherton tablelands. This area is usually 5-10 degrees cooler than Cairns and does not get the summer humidity. Firewood and fireplaces provided, water available (filtered but recomended to be boiled or treated prior to drinking) Campers need to be self contained, no toilets on site. Please respect this clean, natural setting, remove all rubbish and no interfering with flora or fauna. Bookings are only for one camp group, max four caravans, camper trailers or campsites to maintain space and atmosphere. Access is by well maintained gravel drive then grassed area. Wet wether events can affect the grassed area and may need to be considered for bookings.
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from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(54)

Aloomba Homestead (Tropical Qld)

6 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Aloomba, QLD
If you love campfires, birdwatching, freshwater creeks, fishing, and solitude, come and share the quietness of our 150 acre offgrid homestead and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland surrounded by world heritage rainforest, hills, creeks, the Mulgrave River, and all the flora and fauna that abound here. Our shallow freshwater creeks are refreshing to explore and, for deep water swimming and kayaking, it's only a five minute drive to Babinda Crossing. Hikers can explore our headlands or venture further to dedicated hiking trails including scaling the 922 metre high Walsh's Pyramid that's only a ten minute drive away. Birdwatchers are spoiled for choice day and night, beautiful insects are in abundance, small native marsupials and reptiles are regularly seen, and the waterways are home to a variety of tropical fish as well as the occasional crocodile in the main river. We’re a great base location for exploring the area as we’re only 15 minutes to the town of Gordonvale and less than an hour to Cairns International Airport, the Great Barrier Reef and the Atherton Tablelands. Boaties can take the ten minute drive to Deeral Boat Ramp to launch their vessel and head down the Mulgrave River to Russel Heads and out to the Great Barrier Reef and islands.
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from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(48)

Hartleys Creek retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Wangetti, QLD
A beautiful property nestled between Port Douglas and Cairns. The Perfect base to settle in and make your way to the many attractions north and south of us. We have Hartleys Creek Running Through our Place and is a year round waterway untouched and full of Marine life, both fresh and salt Water. Directly opposite us is the stunning Wangetti beach which is 5 kilometres long and overlooks the islands. Amazing to watch sun up or sun down or sipping a favorite and contemplating life... Behind us is a popular waterfall (hartleys Falls). it is a moderate 50 minute walk to ancient and amazing rock pools and swimming holes. The water is cool and pristine. We are also 500 meters away from Cairns biggest Tourist attraction, Hartleys Crocodile Adventures. This is a Award winning Tropical Zoo. Please Contact me for a 10% discount voucher on arrival. Ten minute Drive to shops. (Coles/liquor/Pizza/Post Office/Medical. 25 minutes to Port Douglas and 40 minutes to Cairns. Pets Allowed. Dogs Must be kept on Lead at all times. Please no aggressive Dogs, as we have some of our own that we love. Timber available for fires. Safe Travels, Dean
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from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(302)

Tropical Woopen Creek Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Woopen Creek, QLD
You will have access to our beautiful peaceful surroundings, with adequate shelter under some lovely big trees park your camper or pitch a swag. We also have a nice running creek that you can take a cooling down soak in or just enjoy watching our many wild life that are present throughout the creek, fish , eels and turtles. It's truly a very private and relaxing spot to chill out and enjoy camping for a few days or whatever suits your needs while passing the area. Plenty of fantastic swimming holes nearby including Josephine falls and Babinda boulders very popular spots for tourist and the locals. Site 1 right down on the creek large grass flat space big enough for two families to set up camp. The creek runs around the outside so there are a number of viewing points to see the wildlife mentioned above. A set of solar lights hang over the firepit area allowing for more light while cooking on our wonderful swinging hotplate BBQ. Site 2 Our newer spot work in progress not so ideal for camper trailers. your situated under our tree line away from the main creek but still with your own small dirt track down to the creek. A smaller paver firepit, plenty fine for sitting around an open fire while watching the stars at night. So please check by internal message before confirming your booking that way we can confirm a spot while discussing your needs to ensure you have a clear view of your camping area. Onsite we have our shared outhouse porta toilet which is positioned in the middle of both camping areas for everyone's convenience. Take note of our extras available when confirming your booking. Please follow us on instagram - tropicalwoopencreekcamping
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AU$28
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(116)

Pamona Park, nr Gordonvale

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Aloomba, QLD
Our 20-acre exotic fruit farm backs onto World heritage rainforest and provides a relaxing base for which to explore the wet tropics south of Cairns. We have a beautiful freshwater swimming hole down the road, and also the Mulgrave River is very close if you want to do some fishing.The camping area is large, grassy and reasonably level, with space closer to the tree line, and space more out in the open. There is a firepit provided, and plenty of firewood around the place for you to help yourself to. We also welcome four-legged family members! We have had recent sightings of cassowary on our property so keep an eye out, you might just see one!We prefer self-contained campers, who have their own amenities, but we do have a toilet and shower up at the main house (about 50 metres away) you are welcome to use if needed. This is an unused bathroom downstairs so you will still have privacy. Access into the property is not suitable for large motorhomes. Entry will be too small for vehicles approx 8.5 metres long and 3.5 metres high.We grow exotic fruit on the property including limes, pomelos, mangosteens and more. When it's in season, you're welcome to sample some! Gordonvale is the nearest town, with a quiet historic charm, just 15 minutes drive away, while Cairns is around 25 minutes. 
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AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
92%
(171)

Mowbray Valley Homestead

9 sites · RVs3 acres · Mowbray, QLD
Located just 15 minutes from Port Douglas and 30 minutes from Palm Cove our property is the perfect base to explore all the beauty this region has to offer. We have close access to some beautiful nearby creeks and walking trails. With Four Mile beach, Spring Creek Falls, Mowbray Falls all at your door step there is endless adventures to be had. The property is right near the Mowbray National Park and the Bump Track which is a popular and memorable mountain-biking experience for those who love to ride. This 6km trail climbs from sea level to almost 400m within just a couple of kilometres, allowing riders to experience one of the biggest downhill thrills in the region. You might also like to explore further and do a day trip up to the Daintree. Your friendly host is always happy to share local knowledge so you can get the best out of your trip. Campers will need to be self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Pets are welcome but must be kept under your control at all times. Campfires allowed, must been in a fire pit or equivalent.
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from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(14)

Woopen Creek Vanilla - Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Woopen Creek, QLD
Relaxing family friendly camping in beautiful Woopen Creek with picturesque views of Queensland's highest mountain Mt Bartle Frere. Our campsites offer plenty of room to run and play, fresh water swimming, perfect for bird watching, and a cosy fireplace to relax around in the evening. You will be camping on a working Vanilla Bean farm so there is an opportunity to learn more about how vanilla grows. We have two sites, one to accommodate larger caravans and RV's, and the second camping area is best suited to camper trailers and tents. Drinking water on tap and a private shelter to place your portable toilet or to hang your camp shower. You will be within a short drive to popular tourist destinations including Josephine Falls, Babinda Boulders, Brampston Beach and Innisfail for shopping. Visit the famous Babinda Bakery for fresh bread, pies and cakes. If you're into bush walking, Mt Bartle Frere has walking tracks to Broken Nose or for the more experienced walker, to the Summit for breathtaking views.
Potable water
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from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(34)

Ben-Ellinjaa

8 sites · RVs, Tents168 acres · QLD
Please note, our rates are per vehicle per night (we cannot adjust the Hipcamp person limits, so please do not add multiple people to avoid additional costs being incurred). There is NO access to our property from Kuranda end! Visitors need to go through Mareeba A beautiful 160 acre paddock that you can enjoy. Cleared slashed areas beside the river. Enjoy a river swim to cool you down during summer and go for a cold dip during winter. River is also good for fishing during the right season. Access to river is 100 metres on graded walking track. Unless you have a ‘booster ’there is no mobile coverage or internet. {enjoy the peace and solitude} Access to the property is fourteen kilometres gravel, coming off the highway. Sites are private separated from each other. Site is 300 metres from road and provides privacy. Tents and small caravans are ideal. Not suitable for highway caravans or very large vans as the access will be too rough. There are walking areas at rear of property. Be aware tropical North Queensland has paralysis ticks and we have snakes at times and visiting pigs. Water can be supplied upon request. Power generators are permitted . There may be minimal mobile service with Telstra. Campfire will only be permitted within fire pit. All campers will need to be self contained and leave no trace behind. Checkout is generally when you feel like it. Dog friendly. Site may be closed in the wet season from December to April, once monsoonal events occur
Pets
Toilets
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from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Cairns

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Cairns guide

Overview

Cairns is the only place where two World Heritage-listed sites meet. Here, the Wet Tropics Rainforest meets the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and this tropical city is a great base for campers to see both. Join a day trip to the Outer Reef or laze beside the city’s man-made lagoon on the Cairns esplanade. There’s no beach in Cairns city, but the northern beaches begin just 15 minutes’ drive north of the city centre, one of the loveliest being Palm Cove. Don’t miss a visit to the Cairns Aquarium, a great introduction to the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is the closest island to Cairns, only 45 minutes by ferry, and camping sites are right next to the beach, a five-minute walk from the jetty. You can hire snorkelling and diving equipment, take glass-bottom boat rides, or hike the rainforest trails or to the old lighthouse. The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on the island is also well worth visiting.

Kuranda

is a rainforest village in the mountains near

. It has two campgrounds, perfect for hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Easy walking trails let you explore the Barron Falls and river and the rainforest. Other attractions will introduce you to koalas, butterflies and birds. A little further away is

, with granite boulders and swimming holes.

Ellis Beach

Beach camping with stunning views of the Coral Sea and islands is found at Ellis Beach, about half-way between Cairns and Port Douglas is an hour’s drive north of Cairns, on one of Queensland’s most spectacular coastal roads. Swaying palms surround you, and there are great facilities, including a restaurant across the street. No bookings are required; just turn up and pitch your tent.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation's only national park camping area is near beautiful Noah Beach, where you can pitch your tent in a sheltered site under shady trees. This park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and is closed January to Good Friday. Wildlife abounds: you’re likely to see giant lace monitors (goannas) and perhaps crocodiles as you cross the Daintree River on the ferry.

When to go

April to November is the best time to visit Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north. Any other time, it’s hot and humid. It’s also the time of year when water visibility for snorkelling and diving is at its best. Summer is less popular, due to the heat, hence camping areas will be less crowded. May to September is the peak camping season.

Know before you go

  • Remember to pack sunscreen; the north Queensland sun can be fierce. Check out sunscreens that won’t damage the coral reefs (those that don’t contain oxybenzone or BP-3).
  • Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forest and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival.
  • Despite its name, Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island isn’t for those who want to bare all. In fact, nude beaches are banned in Queensland.
  • Boat transfers are available to the two free campsites on Russell Island in the Frankland Group National Park, just south of Cairns.

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