Desert camping in Queensland with hiking
Rainforests, surf beaches, waterfalls, mountains and easy access to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
- Queensland
Popular camping styles for Queensland
Dog-friendly getaways
Under $50
3 top desert campgrounds in Queensland with hiking
Desert camping in Queensland with hiking guide
Overview
It’s easy to find a camping spot to suit any interest in a state as large as Queensland. With 7,000 km of Pacific Ocean coastline and a richly diverse interior of everything from ancient rainforests to arid outback landscapes, you'll find plenty of options. Choose from some 1,000 national parks, forests and other protected areas, and a host of other camping sites. From the golden beaches and green hinterland of the Gold Coast in the south to the rugged loneliness of Cape York to the north, and the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef offshore, campers are spoiled for choice.
South East Queensland
With the state capital Brisbane as your starting point, head to Queensland’s first National Park, Lamington National Park (established in 1915), for cooler climes and ancient Gondwana rainforests. The south-east’s subtropical climate means lots of sunshine, perfect for any camping trip.
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with island and mainland camping to suit all, with a choice of 19 National Parks. Don flippers and snorkel and hit the water, explore the 165-million-year-old
Rainforest, or head inland to the wonders of
to camp near ancient lava tubes.
Sunshine Coast
Living up to its name, the Sunshine Coast basks in its many natural attractions, from 100km of beaches to forested hinterland. Spot koalas in Noosa National Park, take a kayak up-river to camp in the Noosa Everglades, or head north along the beach in the Great Sandy National Park. The volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains National Park offer hikers and climbers a challenge.
Whitsundays
From Airlie Beach, take off for the green islands of Whitsunday Islands National Park or stick to the coast, exploring Conway National Park, where you may be joined by rock wallabies. Despite its holiday atmosphere, it’s easy to get away from it all. The best islands for hiking and camping are Whitsunday Island and Hook Island.
Southern Great Barrier Reef Region
Straddling the Tropic of Capricorn, this somewhat under-rated region has much to offer. Visit in summer for turtle nesting and hatching at Mon Repos Conservation Park, or head offshore to Lady Elliot Island. The main towns are Bundaberg and Gladstone, but it’s worth checking out the coastal villages of Agnes Water and 1770 or heading inland to explore the trails and gorges of the spectacular Carnarvon National Park.
