Desert camping near Gympie

A short hop from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, the small town of Gympie has a big reputation. Discover the history of “the town that saved Queensland” at the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum, take a ride on the Mary Valley Rattler steam locomotive, or follow one of the Gympie Heritage Trails. You can even try your luck gold panning along the creek. Once you’ve had your fill of heritage sites, head out to hike, camp, or mountain bike in nearby Woondum National Park. There’s no camping in the town itself, but campers and glampers will find options in the surrounding hinterlands. 

Sunshine Coast

The golden beaches and azure waters of the Sunshine Coast lie within a short drive of Gympie. Head north to visit Rainbow Beach, enjoy 4WD beach drives through the Great Sandy National Park, then pitch your tent at tranquil beachside camping grounds. Or go south to Noosa Heads, where you can take a surf class, hike along the headlands, and tuck into seafood at an ocean-view restaurant. 

Fraser Coast

North of Gympie, most visitors to the Fraser Coast head straight to Fraser Island. Drive a 4WD along 75 Mile beach, relax on the beaches of Lake McKenzie, and hike part of the Great Walk. Then, head back to the mainland to discover the home of Mary Poppins in historic Maryborough or set sail on a whale-watching cruise from Hervey Bay.

Sunshine Coast Hinterlands

The forested slopes and state forests of the Sunshine Coast hinterlands are the best reason to leave the beach. Camp by the creek in Mapleton National Park, hike beneath the distinctive peaks of the Glass House Mountains, and make a stop at the famous Eumundi Markets. Further inland, the Conondale National Park has hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, plus a choice of bush campsites.

Warm temperatures year-round mean it’s always a good time to visit the Sunshine Coast, and it’s possible to swim and surf right through winter (June to August). Gympie’s biggest annual event is the Gympie Muster festival in August, which draws country music fans from all around the country—book your campsite well in advance if visiting at this time. 

• The Sunshine Coast has an excellent public transport service, but having your own car is useful for exploring the hinterlands and national parks.

• Gympie has a good selection of shops where you can pick up camping gear and stock up on supplies.
• Fire bans are common in Queensland during summer and dry periods.

Visit Double Island Point for excellent ocean views from the iconic lighthouse