Waterside camping near Maryborough
Discover history and heritage in this storybook town—the home of Mary Poppins.
- Maryborough
Popular camping styles for Maryborough
Waterside camping near Maryborough guide
Overview
Fans of Mary Poppins will want to add Maryborough to their itinerary—this Fraser Coast town was the birthplace of author P.L. Travers. Dive into history at the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum and Maryborough Heritage Centre, picnic by the riverside in Queens Park, then get out of town for camping near Maryborough, too. Pitch your tent along the Mary River, park your campervan at bush campsites, or head to the coast for beachside camping.
Where to go
Fraser Coast
Maryborough is the gateway to the Fraser Coast, where you can take your pick of sandy beaches and island getaways. Cruise out to Fraser Island to enjoy 4WD beach drives, bushwalks, and beachside camping, or head to the whale-watching capital of Hervey Bay.
Capricorn Coast
North of Hervey Bay, the bohemian beach town of Bundaberg is famous for its sea turtles, seafood restaurants, and Bundaberg Rum factory. Check into a beachside holiday park, set sail on a cruise around the Southern Great Barrier Reef, or continue along the coast to Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy.
Sunshine Coast
The golden shores of the Sunshine Coast lie just south of Maryborough. Zip along the beaches of the Great Sandy National Park in a 4WD, then camp out by the beachside, or head to neighboring Noosa Heads for a surf lesson. Further south, popular attractions include the Eumundi Markets and Australia Zoo, and a hike around the Glass House Mountains is a must.
When to go
Maryborough’s mild climate makes it a year-round destination, but the biggest crowds come in July for the annual Mary Poppins festival—book your campsite well in advance if visiting at this time. July through October is the time for whale-watching along the Fraser Coast, but coastal towns are busiest in summer (December through February).
Know before you go
- The Fraser Coast has good public transport links, but having your own transport is useful for exploring the coast and national parks.
- Maryborough has several shops where you can pick up camping gear and stock up on supplies before heading out to the islands.
- Fire bans are common in Queensland during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations before lighting a campfire.
Nearby attractions
Visit Double Island Point for excellent ocean views from the iconic lighthouse
