Camping in Airlie Beach, QLD, AU: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

Australia
—
Queensland
—
Airlie Beach

98% (4961 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Airlie Beach

Dog-friendly getaways

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Under $50

99%

(922)

Creek and Antique Camping

55 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Calen, QLD

We have a selection of beautiful creek side locations where you can enjoy the clear, fresh running water and a selection of other sites only a short walk from the water. Conveniently located just a short drive off the Bruce Highway our sites are not designated, you choose your own on arrival While staying, you will have the opportunity to take a walk into the past to view a private collection of Australiana, including a working stationary, engine display and vintage kitchen with wood stoves. Access to the property is via a creek crossing so it is advisable to phone ahead if there has been recent rain or rainfall is forecast. Toilets are located on the property but campers will need their own shower facilities and take all waste with them on departure. Campfires are permitted but must be contained at all times in a fire pits that we also have for your use Calen is a small cane growing and cattle town with a general store, pharmacy, service station, butcher and the local pub. Zarby's cafe is a short drive away if you would like to dine in for breakfast or lunch in a retro style setting. Each site fee is for 2 adults and kids stay at no cost Pets are welcome.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(5677)

Hold It Flats

152 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Yalboroo, QLD

Hold it Flats is a 120 acre property that borders the beautiful O'Connell River that has water all year round. Take a walk around the property to check out some of the creatures that have been built out of scrap metal and bush bars that have been built all around the property. There is nice shady trees, green grass and flat camping sites right beside the river with hot showers and flushing toilets. There is plenty of room and some great tracks for the kids and the big kids to ride their push bikes on. The swimming hole is about 2 meters deep and has big shady trees on the edge. There is also enough room for kids to bring their kayaks and have a paddle along the river. We have some hiking tracks up around the hills of our property that have amazing views of the area. All campsites can be provided with their own fire pit. You just pick your spot and we will bring a portable fire pit to you. Fire wood can be purchased at the property. All rubbish must be taken when you, there are no rubbish bins provided.

* Before taxes and fees

96%

(77)

Gully Getaway

17 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Proserpine, QLD

Bush camping along the banks of a seasonal Gully that is lined with huge, majestic paperbark trees. There are 10 separate camp spots and all have a slashed track to the pit toilet. 3 in shady areas away from the gully that are suitable for Caravans. 3 located near the Gully, suitable for Caravans and larger groups and 4 that are located near the Gully but only suitable for camp trailers, roof top tents and smaller groups. Enjoy nature and feel free to explore the gully with it's many natural bridges and hidden animal habitats. As this is a working family farm, cattle from the remaining property will graze this Gully block from time to time so all gates must remain closed. We also ask that children are supervised at all times and advise that the Gully is not suitable for swimming. Kelsey Creek is a cane farming district and a small gauge train line goes past the property which makes for a lovely rural experience. Keep an eye out for the glow in the sky and you might get to witness a cane fire also. Being only 7 minutes west of Proserpine it is well located to take in the beauty of the Whitsundays. Gully Getaway is in an Environmental Protection Zone that restricts trees being felled and the removal of debris in the watercourse, so please do not use for firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(321)

Blackiron

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Andromache, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(652)

Ben Lomond Station

6 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

* Before taxes and fees

12 top campgrounds near Airlie Beach

99%

(5677)

Hold It Flats

152 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Yalboroo, QLD

Hold it Flats is a 120 acre property that borders the beautiful O'Connell River that has water all year round. Take a walk around the property to check out some of the creatures that have been built out of scrap metal and bush bars that have been built all around the property. There is nice shady trees, green grass and flat camping sites right beside the river with hot showers and flushing toilets. There is plenty of room and some great tracks for the kids and the big kids to ride their push bikes on. The swimming hole is about 2 meters deep and has big shady trees on the edge. There is also enough room for kids to bring their kayaks and have a paddle along the river. We have some hiking tracks up around the hills of our property that have amazing views of the area. All campsites can be provided with their own fire pit. You just pick your spot and we will bring a portable fire pit to you. Fire wood can be purchased at the property. All rubbish must be taken when you, there are no rubbish bins provided.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(922)

Creek and Antique Camping

55 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Calen, QLD

We have a selection of beautiful creek side locations where you can enjoy the clear, fresh running water and a selection of other sites only a short walk from the water. Conveniently located just a short drive off the Bruce Highway our sites are not designated, you choose your own on arrival While staying, you will have the opportunity to take a walk into the past to view a private collection of Australiana, including a working stationary, engine display and vintage kitchen with wood stoves. Access to the property is via a creek crossing so it is advisable to phone ahead if there has been recent rain or rainfall is forecast. Toilets are located on the property but campers will need their own shower facilities and take all waste with them on departure. Campfires are permitted but must be contained at all times in a fire pits that we also have for your use Calen is a small cane growing and cattle town with a general store, pharmacy, service station, butcher and the local pub. Zarby's cafe is a short drive away if you would like to dine in for breakfast or lunch in a retro style setting. Each site fee is for 2 adults and kids stay at no cost Pets are welcome.

* Before taxes and fees

96%

(77)

Gully Getaway

17 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Proserpine, QLD

Bush camping along the banks of a seasonal Gully that is lined with huge, majestic paperbark trees. There are 10 separate camp spots and all have a slashed track to the pit toilet. 3 in shady areas away from the gully that are suitable for Caravans. 3 located near the Gully, suitable for Caravans and larger groups and 4 that are located near the Gully but only suitable for camp trailers, roof top tents and smaller groups. Enjoy nature and feel free to explore the gully with it's many natural bridges and hidden animal habitats. As this is a working family farm, cattle from the remaining property will graze this Gully block from time to time so all gates must remain closed. We also ask that children are supervised at all times and advise that the Gully is not suitable for swimming. Kelsey Creek is a cane farming district and a small gauge train line goes past the property which makes for a lovely rural experience. Keep an eye out for the glow in the sky and you might get to witness a cane fire also. Being only 7 minutes west of Proserpine it is well located to take in the beauty of the Whitsundays. Gully Getaway is in an Environmental Protection Zone that restricts trees being felled and the removal of debris in the watercourse, so please do not use for firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(321)

Blackiron

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Andromache, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(652)

Ben Lomond Station

6 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 20 times

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

193 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Cannonvale, QLD

Looking for Airlie Beach accommodation with a whole lot of activities?! BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort in Airlie Beach is one big Whitsunday holiday destination in itself. Nowhere in the Whitsundays will you find so much fun in one place. You’ll probably spend hours on the BIG, HUGE, MEGA waterslide park and in our resort lagoon-style pool, the biggest in Airlie Beach. Then you can choose from tennis, mini golf, jumping pillows, pedal karts, Kids Craft Club, outdoor cinema, poolside massages, our Animal Park… the list goes on! As one of Queensland’s leading resort holiday parks, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a range of accommodations from tropical landscaped campsites and purpose-built dormitory style accommodation for groups, to self-contained studios, one, two and three-bedroom cabins, offering the ultimate holiday escape.

* Before taxes and fees

93%

(50)

Menilden Farm

11 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Bowen, QLD

Our property is 38 acres in size and is primarily used as an equestrian facility where coaching, clinics and training in dressage are conducted as well as providing agistment. The camping area is 100 metres or so from the nearest road and next to a dam and provides some of the most gorgeous sunsets around. Currently you will need to be self sufficient as we don’t have any toilet or shower facilities and we are still working on our shade with the trees having only just been planted. We are are only 2km from the Bruce hi-way and a comfortable 10 minute drive to the beautiful Bowen beaches, shops, pubs, restaurants making this a great spot to base yourself for your next Bowen getaway or if you are just passing through.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(14)

Brindabella

1 site · RV4 acres · Airlie Beach, QLD

We are situated on 4 acres only mins to Airlie Beach and a part of the beautiful Whitsunday s. 74 Islands around and great boating and fishing . Restaurants and taverns near by also taxis and courtesy vans available. Day trip s to local islands, Bredyls Animal farm and so so much more. Come visit paradise!!

from

AU$35

/ night

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(79)

Oh Deere Farm Stay and Sugar Cane Farm

16 sites · RVs, TentsCalen, QLD

A beautiful area to camp and learn more about Sugar Cane as we have travelled a lot ourselves with our large family in a caravan we want to offer other families an affordable place to stay. We are on a cane farm and have flat grassy area suitable for all types of vehicles, tents, camper trailers, caravans or just swags. The house site is a large area around the main homestead of the property with toilet and shower facilities right there, including washing machine and dryer at a small cost for your convenience, also a BBQ that can be used with table and chairs also, come and have a drink and a chat in the afternoons and if wether and wind permit and no fire bans in place a chat around the fire pot.We are just off the Bruce Highway 1 hr from Airlie Beach and 45 minutes from Mackay. Safe to pull up and leave your van while you go sight seeing in our beautiful area.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 3 times

Harbour Lights Caravan Park

87 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Bowen, QLD

Harbour Lights Caravan Park is ideally located adjacent to the Harbour and Front beach. This small Top Tourist Park has lots of shady trees, is extremely quiet with great views and the friendly hospitality of a country town by the sea. Adjacent to the park, Bowen’s foreshore area has been transformed into a recreational area that includes a “Water Park” a first class Skate park, a children’s playground, shared walking & cycle tracks, public barbecues, grassy picnic areas, an amphitheatre and interpretive centre. The park is just a short stroll (300m) to clubs, restaurants, cafes and a large variety of speciality shops including banks, post offices, supermarkets, pharmacies and many more in the town centre.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(2)

Midge Point Waters Camping

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Midge Point, QLD

Experience the quiet serenity of Midge Point. Midge Point is situated in Repulse Bay which is at the southern end of the Whitsunday Passage. There is 1 island group within Repulse Bay - the Repulse Islands & 2 other islands - Midge Island & Gould Island plus a multitude of estuary creeks and rivers. All are accessible by tinny from Midge Point. Our camp/caravan site is level with shaded areas, water and power. It is a 2-minute walk to the water. Features swing set & cubby house for children. Pets are welcome. There is plenty of firewood and a brazier on site for evening campfires and cooking. Midge Point has a small shopping centre, post office and tavern bistro. Beautiful beaches with some of the best fishing and crabbing in the region. Keen anglers now have the availability of the newly constructed boat ramp, off Jimmy Rocks Road. All are only 5 minutes down the road. Airlie Beach is only 45 minutes away, with access to the islands and reef. The airport is only 20 minutes away and a further 5 minutes to Proserpine.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(27)

Fruit Farm Camp

5 sites · RVs30 acres · Bloomsbury, QLD

Please note: We are closed from 1st November 23 to 29 February 2024, for the wet season. Fruit Farm Camp offers a peaceful retreat for mature travellers. The unpowered mown campsites are situated ajacent to a farm unfenced dam and on cleared acreage surrounded by natural bush. After 6 months touring Queensland in 2021 with our own caravan, we decided to develop a picturesque area at the back of our land for mature travellers to enjoy. 20 Years ago the land was virgin scrub, now there are over 200 established different exotic fruit, nut, spice and bush tucker trees and plants. We use a number of different farming techniques. Our own beehives provide pollination and honey. A small farm produce shop is available. Guests have access to a toilet, solar powered showers and the camp kitchen throughout their stay. Campfires are permitted outside of restrictions and we have firewood available for guests to use on site. There is a 1.5 km undulating bush walk on the property requiring average fitness. We are located four kilometres from the Bruce Highway at Bloomsbury, access is via sealed road then 300m of gravel road through the farm. We are just 10 mins from the beach or O'Connell river fishing, 1 hour to Mackay or Airlie Beach, 3 kms to the Dittman Bullarama site and 15 minutes to Bredls Wild Farm. Well behaved pets are welcome. Extras: Fruit tasting and guided Farm tour available when staying 2 nights or more. Honey and farm produce for sale. Free book exchange.

* Before taxes and fees

Available this weekend

99%

(652)

Ben Lomond Station

6 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(321)

Blackiron

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Andromache, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(922)

Creek and Antique Camping

55 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Calen, QLD

We have a selection of beautiful creek side locations where you can enjoy the clear, fresh running water and a selection of other sites only a short walk from the water. Conveniently located just a short drive off the Bruce Highway our sites are not designated, you choose your own on arrival While staying, you will have the opportunity to take a walk into the past to view a private collection of Australiana, including a working stationary, engine display and vintage kitchen with wood stoves. Access to the property is via a creek crossing so it is advisable to phone ahead if there has been recent rain or rainfall is forecast. Toilets are located on the property but campers will need their own shower facilities and take all waste with them on departure. Campfires are permitted but must be contained at all times in a fire pits that we also have for your use Calen is a small cane growing and cattle town with a general store, pharmacy, service station, butcher and the local pub. Zarby's cafe is a short drive away if you would like to dine in for breakfast or lunch in a retro style setting. Each site fee is for 2 adults and kids stay at no cost Pets are welcome.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 20 times

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

193 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Cannonvale, QLD

Looking for Airlie Beach accommodation with a whole lot of activities?! BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort in Airlie Beach is one big Whitsunday holiday destination in itself. Nowhere in the Whitsundays will you find so much fun in one place. You’ll probably spend hours on the BIG, HUGE, MEGA waterslide park and in our resort lagoon-style pool, the biggest in Airlie Beach. Then you can choose from tennis, mini golf, jumping pillows, pedal karts, Kids Craft Club, outdoor cinema, poolside massages, our Animal Park… the list goes on! As one of Queensland’s leading resort holiday parks, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a range of accommodations from tropical landscaped campsites and purpose-built dormitory style accommodation for groups, to self-contained studios, one, two and three-bedroom cabins, offering the ultimate holiday escape.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(5678)

Hold It Flats

152 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Yalboroo, QLD

Hold it Flats is a 120 acre property that borders the beautiful O'Connell River that has water all year round. Take a walk around the property to check out some of the creatures that have been built out of scrap metal and bush bars that have been built all around the property. There is nice shady trees, green grass and flat camping sites right beside the river with hot showers and flushing toilets. There is plenty of room and some great tracks for the kids and the big kids to ride their push bikes on. The swimming hole is about 2 meters deep and has big shady trees on the edge. There is also enough room for kids to bring their kayaks and have a paddle along the river. We have some hiking tracks up around the hills of our property that have amazing views of the area. All campsites can be provided with their own fire pit. You just pick your spot and we will bring a portable fire pit to you. Fire wood can be purchased at the property. All rubbish must be taken when you, there are no rubbish bins provided.

* Before taxes and fees

Star Hosts in Airlie Beach

98%

(321)

Blackiron

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Andromache, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

96%

(77)

Gully Getaway

17 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Proserpine, QLD

Bush camping along the banks of a seasonal Gully that is lined with huge, majestic paperbark trees. There are 10 separate camp spots and all have a slashed track to the pit toilet. 3 in shady areas away from the gully that are suitable for Caravans. 3 located near the Gully, suitable for Caravans and larger groups and 4 that are located near the Gully but only suitable for camp trailers, roof top tents and smaller groups. Enjoy nature and feel free to explore the gully with it's many natural bridges and hidden animal habitats. As this is a working family farm, cattle from the remaining property will graze this Gully block from time to time so all gates must remain closed. We also ask that children are supervised at all times and advise that the Gully is not suitable for swimming. Kelsey Creek is a cane farming district and a small gauge train line goes past the property which makes for a lovely rural experience. Keep an eye out for the glow in the sky and you might get to witness a cane fire also. Being only 7 minutes west of Proserpine it is well located to take in the beauty of the Whitsundays. Gully Getaway is in an Environmental Protection Zone that restricts trees being felled and the removal of debris in the watercourse, so please do not use for firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(5677)

Hold It Flats

152 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Yalboroo, QLD

Hold it Flats is a 120 acre property that borders the beautiful O'Connell River that has water all year round. Take a walk around the property to check out some of the creatures that have been built out of scrap metal and bush bars that have been built all around the property. There is nice shady trees, green grass and flat camping sites right beside the river with hot showers and flushing toilets. There is plenty of room and some great tracks for the kids and the big kids to ride their push bikes on. The swimming hole is about 2 meters deep and has big shady trees on the edge. There is also enough room for kids to bring their kayaks and have a paddle along the river. We have some hiking tracks up around the hills of our property that have amazing views of the area. All campsites can be provided with their own fire pit. You just pick your spot and we will bring a portable fire pit to you. Fire wood can be purchased at the property. All rubbish must be taken when you, there are no rubbish bins provided.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(922)

Creek and Antique Camping

55 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Calen, QLD

We have a selection of beautiful creek side locations where you can enjoy the clear, fresh running water and a selection of other sites only a short walk from the water. Conveniently located just a short drive off the Bruce Highway our sites are not designated, you choose your own on arrival While staying, you will have the opportunity to take a walk into the past to view a private collection of Australiana, including a working stationary, engine display and vintage kitchen with wood stoves. Access to the property is via a creek crossing so it is advisable to phone ahead if there has been recent rain or rainfall is forecast. Toilets are located on the property but campers will need their own shower facilities and take all waste with them on departure. Campfires are permitted but must be contained at all times in a fire pits that we also have for your use Calen is a small cane growing and cattle town with a general store, pharmacy, service station, butcher and the local pub. Zarby's cafe is a short drive away if you would like to dine in for breakfast or lunch in a retro style setting. Each site fee is for 2 adults and kids stay at no cost Pets are welcome.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(652)

Ben Lomond Station

6 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

* Before taxes and fees

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Airlie Beach guide

Overview

Impossibly blue waters and 74 islands draw campers, sailors, snorkelers and divers to the Whitsundays, and the hub is the relaxed village of Airlie Beach. Perched on the edge of the Coral Sea, Airlie Beach is a laid-back place to base yourself while exploring the Whitsunday islands and walking trails. Cool off in the artificial Airlie Beach lagoon, with its man-made beach and surrounding 10 acres of parkland, or take boat trips to the Great Barrier Reef or to nearby islands for camping, snorkelling, diving, fishing and hiking.

Whitsunday Island

The jewel in the crown here is Whitehaven Beach, famed as one of Australia’s best beaches, for its 7km of dazzling pure-white silica sand and good swimming and snorkeling. Boat transfers for campers can be arranged from Airlie Beach. Camp sites are behind the beach in eucalypt forest. Fishing, kayaking and hiking are all excellent pastimes in this little piece of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, and there are five other camping areas on the island.

Hook Island

Part of the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail, a blend of seaways and picturesque walks across Hook, Whitsunday and South Molle islands, this island has four beachside camping grounds. Curlew Beach is the closest to the Ngaro Cultural Site at Nara Inlet, honouring the indigenous Ngaro people, where there are shell middens and rock art sites.

Conway National Park

Conway National Park, on the mainland has lots of short walks but for those who want something more challenging, the three-day 27.1km Conway Circuit has two campsites. Feast your eyes on giant strangler fig trees, palms and ferns and spot the large electric-blue Ulysses butterflies.

Hardy Reef

For a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, take the chance to camp overnight on a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef with Cruise Whitsundays’ Reefsleep. Join a day trip cruise to dive and snorkel at Hardy Reef, but when the daytrippers leave, stay on to experience the reef at night. Tents (or “reefbeds”) are erected on the top level of the pontoon, under the stars, for a maximum of 20 people. It’s expensive, but unforgettable.

When to go

The best months to visit are May to September, when the weather is balmy and the waters are free of toxic marine stingers, which prevents ocean swimming (unless you don a special ‘stinger suit’). The busiest times are June to August, so make sure you book early. December to March is hotter and more humid. Expect ocean temperatures of at least 72F year-round. The rainy season is January to March, and cyclones are possible between November and April.

Know before you go

There are 28 camping areas across the islands or mainland National Parks. Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forest and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival.
Saltwater crocodiles are found in the nearby Proserpine River and other waterways in the region.
Manta Ray Bay on Hook Island is a great spot for snorkelling, with big fish such as the protected Maori wrasse, trevally and lots of smaller reef fish.
Cid Harbour, on the western side of Whitsunday Island, is a known site for shark attacks, so is best avoided by swimmers.