The best camping near Orpheus Island National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Orpheus Island National Park adventure.

Discover Orpheus Island's secluded bays and vibrant reefs.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Orpheus Island National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Orpheus Island National Park

89%
(983)

Crystal Creek

25 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Crystal Creek Campsite is a large camp area with private access to the creek. Large area with plenty of shade. Dog friendly (on a lead). Campers must be self contained with their own waste with them. Our current facilities are unable to be regularly cleaned so will be closed to guests. Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking. This is a privately run camp (Operated by Mungulla Station). It is not part of the National Park. Close walk to natural swimming pools which are absolutely picturesque. We offer large shady spots with a few BBQ's, fire pits and amenities. Plenty of fishing and swimming to enjoy. Amenities include hot showers (10 MINS ONLY PLEASE). Access to campsite passes our school so please drive very slowly if your accessing campsite during school hours. Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking. Please read all information, rule and directions (provided once you have a confirmed booking) carefully before contacting your host. We have done out best to provide all the information for you so messages should not be required.
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(497)

Crystal Ridge

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Welcome to Crystal Ridge, a peaceful location where you can enjoy peace and privacy. Campers can fish, swim, bird watch or just relax by the water and watch the cows grazing around the property. Nearby you'll find Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park straddles the summit and escarpment of the Paluma Range, rising 1,000m above the Big Crystal Creek floodplain. This is the most southerly national park in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Located approximately 45 minutes north of Townsville on the Bruce Highway, Mutarnee is a small peaceful hamlet nestled on the banks of beautiful Crystal Creek. At the local caravan park there's a small shop and service station and just a minute down the road you'll find the Crystal Creek boat ramp. There is great bushwalks in the area and place to mountain bike. Any camping set up is welcome to pull up on the flat, grassy site. You are welcome to bring your pet, but please ensure they are kept on a leash and under control. You will need to get gate code day before you arrive. Either text or on the hipcamp site.
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AU$32
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(90)

Hidden Corner Magnetic Island

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
Magnetic Island Private fully fenced block of land one kilometre to Horseshoe Bay beachfront. The perfect base to enjoy all the wonderful activities that Magnetic Island has to offer including swimming, bushwalking, birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Water is a tap and a hose. Limited electricity is available. There are no bathroom facilities so you need to be self contained. We are one kilometre from the nearest bus stop so you need to have your own transport. Please do not book this property if you do not have your own transport. PLEASE NOTE: ***As the barge gets very busy, I suggest you book the barge before booking the site. Contact me and I am happy to hold the site for a short time while you make your barge booking.*** Please check in before 6pm so we can show you where to park. You can always go back out and continue enjoying the island.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(39)

Crystal Creek Camp

8 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Coolbie, QLD
We have over 12 acres of private, tropical parkland, that runs right along the Crystal Creek in Mutarnee, QLD. 2 hectares of this land is between the Crystal Creek Caravan Park and the Crystal Creek itself. This area has it's own amenities block (toilets and showers) and access to water. There is a large communal campfire in the middle, and plenty of space for a perfect getaway! Should you require it, there is also access to the caravan park's amenities block which includes more toilets and showers, a camp kitchen, and a laundry. This camp is right across the road from the Paluma National Park, little Crystal Creek, Big Crystal Creek, and numerous natural swimming holes. Right behind the camp is a boat ramp, and the beach is 10 minutes away. You will have access to walking tracks, mountain bike trails, bird-watching, swimming, fishing, crabbing... the list is endless!
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(119)

Mungalla Station

14 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Forrest Beach, QLD
Mungalla Cattle Station Camp (125kms north of Townsville, near Forest Beach) Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking.If you have your own tent, van or RV come and camp! Small dogs welcome. Flat sites, suitable for caravans and 2WD. Guests are welcome to use the worker's toilets and showers, though please keep in mind these are very basic if self-contained greywater can be dispersed on the ground.Mungalla Station is a historic cattle station near Ingham in North Queensland. Come and share a unique experience of the culture and history of Mungalla Station and its Aboriginal owners.Guests can meet the Nywaigi Aboriginal people, the Aboriginal traditional owners of the lands around Ingham in North Queensland. Experience our rich culture and history.Explore the property established by James Cassady, who fled the potato famine of Ireland and created a pastoral dynasty. Visit the birthplace of the world-famous Droughtmaster cattle breed, the original homestead, the graves of James Cassady and his son.Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking.We ask campers to please try to arrive before it gets dark. Please read all information provided carefully and only contact your host if absolutely necessary.
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(49)

Black River Bush Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Black River, QLD
A perfect spot to relax under the stars! A private bush camp experience with a seasonal creek, mango orchard and dam. Pitch your tent or set up your caravan either down near the dam, in a secluded bush setting, or closer to the house yard depending on what you prefer. Enjoy a bush walk around the property, taking in the natural Australian bush environment and enjoy the native wildlife. You may find kookaburras, king fishers, lizards, goannas and wallabies while exploring and can relax by a crackling fire at night. Help feed the farm animals when the owners are home. The goats love a good scratch! Each camp site is private with no other campers booked in the space on the same day. 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. Property has secure key pad access.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(50)

Country Camping Dam Site

4 sites · Lodging150 acres · Black River, QLD
We are located in the Townsville region, 25 kms from the city centre and only 10 kms to Coles and BWS but close to the coast. The campsite is set on a private 150 acres with 3 swimming dams, portable toilet on site and motorcycle tracks including enduro. Camping and campfires are allowed near the dams in fire pits. Fish for jade perch (catch and release please). In Townsville itself you will find the headland at the north end featuring the military exhibits of Jezzine Barracks and a wide promenade which is great for walks as it heads south past the safe swimming zones. On the other end, at Ross Creek, you can catch the ferry to the Great Barrier Reef or take a 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, with its beautiful bays, bushland hikes, and wild koalas. Country Vows wedding reception centre is located on 5 acres at the front of the property.
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AU$32
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
83%
(3)

Tranquil Estate

24 sites · RVs, Tents177 acres · Bilyana, QLD
Tranquil Estate is and ECO tourist site that is located 10 mins north of Cardwell and positioned in between Cardwell and Tully in North Queensland. Tranquil Estate is located at the foothills in a beautiful part of the world called Bilyana that overlooks the magnificent Hinchinbrook Island and waterway. Tranquil Estate has approximately 10 acres of flat grassed area for parking your RV, caravan or camping for the night. We are less than 2km off the Bruce highway and the road into Tranquil Estate is a dirt road that is well maintained. There is a common use fire pit area and two wood BBQ's for use in the middle of the paddock. There is also a potable water tank for washing only. There are no toilets and drinking water available, so being self-sufficient is a requirement. There is a massive 50-year-old Mango tree that provides a heap of shade to sit under and enjoy the environment. Behind the Mango tree are walking tracks that take you across a bridge and into the rainforest. This is a pristine environment that we want to share with our visitors. Please be mindful that we have the usual wild animals that are native to the area (Cassowary's, pythons & snakes, wallabies & kangaroos) that should always be treated with the respect that they deserve. This is a beautiful part of the world to stay, and you will enjoy stopping and recharging your batteries!
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(10)

Magnetic Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Picnic Bay, QLD
Our property is a stunning, flat, private block of land, located just 400m to the beaches, restaurants and hotel of Picnic Bay on Magnetic Island. We have a small creek that runs through the property during the wet season, and several perfect camp spots bordered by mature paperbark trees, overlooking Butler's Creek. There is water available on the site - but you will need to bring your own hose (20-40m long) to have access it. You MUST be FULLY SELF-CONTAINED with your own toilet/shower facilities and power. Please leave no waste on the property or any trace of your stay. Although not fenced, your dog is more than welcome - but please watch him with our resident wildlife ... as we are located in a koala corridor. And also be sure to please clean up all dog waste. Magnetic Island is located 8km offshore from Townsville and is accessed via a passenger ferry that operates every hour from the city and a vehicle barge that operates several times a day. Book via the 'Sealink' website. "Maggie" as the island is affectionately known, has a permanent population of about 3000 people. There are a two supermarkets, a medical centre, resorts, restaurants to cater for tourist. Our block in beautiful Picnic Bay has been in our family for over 100 years and is home to a host of animal and bird life - we have resident kookaburras, nesting curlews and occasional koalas. Despite it's central location, it is very private. The Golf course is located right behind us and the beach is a 400m stroll. There is a bus stop nearby within 50m, that will take you all around the island. Be sure to stop at Arcadia to feed the wild rock wallabies and to go to the Toad Races held weekly at the Arcadia pub. There are spectacular beaches, bush walks, koala spotting, boat tours, reef dive operators, art galleries, homeware shops, restaurants, coffee shops, a brewery, pubs and a bus stop nearby. It is perfect for a relaxing getaway!!
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from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Orpheus Island National Park guide

Overview

About

Orpheus Island National Park beckons adventurers with its secluded bays, pristine fringing reefs, and diverse wildlife. Nestled amid the Great Barrier Reef, the park offers a tranquil escape with opportunities for camping, snorkeling, and exploring the island's unique geology and lush rainforests. Whether you're pitching a tent at a beachside campsite or taking a guided tour of the research station, Orpheus Island is an idyllic destination for nature lovers.

Notable campgrounds

  • Yanks Jetty camping area - A scenic spot with picnic tables and a sheltered gas barbecue, perfect for a beachside getaway.
  • Pioneer Bay camping area - Offers a serene camping experience with easy access to snorkeling and rainforest walks.
  • South Beach camping area - Ideal for those seeking a more secluded camping experience amid the island's natural beauty.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book your campsite online well in advance to secure your spot in this sought-after natural paradise.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for better availability and a more intimate connection with nature.
  • Keep an eye on park alerts for any updates on campsite availability due to maintenance or weather conditions.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan in case your preferred site is booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Orpheus Island National Park is from May to September when the weather is warm with reduced humidity. The summer months can be hot and humid, with heavy downpours during the wet season from December to April. Plan your trip outside of the stinger season for a safer and more comfortable snorkeling experience.

Know before you go

  • Be croc wise—estuarine crocodiles inhabit the waters; always stay alert and follow safety guidelines.
  • Check for park alerts for a smooth trip.
  • There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities on the island, so plan accordingly.
  • Remember to pack essentials like water, food, and insect repellent, as there are no supplies on the island.
  • Domestic animals are not permitted on the island to protect the delicate ecosystem.
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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.