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Free and budget campsites: Queensland
Words Julija Zivanovic Pics Supplied
Welcome to our free and budget camping spots series by state, starting with everyone’s favourite: Queensland. Keep reading to discover some awesome destinations that won’t break the bank.
Hema’s Map Patrol soaking in the views on K’gari (Fraser Island)
Are you in the midst of planning your next camping adventure but quickly discovering a lot of places have hiked up their prices? You’re not alone. With more people struggling to afford their outdoor lifestyles, the thought of paying for an expensive holiday seems to be out of the scope of reality.
Luckily, there are many camping-style destinations in Australia which offer fairly priced or even free camping sites. Not sure which ones are actually free or close to it? Not to worry, we’re here to help. With our series (by state) on free and budget campsites, we’ll strive to uncover all the best — and cheapest — camping spots. Starting with the Sunshine State, let’s take a look at what the massive and beautiful state of Queensland has to offer.
Queensland regions
Queensland covers vast landscapes and terrains, and you can experience different climates and environments in different areas of the state. It’s quite incredible how varied the state is, from the tropical environment in Far North Queensland to the sand islands of K’gari (Fraser Island) and the arid Outback. The state is made up of 12 ‘tourist’ regions (as seen above) — Tropical North (1), Outback Queensland (2), Northern Queensland (3), Whitsundays (4), Mackay (5), Central Queensland (6), Bundaberg (7), Fraser Coast (8), Sunshine Coast (9), Brisbane (10), Gold Coast (11), Darling Downs (12) — and while we won’t be able to cover them all in this article, we’ll try to cover as many as we can.
Camping grounds
Ben-Ewa Camping Area, Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), Fraser Coast
The iconic Ben-Ewa campground on the western side of Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) is in a valley providing shady sites and protection from strong winds. Sheltered bay waters make this campground popular for young families and school groups, with 12 well-defined, medium-sized sites. Facilities include water (treat before drinking), hybrid toilets, toilet waste disposal and cold showers. Please be aware that to access the campground you need to have a 4WD vehicle.
Contact: mulgumpincamping.net.au/camp-grounds/ben-ewa/ or 13 74 68
Clancy’s Campground, Brisbane
Clancy's Campground
This stunning campground is located adjacent to the Bicentennial National Trail and Emu Creek and features a large, open grassy area from which to take in the beautiful scenery. The campground is an open area without separately defined sites, suitable for up to 60 people. Facilities include flushing toilets and tap water (treat before drinking). You can access the campground by conventional vehicle if you take it slow and with care. Be aware the access road is gravel with some steep, narrow and winding sections.
Contact: parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/benarkin/camping/clancys or 12 74 68
*FREEBIE* Mulgowie Hotel, Brisbane
The Mulgowie Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Mulga’ by locals, has a free camping area behind it provided by the Council. Just over an hour by car west of Brisbane, the family-owned hotel is located in the lovely Laidley Valley. The serene country ambiance makes all visitors feel welcome and there are several pet-friendly powered and unpowered campsites. Facilities include a toilet and shower block, and you need a 4WD vehicle to access the campground.
Contact: mulgowiehotel.com.au/ or 07 5465 9127
We believe some fees may have been introduced recently but please double-check with the hotel before departure.
Caravan parks
AAOK Riverdale Caravan Park, Bundaberg North
The friendly and affordable Riverdale Caravan Park is a 15-minute drive north of Bundaberg centre and is a 5-minute walk to the beach! This is a pet-friendly caravan park on the Burnett River that caters to all types of campers with powered and unpowered sites. The park comprises a range of large shady sites, free gas barbecues, sparkling clean amenities and stunning views of the region. Laundry facilities are also available. All conventional vehicles can access the park.
Contact: riverdalecaravanpark.com.au/ or 07 4153 6696
Anakie Gemfields Caravan Park, Central Queensland
This quiet, remote caravan park located off the Capricorn Highway in Central Queensland is a 10-hour drive northwest of Brisbane, or just 15 minutes from the closest town of Rubyvale. The park is well structured with lovely gardens and a dam, perfect for all sorts of travellers.
Kitchen at Anakie Gemfields Caravan Park
The pet-friendly park offers self-contained units, budget cabins and many caravan and camping sites, and features a camp kitchen, barbecue area and kiosk. All conventional vehicles can access the park.
Contact: facebook.com/p/Anakie-Gemfields-Caravan-Park-100041528515244/ or 07 4985 4142
*FREEBIE* Puma Kybong (Caltex Traveston), Sunshine Coast
This free, pet-friendly campground in the Sunshine Coast region is ideal for self-contained travellers who need a basic place to stay. Please be advised that this campground, being free, has limited amenities, although there are toilet facilities and picnic tables, and fires are permitted. There is however an amenities block (inc. hot showers) at the service station but incurs a small fee. The campground is on a grassed area near the lake and behind the service station. All vehicles can access the area.
Contact: 07 5483 5299
Bush camps
*FREEBIE* Broadwater Recreational Reserve, Darling Downs
Broadwater camping ground. Credit: QLD Parks
This free bush camp is located on the banks of the Barker River and offers unpowered sites accessible to motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and big rigs with areas suitable for tents. Please be advised there is a maximum stay of 48 hours for self-sufficient campers. This is bush camping at its most basic so there are no amenities — you need to bring your own water etc. —but it’s well worth it for the serenity. All conventional vehicles can access the area.
Contact: 07 4171 0100
Darlington, Gold Coast
Located in Lamington National Park (1.5-hour drive southwest of the Gold Coast), Darlington remote bush camp is quite the slog to get to, but it’s certainly worth it when you reach the rainforest camp with stunning views of the Darlington Range. We advise that only experienced off-track walkers with the right camping equipment and advanced navigation skills should embark on the walk to this remote campsite. This is due to the bush camp being unmarked and surrounded by thick rainforest on a narrow crest of the range. You can only book a stay for one night (must book in advance) and sites are not defined. There are no facilities or amenities so ensure you are fully self-sufficient.
Contact: parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/camping/darlington-remote or 13 74 68
Lime Pocket Camping Area, Bribie Island (Yarun), Sunshine Coast
This well-priced bush camp on the western side of Bribie Island (Yarun) offers spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. Please be aware that this bush camp located in the Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area is only accessible by boat. Accessing the secluded camping area is well worth the effort as you set up on the beautiful Pumicestone Passage — the perfect location for fishing and kayaking. There are only six numbered sites (for tent camping only) so ensure you book in advance. Facilities are limited apart from a wood-fired barbecue (BYO wood).
Contact: parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/bribie-island/camping/lime-pocket or 13 74 68
Overnight rest areas
*FREEBIE* Bluewater Park Rest Area, Northern Queensland
This free overnight rest area off the Bruce Highway in Northern Queensland is about a 30-minute drive northwest of Townsville. The shady rest area is pet-friendly and offers beautiful views of the Clemant State Forest. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs, and of course, camping in tents is allowed. Facilities include toilets, dump point, picnic areas, playground and bins. All conventional vehicles can access the area.
Contact: 1300 878 001
*FREEBIE* Boyne River Rest Area, Central Queensland
Mouth of Boyne River near Tannum Sands
Located on the eastern banks of the Boyne River, this free overnight rest area is only a 20-minute drive south from Gladstone in Central Queensland, or 5.5 hours north from Brisbane. The grassy rest area provides toilets, free cold showers, picnic areas and rubbish bins. The rest area does attract some noise being near the Bruce Highway, but aside from that is well-suited to for campers of all types, including vans, tents and motorhomes. Access is available to all conventional vehicles. Please be aware that a limit of 20 hours exists at this rest stop.
Contact: 07 3405 0985
*FREEBIE* Fat Hen Creek Rest Area, Sunshine Coast
This free overnight rest area is approximately an hour and a half’s drive northeast from the Sunshine Coast township. Located just off the Wide Bay Highway beside Fat Hen Creek, the grassy and well-sheltered rest area includes firepits, picnic tables and toilets, and is a great place to sit back and relax. Please be aware this is a relatively small area and is not suitable for big rigs or large groups. All conventional vehicles can access the area.
Contact: gympie.qld.gov.au/directory-record/154/fat-hen-creek-rest-area- or 07 3405 0985
Get your copy today!
If you enjoyed learning about Queensland’s best free and budget camping spots and would like more information on each of the above (and more!) grab a copy of Hema’s Where to Camp Guide, available on the Hema Maps website and at leading outdoor retailers. This guidebook was prepared in collaboration with the CMCA, Australia’s largest RV club. Listings are categorised as camping grounds, caravan parks, bush camps and overnight rest areas so you can easily determine which is right for you and your family.
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1 comment
Thanks Hema again.