Love camping? Love the rainforest experience? Queensland has some of the best rainforest camping spots around, where you can take the opportunity to kick back amongst lush and beautiful scenery and soak up the tranquillity. Here are some of the best.
The Bunya Mountains
One of Queensland’s most stunning natural beauty areas, the Bunya Mountains is a natural paradise in south-east Queensland. The high-altitude area is located a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Brisbane, and features pristine rainforest, magnificent waterfalls and rock pools, panoramic mountain scenery and diverse and charming wildlife.
Its elevation makes it cooler than the surrounding lowlands year-round, and there’s plenty to do and see amongst the peaceful and tranquil scenery.
The Bunya Mountains National Park has three camping areas – Dandabah, Westcott and Burtons Well, and all offer a camping experience where you’re completely at one with nature. You’ll find wallabies hopping by your tent and feeding in the surrounding grass, and a huge variety of other bird and animal life to marvel at.
The campsites offer a range of options, with both smaller tent sites and larger open areas for groups. The campgrounds are also located in close proximity to private facilities, including a general store, café, restaurant, holiday accommodation and a public phone, as well as vehicle access to sites. Features include:
- Flushing toilets
- Hot showers
- Water (although you’ll have to treat it before drinking)
- Electric BBQs
- Picnic tables
- Shelter sheds
- Rubbish bins
- Walking tracks
The sites are suitable for tents or camper trailers, although keep in mind that all roads to the Bunya Mountains are steep, winding and narrow. Most are unsuitable for travel by long and heavy vehicles such as caravans. Open fires are prohibited; fuel or gas stoves are recommended.
Find out more here https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/bunya-mountains/camping, check out Poppies on the Hill Café here https://bunyamountains.com.au/explore/poppies-on-the-hill-cafe/ if you’re looking for a break from camp food, and have a look at all the walking trails here https://bunyamountains.com.au/explore/walking-tracks/
Babinda
Located south of Cairns, the Babinda rainforest takes lushness to a whole new level. The dense tropical rainforest is mesmerising and otherworldly. The lushness is explained by the fact that Babinda is one of the wettest places in Australia, and features plenty of stunning
waterfalls, creeks and rock pools to explore. It’s a truly picturesque location that is the perfect place to get back to nature and enjoy some camping.
The Babinda Boulders, a popular swimming hole and tourist attraction, offers a free campsite with picnic and BBQ facilities. Find out more here https://www.cairns-australia.com/babinda.html
Bartle Frere
Mount Bartle Frere, in the tropical north, is Queensland’s highest mountain, with a maximum elevation of 1.622 metres. Located 70 kilometres south of Cairns, this breathtaking camping destination is a must-visit if you enjoy waking up each day in lush rainforest and taking in scenic and panoramic views from the top of a mountain.
Here you’ll find unique vegetation and wildlife, scenic waterfalls, views from the Atherton Tablelands to the coast, and dense tropical rainforest to explore.
There are four different campsites to choose from along the hiking trail, where you can rest overnight while conquering the steep climb, and these can be booked through Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services. Find out more here: https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/attractions/p-5e000f4c0e466d426c2097aa-mt-bartle-frere
Binna Burra
Binna Burra, an isolated part of the Gold Coast Hinterland on the doorstep to Lamington National Park, allows campers to experience the wild beauty of nature. Positioned 800 metres above sea level, Binna Burra boasts breathtaking views in spectacular natural beauty that provides a sense of freedom and peace to visitors.
There are plenty of activities on offer to keep everyone happy, and a rainforest campsite set high in the rainforest. The campsite provides BBQs and bathroom facilities, and offers permanent tent options for those wanting a stress-free camping experience. Find out more here https://www.destinationgoldcoast.com/places-to-go/hinterland-gold-coast/binna-burra
Daintree
The world’s oldest rainforest is a spectacular place for camping. Located adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef and about an hour’s drive from Cairns, the Daintree rainforest is the experience of a lifetime. You’ll find unique plants and animals found nowhere else, making it a mecca for nature lovers and bird watchers. And you’ll find them in spectacular rainforest-clad mountains, suburb rivers and beaches, scenic valleys and rolling farmlands. There’s a world of things to do and attractions to see at the Daintree, plus the drive to get there is one of Australia’s most scenic.
The camping grounds are located in unique settings, from rainforest sites to beachfront sites, and offer a range of camping options. You can find out more here https://www.destinationdaintree.com
