The Best Sunshine Coast Camping Spots (2018 Guide)
The Sunshine Coast is 100km of stunning coastline between Noosa and Caloundra, just 90 minutes north of Brisbane. Its stunning beaches and coastal towns aren’t the only attractions - a short drive inland takes you to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland where you’ll discover incredible hiking opportunities and fresh produce to explore.
Unspoilt beaches, parks, forests, lakes, rivers, falls and mountains make it the perfect getaway for campers. It’s no wonder the Sunshine Coast is a popular location for local Queenslanders and tourists alike.
The Best Sunshine Coast Campsites
Check out these fantastic campgrounds around the sunshine coast.National Park Camping
Some of these campsites are located within spectacular national parks. For most national park sites you will need to bring your drinking water and rubbish bags. It is illegal to collect firewood so if you are going to use the fire rings, bring your own wood. Mobile phone coverage is patchy at best but some sites have access to a payphone. Nights can be cool at any time of the year so take plenty of warm clothing. No domestic animals are allowed in the parks.Boreen Point Campground
Location: Natural bushland on the banks of Lake Cootharaba, the largest lake on Noosa River Access: Sealed roads Suitable for: Various sites in natural bushland, foreshore and powered sites for tents, camper trailers, small caravans, long RVs Facilities: Hot showers, flushing toilets, camp kitchen, gas BBQ, Cost: Various camp fees at Noosa Holiday Parks Tips: Leave devices at home with internet access limited
What to Do/See: Fishing, swimming, windsurfing, kayak, canoe, SUP on lake and Noosa River, climb Mount Cooroora, check out the Great Sandy National Park, visit Hastings Street beach, Noosa Botanical Gardens, visit Eumundi Markets, Noosa Bird Trail, visit Mount Tinbeerwah, park over road and take a walk to cafe. The nearby pub offers counter meals.
Imbil State Forest
Location: Imbil State Forest is located 13 km north of Conondale town, 5 km along Sunday Creek Road Access: Two-wheel drive vehicles, beyond the camping and day-use area, requires a high clearance four-wheel-drive. Suitable for: Tents, camper vans, camper trailers, caravans Facilities: Toilets, taps but water needs treating before drinking, bring own firewood for fire rings, paddock next to camping area for horses. Cost: National park camping fees apply Tips: Heavy rain can flood creek crossings which can cut roads in Imbil State Forest. Check water depth before crossing. Fuel and supplies available from Kenilworth, Conondale and Maleny.
What to Do/See: Explore the beautiful rainforest, waterfalls, creeks, eucalypt forests in Imbil State Forest and Conondale National Park. The wildlife is just as diverse with 120 species of birds and mammals. Horse riding, walking and cycling on tracks which vary in walking classification from grade 1 to 4.
Archer Camping Area
Location: Situated in D’Aguilar National Park, 90 minutes north-west of Brisbane Access: Two wheel drive access available from the north via Woodford but access from the south is by four-wheel-drive only. Suitable for: Tents only Facilities: Open grass sites, bush setting Cost: National park camping fees apply Tips: Visit Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre before you leave for your walk.
What to Do/See: Spectacular views from Westridge Outlook in D’Aguilar National Park. The park contains lush subtropical rainforest, eucalypts and scribbly gum trees and native owls, cockatoos and gliders. Ferns and mosses provide protection for frogs and crayfish. The Mount Mee section of the park offers drives for 4WD, motorbike and trail bikes. Various lookouts provide spectacular views of Brisbane city, forests and mountains.
Log Dump Camp
Location: Tuan State Forest near Great Sandy Strait Access: Unsealed roads within the park can be corrugated, so the park recommends tying down loads and slowing down in wet conditions. Suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small caravans. High clearance is recommended. Facilities: Hybrid flushing toilets, fire rings provided Cost: National park camping fees apply Tips: Boat access is available nearby, check Bureau of Meteorology before heading to the campsite for any warnings of high tide, Tsunami and cyclones, mobile phone coverage is not reliable.
What to Do/See: Situated on the banks of the Kauri Creek, this is a popular fishing location. Kayak on the creek for the opportunity to see a dugong, turtle or dolphin.
Ocean Beach Camping Area
Location: Bribie Island Recreation Area, 65 km north of Brisbane Access: 4WD only on 16 km beach track Suitable for: Tents and camper trailers Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, treat water before drinking or bring your own, fire rings available, no bins, 63 numbered campsites Cost: National Park pass required, national park camping permit and fees apply Tips: Beach conditions change regularly with deep creeks created across the beach from overflowing lagoons. Two campgrounds, fuel and supplies available on Bribie Island
What to Do/See: Fishing, crabbing and prawning available in the area. Boat ramps available on the island and mainland. Over 190 bird species have been recorded at the bird hide at Buckleys Hole Regional Park. Find structures from the World War 11 coastal defence system. Driving on part of the beach is allowed. Stunning views from coastal campsites.
Hidden Valley Farm
Location: Hidden Valley Farm is within the Maroochy River valley near Yandina Access: Close to Yandina town Suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, small caravans on secluded or large open grass sites Facilities: Powered sites with drinking water, flushing toilets, campfire with wood for purchase Cost: Nightly fees apply Tips: Good mobile phone coverage available on the farm
What to Do/See: The property is a working macadamia farm with fruit, vegetables, herbs and honey so take a wander around. The adjoining Parklands Conservation Park has eucalypt forests, gorges and rainforest gullies. The Ginger Factory has rides, tours and beautiful parks and gardens to explore. Visit the Wappa Falls Astronomical Observatory or take a walk at Mount Ninderry or Dunethin Rock. The beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches are less than 15 minutes drive away, and it’s just 20 minutes’ drive to Maroochydore, Montville and Noosa.
Booloumba Creek Camping Areas
Location: Conondale National Park Access: 4WD access only due to the undulating nature of tracks and river stone creek crossing Suitable for: Caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes can park at Camping Area Number 4 only. Tents only in Camping Area 1 & 3. Camping Area 2 is for day use only. Facilities: Toilets, water is pumped from the creek so it needs to be treated before consuming, fire rings. Cost: National Park camping fees apply Tips: Tracks can be narrow and winding and occasionally steep and can be challenging in the wet. The spectacular overhanging rainforest and mountain views make it worthwhile though. Flood waters rise and fall quickly in this area so beware. Use strong containers for food and rubbish storage as lace monitors and other wildlife forage in the campgrounds.
What to Do/See: Within the Conondale National Park you can walk to a 1920s gold mine and Strangler Cairn sculpture. The serene Booloumba Falls or Artists Cascades are worth the slightly longer hike, but if you are a keen hiker, the Conondale Range Great Walk will take you at least three days to complete. With creek crossing and challenging tracks, Conondale National Park is ideal for 4WD enthusiasts.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore some of the country’s most spectacular national parks and coastal towns in and around the Sunshine Coast. If you have any queries about maps or guides for the area, visit us in-store, call (08) 9335 8665 or contact us online.
Here are a few to get you started:
4WD + Camping Escapes - South East Queensland
Camping Guide to Queensland
Sunshine Coast Touring Map
Sunshine Coast Refidex Street Directory
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Posted on: Jul 20, 2018
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