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Top 6 picturesque camping spots in Queensland
It’s camping season! With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to spend your days exploring the great outdoors, and your nights sleeping under the stars. And what better place to do all that than in sunny Queensland, especially if you’re lucky enough to become a local with your very own camper van! Queensland is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Australia, offering diverse camping experiences that cater to every type of outdoor enthusiast. From sun-kissed beaches to lush rainforests and rugged outback terrains, this state is a camper's paradise.
Our latest Mater Prize Home lottery No. 315 doesn’t just help you move to a prime location for travelling the state by placing you on Queensland’s gorgeous Sunshine Coast coastline: the prize lottery also includes a VW California Beach Camper Van which ensures you can explore the countryside in style, and always have somewhere comfortable to sleep when you get to where you’re going.
The chic Volkswagen California Beach Camper Van, valued at $134,078, has 7 seats, a fully spring loft bed, pull out awning, 180 degree swivel seats for driver and passenger seats, 8” audio and satellite, Climatronic AC system, and a manual elevating roof with two side windows for stargazing and sightseeing, day or night. The camper van also comes with camping equipment, including a bed extension for the rear bench seat with a comfort mattress, a camping table with 2 folding chairs, a Camper Control System, and a programmable auxiliary air parking heater. You’re sure to feel right at home no matter where you end up along the way.
So, pack up your camper van, hit the road, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that Queensland has to offer. Here are some of Queensland's most picturesque camping spots.
Noosa North Shore, Great Sandy National Park
Located just over an hour’s drive north of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa North Shore is a beachside haven perfect for those who love to camp with the sound of the ocean as their soundtrack. Accessible via a short ferry ride across the Noosa River, this camping spot offers miles of pristine coastline with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. You can set up your van right by the beachfront, where you’ll be greeted by the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean each morning. The highlights include swimming, fishing, and taking long walks along the expansive beach. Plus, you might spot some local wildlife, like kangaroos and sea turtles, making this a truly immersive nature experience.
Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park
For a more adventurous escape, head west to Carnarvon Gorge in Carnarvon National Park, roughly a nine-hour drive from the Sunshine Coast. This camping spot is nestled in the heart of Queensland's outback and offers a striking contrast to coastal campsites. The Gorge is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and lush rainforest pockets. While staying here, explore the various walking tracks that lead to hidden waterfalls, refreshing rock pools, and dramatic cliffs. One of the highlights is the Moss Garden, a serene spot where water trickles down moss-covered rocks, creating a cool, green oasis. The stargazing here is also exceptional, with the clear outback skies providing a brilliant view of the Milky Way.
Lamington National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland
If rainforest camping is more your style, Lamington National Park is a must-visit. Located about two and a half hours south of the Sunshine Coast, this World Heritage-listed site is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. The park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, with over 160 kilometres of walking trails that wind through ancient forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along dramatic escarpments. The Green Mountains section is popular with campers for good reason: you’ll appreciate the well-maintained sites that are surrounded by lush greenery. Birdwatchers will be in paradise, with the chance to spot rare species like the Albert's lyrebird and the regent bowerbird. The cool, misty atmosphere of the rainforest provides a refreshing escape from the heat, making it a perfect summer camping destination.
Girraween National Park, Granite Belt
For a unique countryside camping experience, venture to Girraween National Park, located in the Granite Belt region, about a four-hour drive southwest of the Sunshine Coast. Girraween, meaning "place of flowers," is famous for its dramatic granite boulders and stunning wildflower displays in spring. The park has several camping areas, each surrounded by mesmerising landscapes of open forests, clear streams, and, of course, those iconic granite outcrops. The Pyramid, a massive granite dome, is a popular hike that rewards your efforts with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The nights here are just as beautiful, with clear skies perfect for stargazing. During the day, the cool mountain air and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway.
Lake Moogerah, Scenic Rim
Nestled in the Scenic Rim, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive southwest of the Sunshine Coast, Lake Moogerah delivers a serene countryside camping experience with a touch of water-based fun. The lake is surrounded by the peaks of the Scenic Rim, creating a picturesque setting that’s perfect for both relaxation and adventure. The camping areas are well-equipped, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Spend your days kayaking, fishing, and swimming before settling in for the evening to enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the lake. For those who enjoy hiking, the nearby Mount Edwards trail includes a rewarding climb with panoramic views of the entire region. The combination of water and mountains makes Lake Moogerah a versatile and beautiful camping destination.
Fraser Island (K’gari)
Fraser Island, known as K’gari to the local Butchulla people, is the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s about a four-hour drive and ferry trip from the Sunshine Coast. Camping on Fraser Island offers a truly unique experience, with the chance to set up camp near the beach or in the island’s lush forests. The island is famous for its crystal-clear freshwater lakes, like Lake McKenzie, and its sprawling sand dunes. The 75 Mile Beach is both a stunning and adventurous spot, where you can drive along the sand, swim in the Champagne Pools, or explore the Maheno Shipwreck. The island’s diverse ecosystems mean you can spend the morning on the beach and the afternoon in a dense rainforest. Wildlife enthusiasts will also appreciate the chance to spot dingoes, dolphins, and a variety of bird species.
Ready to hit the road and camp in style as you explore Queensland’s diverse landscapes? Buy your tickets today for your chance to win this coastal Mater Prize Home, along with a VW California Beach Camper Van, two eBikes, two McTavish Longboards, and $200,000 gold bullion! Plus, for every ticket you purchase you’re helping support vital medical research, equipment and patient care at Mater.
