Camping
Camping tent. Photo DERM
Camping is a great way to experience the Australian bush and to see wildlife. Parks and forests offer a range of camping opportunities, from remote campsites for bushwalkers to campgrounds with toilets, picnic tables and sites for camper trailers and caravans as well as tents.
Campgrounds in parks and forests are different from commercially operated campgrounds. Native trees and shrubs grow in and around each campground, providing habitat for wildlife. There are no sites with electricity. If showers are provided, they are usually not heated. Generators are restricted or not permitted, so that campers can enjoy the quiet and the sounds of the bush at night.
In school holidays, on long weekends and at other peak times, there is high demand for campsites in many parks and forests. It is important to book your campsite well in advance for these times.
- Where you can camp
- Permits and fees
- Essentials to bring
- Staying safe
- Minimal impact
- Useful links
- Further information
Where you can camp
You can camp in natural surroundings in many national parks, forests and reserves throughout Queensland.
Find out which parks offer camping opportunities in each region:
Around Brisbane | Around Townsville | Cape York Peninsula | Central Coast | Central Highlands | Mackay/Proserpine | North Queensland | Outback Queensland | Sunshine Coast | West of Brisbane |
Permits and fees
Before camping in a park, forest or similar reserve, you must obtain a camping permit and pay your camping fees.
Most camping areas can be booked online, by visiting an over-the-counter booking office or by phone. For these campsites, you need to book before you arrive in a park.
At some camping areas you can get a camping permit on site by self-registering and paying by cash, credit card, cheque or camping credit. This generally only applies to more remote campgrounds. Be sure to check if the park or forest you plan to visit has self-registration available before arrival.
To drive on Fraser Island, Bribie Island or Moreton Island, you will also need a valid vehicle access permit.
Essentials to bring
Camping can be fun provided you are well prepared and take the right equipment. Remember to take these items.
- waterproof tent, poles and pegs
- blade or screw-style pegs and mallet
- fuel stove, fuel supply and waterproof matches
- bags for rubbish and storage
- drinking water
- sufficient non-perishable food and other supplies
- cooking utensils
- sleeping bag and mat, or a swag or other bedding
- suitable clothing and sturdy shoes
- wet weather gear (e.g. raincoat or waterproof jacket)
- insect repellent
- hat and sunscreen
- suitable first-aid kit
- binoculars and camera
- map, brochure and compass
- torch for walking at night
- broadcast radio (for weather forecasts) and spare batteries
- two-way radio and extra fuel (if camping in remote places)
It's a good idea to pack a gas or liquid fuel stove for camping trips. Open fires are prohibited in some parks. Where fires are allowed, firewood may not be supplied. Collecting firewood from the bush is not allowed.
In parks where campfires are allowed, make sure you completely extinguish all fires (with water, not sand or dirt) before leaving an area or going to bed. Even a few glowing embers can start a wildfire. Heavy fines may apply if campfires or other unshielded flames are left unattended.
Staying safe
Be aware of potential dangers and take care of yourself.
- Plan carefully and make sure your camping equipment and vehicle or boat are in good working order.
- Read signs and brochures carefully. Pay attention to any safety warnings.
- Supervise your children, especially near water and in areas where there are potentially dangerous wildlife such as dingoes, crocodiles and cassowaries.
- Don't assume water is safe to drink. Boil or treat water before use.
- Keep your food in locked containers or in your car to keep it safe from wildlife.
- Extinguish fires whenever you leave your campsite unattended; use water, not sand, which retains heat and can cause severe burns.
- Wear protective clothing to avoid sunburn, bites, scratches and stings.
- Never feed or provoke wild animals.
- Be wary of wild animals , including crocodiles, dangerous stinging jellyfish, snakes, dingoes, cassowaries, feral pigs, cattle, horses and buffaloes.
Protect yourself when camping on island national parks by taking these steps.
- Take extra supplies in case you get stranded by sudden changes in the weather.
- Be aware of tidal variations and strong currents. Anchor boats securely.
- Be alert for sudden weather changes, particularly storms and cyclones. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
- Carry a marine band radio and transceiver as many sites are out of range for mobile phones.
Minimal impact
Parks and forests are special places. Please help care for the environment by observing these simple rules.
- Help to prevent the spread of weeds and pests. Check your vehicle, camping equipment and clothing to ensure they are clean before visiting parks and forests.
- Use a fuel or gas stove for cooking. Help reduce the risk of wildfires and burn injuries.
- Only light fires in parks where it is permitted. Many parks do not allow open fires.
- Where open fires are permitted, use fireplaces and fire rings provided.
- Never collect firewood or kindling from the park. Even dead branches are protected.
- Remember, plants and animals are protected. Try not to trample plants when walking or erecting your tent. Use poles, not trees, to support tent ropes and lines.
- If there are no toilets, bury human waste at least 100m from tracks and water bodies.
- In some popular parks you may need to bring a portable toilet if you are camping in areas without facilities. Empty the waste into special portable toilet disposal facilities. Check whether the park you are visiting has this facility. Never empty portable toilet waste into standard toilets.
- Take all rubbish home. Disposing of rubbish in fireplaces is an offence.
- Enjoy the peace and be considerate of others. Leave generators, compressors and stereos at home.
Useful links
Publications
- QPWS camping policy
- Camping refunds policy
- Historical camping data: 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996
Further information
DERM Service Centre
160 Ann Street, Brisbane
PO Box 15155, City East QLD 4002
ph 1300 130 372
fax (07) 3227 8749
email info@epa.qld.gov.au
Last updated: 15 April 2009