Posted in Bigbox Motoring Advice
Published Wed Apr 02 2025
Southeast Queensland is still a top spot for everyone who loves camping! It's got all sorts of beautiful places, from quiet spots in the countryside to amazing beaches. Whether you want to go on exciting 4WD trips or just relax by the ocean at a campsite, you'll find heaps of great choices here in 2025. Let's check out some new and fun camping places to help you plan your next trip outdoors.
For those who yearn for the tranquillity of the bush, Southeast QLD's hinterland is brimming with hidden gems.
For a fantastic outdoor escape about two hours southwest of Brisbane, check out Gordon Country in the pretty Goomburra Valley. This special private property has all sorts of camping spots by Dalrymple Creek, from open fields to tucked-away bush areas. You can swim, fish, hike, and even go horse riding here, making it a natural haven with lots to see and do.
Just a short drive north of Brisbane, near Woodford, you'll find Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, a great spot for families who want to relax in nature. You can camp right next to the clear Neurum Creek, perfect for swimming, and explore the bush around it. This retreat has good facilities and a calm vibe, making it ideal for letting the kids play in the creek while you unwind at the campsite, followed by a fun BBQ and looking at the stars.
The Booloumba Creek Camping Area, nestled within a diverse natural landscape, deserves a special mention for camping in 2025. You can choose from various campsites along the creek, each providing access to stunning rainforest walks, refreshing swimming holes, and the impressive Conondale Great Walk. Be aware that some areas might require a 4WD to reach. Camping here offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the lush greenery, enjoy invigorating hikes, and take refreshing dips in the creek, all while falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the flowing water.
About an hour and a half southwest of Brisbane, in the Scenic Rim, you'll find the beautiful freshwater Lake Maroon, surrounded by gentle hills and farms. The Lake Maroon Holiday Park has different camping spots and lets you enjoy fun water activities like fishing, boating, and waterskiing. It's a peaceful countryside getaway with lovely views of the lake. Imagine spending your day out on the water and then chilling at your campsite as the sun goes down over the hills.
Within Mount Tamborine National Park, you'll discover several smaller campgrounds, each offering its own special rainforest camping feel. From the Knoll to Cedar Creek, these spots give you access to amazing waterfalls, beautiful views, and the cute shops and cafes in the village. This area also offers close by activities for all members of the family.
For those with a 4WD itching for sandy tracks and remote coastal camping, Southeast QLD continues to deliver.
To get to Orpheus Island National Park, you'll need a boat (either your own or as part of a tour), but it's worth it for a really private island camping trip in a beautiful National Park. You can explore untouched beaches, snorkel or dive among the coral reefs, and soak in the amazing natural beauty. Just remember you'll need permits and to bring everything you need with you. Imagine spending your days looking at colourful coral, chilling on secluded sands, and enjoying the peace of a faraway island.
To reach Honeymoon Bay on Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), you'll need to take a 4WD ferry from Brisbane. Once there, you'll find a quiet beachfront camping spot on the island's northern tip with amazing views and great fishing. While camping, you can also explore Moreton Island's famous shipwrecks, huge sand dunes, and freshwater lakes, making it a place full of natural wonders to discover.
If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten-path 4WD beach camping trip on Bribie Island, head to the North Point Campground. Here, you can enjoy surf fishing, drive along the beach (with the right permits), and take in the natural beauty of the island's northern tip. Just be aware that facilities are limited, so you'll need to be prepared to bring everything you need. Picture yourself driving along the sand, finding your own quiet fishing spot, and enjoying the peacefulness of the northern part of Bribie Island.
For a quieter island beach camping option, take a water taxi or your own boat to South Stradbroke Island and head to Middleton Beach. Compared to North Stradbroke, this spot offers a more secluded beachfront where you can enjoy surfing, fishing, and exploring the island's natural beauty. Camping here in 2025 is perfect if you're looking for a peaceful island getaway with good waves and fishing opportunities.
Near the old Cape Moreton Lighthouse on Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), you'll find a campground with amazing ocean views and access to rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. You can explore the lighthouse, try to spot whales as they travel along the coast (during the right time of year), and enjoy the wild beauty of the coastline. Keep in mind that you'll need a 4WD to get here. Get to hike up to the lighthouse for wide-open views, watching for whales swimming by, and enjoying the special feeling of camping close to such a significant place.
For those who prefer the convenience of 2WD access and well-maintained facilities near the beach.
On the Sunshine Coast, Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Camping and Recreation Area is a wonderful choice for families. You can camp right next to the calm waters of the lake and easily walk to the beach. It's perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and just enjoying the chill coastal vibe. Camping here in 2025 is ideal for families because the lake is safe for swimming, and you have easy access to both the lake and the ocean.
Compared to Cylinder Beach, Amity Point Campground on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) has a more relaxed and friendly feel. It's located right by the water with amazing views of Moreton Bay. Here, you can enjoy fishing off the jetty, swimming in a safe netted area, and soaking up the easy-going vibe of the Amity Point village.
While you can drive a 2WD to some parts of Inskip Peninsula, the Rainbow Beach Holiday Village offers a more classic caravan park experience right in the middle of Rainbow Beach. From here, you can easily get to the beautiful Rainbow Beach, the impressive Carlo Sand Blow, and join tours heading over to K'gari (Fraser Island). You can hike up to Carlo Sand Blow for amazing views, taking a day trip to Fraser Island, and then relaxing by the pool back at the holiday village
Right on the edge of the Pumicestone Passage on Bribie Island, you'll find the Bongaree Caravan Park. It offers camping right by the water with easy access to all the shops, cafes, and other handy things in the town of Bongaree. You can enjoy calm water activities, go fishing, and experience a relaxed island way of life without needing a 4WD. Camping here in 2025 means you'll have a comfortable and easy beachside stay with everything you might need just a short walk away.
Right next to the famous Dicky Beach and its shipwreck on the Sunshine Coast, you'll find the Dicky Beach Holiday Park. It offers a classic beach camping experience with easy walking distance to swimming, surfing, and the local cafes and shops. You can learn to surf at Dicky Beach, checking out the rock pools when the tide is low, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the town just a short stroll away.
Southeast QLD in 2025 is set to offer another year of incredible camping opportunities. With a mix of familiar favourites and exciting new locations to explore, now is the perfect time to start planning your next adventure and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Happy camping!
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