The Best Beach Camping in South East Qld
Are you ready to hit the beach, but keen for more than just a day trip? Or potentially spent a lot of timing camping in Queensland and ready to try something new with a beachfront destination?
Keep reading as we’ve supplied the ultimate guide for Beach Camping in South East Qld.
South East Queensland is a popular travel destination with its stunning coastline and warm climate. There is a number of different beaches where you can camp, ranging from comfortable sites with facilities, a beachfront holiday park and even a remote camp site with a high chance of not running into another human!
Where is South East Qld?
South East Qld extends from the New South Wales border all the way to Gympie. With a population of approximately 3.8 million people out of the 5.1 million in the entire state.
Beach Camping in South East Qld
As we’ve mentioned previously, we are huge fans of beach camping. In fact, beach camping was the reason why we opted for a 4WD vehicle to travel Australia.
Who doesn’t love watching the sunset over the ocean or going for a night time stroll with the sound of the waves, am I right?
As home for us was South East Qld, we feel pretty well seasoned to provide you with the best beach camping spots in the area.
We’ve listed camping destinations perfect for your next road trip! Whether you are looking for open fires, great facilities including picnic tables and a camp kitchen or simply just the perfect spot for your tent, we have you covered!
Let’s have a look at some options for beach camping in South East Qld below:
Bribie Island
Bribie Island is one of the closest beach camping locations you will find near Brisbane.
For this reason, we recommend booking well in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season such as school holidays.
While enjoying your stay on Bribie Island, don’t forget to pack the swimmers and the fishing gear.
The sites located on the Pumicestone Passage are perfect for water sports such as the stand up paddle board or jet ski.
You’ll find most of the dune and beachfront camping areas on Bribie Island are located in the natural wonders of National Parks. The sites range from calm to surf beaches. With five sites to choose from:
- Gallagher Point – situated overlooking the Pumicestone Passage calm waters. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Poverty Creek – situated on the shores of the Pumicestone Passage. Access via 4WD or boat. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Ocean Beach – located behind the dunes on the North-East side of the Island. Access via 4WD. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers √ | Bins × | Rain Water × - Lime Pocket – situated on the shores of the Pumicestone Passage. Only accessible via boat.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Mission Point – another site suitated on the shores of the Pumicestone Passage. Only accessible via boat.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers √ | Bins × | Rain Water ×
Alternatively, if you’re not as interested in the remote camping in the National Park, there are a couple other options on the island:
Moreton Island
Moreton Island is famous for its iconic beaches and shipwreck snorkelling, located only a 75 minute ferry journey from Brisbane.
The beautiful Moreton Island deserves much longer than a weekend trip with the numerous magical wonders to discover. We spent just over a week camped at the Blue Lagoon campgrounds, and could have easily extended our stay much longer.
Along with discovering the natural beauties Moreton Island has to offer, don’t forget to pack your snorkel gear, swimmers and fishing rods to get the most out of your stay.
With a large range of National Park camping situated around the entire coastline of the island.
You can opt to camp at the Tangalooma shipwrecks or on the ocean or calm side. Some sites have a large range of facilities while others are more secluded. Check out the campsites below:
- Ben Ewa – located in the calm bay of the Western side, making it a popular option for families. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers √ | Bins √ | Rain Water √ - Blue Lagoon – located on the Eastern side of the Island with medium to large sites with your very own freshwater lake. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers √ | Bins √ | Rain Water √ - Comboyuro Point – located on the Western side with the sheltered bay. Another good pick for families. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers √ | Bins √ | Rain Water √ - North Point – the most northern site on the Island, situated close to the surf beach. Only 4 sites suitable for trailers.
Fires × | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers √ | Bins √ | Rain Water √ - North-West – a short 10 minute drive from the ferry, situated at the calm bays. Towing vehicles are not suitable.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water × - North-East – situated with perfect surf beach conditions. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water √ - South-West – situated on the Western side. Recommended for experienced drivers only with towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water × - South-East – situated on the eastern side with prime surf beaches. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water × - The Wrecks – situated in a sheltered area on the Western side. A short walk from the Micat ferry landing, suitable for campers on foot only.
Fires × | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers √ | Bins √ | Rain Water √ - Yellow Patch – situated on the North side with surf beaches. Suitable for towing vehciles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water ×
Teewah Beach
Teewah Beach is known as a stunning remote camping area with prime views along the shore and Double Island Point. The camp zone is located in the Coolola Recreation Area and can be accessed via Rainbow Beach or Noosa.
As our very first beach camping location years ago and our first stop on our lap of Australia, we may be a little bias but this section of South East Qld is one of a kind!
While holidaying at Teewah Beach, bring your surf rod and have a go at casting the line for a meal.
Side note – the view at the top of the Double Island Point Lighthouse walk is well worth the short walk.. especially with a good set of binoculars.
If you manage to book your stay during whale migrating season, keep an eye out for these magical creatures! We were blessed by seeing multiple each day on our 2 week holiday here.
Check out the camp sites below:
- Teewah Beach Camping Area Zone 1-7 – situated behind the dunes along the Teewah Beach coastline. Self-contained vehicles only with no facilities available. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water × - Freshwater Camping Area (trailer) and (tent) – situated inland from Teewah Beach, the perfect location for protection from the coastal winds. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers √ | Bins √ | Rain Water √
Inskip Penninsula Recreation Area
Inskip Penninsula is a small coastal town, known as the gateway to K’Gari/Fraser Island.
As most beach camping is 4WD access only, this is the perfect destination for every other vehicle due to the sites being located straight off the main road.
A couple of sites are 4WD recommendations or alternatively, you can park your car on the grassy patch outside of the entrance.
With only a short stroll from the sites to the beach, these camp sites are perfect for spotting sea life, swimming or casting a line.
The location is also prime with quick access to both Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay.
Check out the list of camp zones in the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area below:
- Pelican Bay – located on the Western side of the penninsula. Access is 4WD only. Suitable for towing vehicles. Recommended for self-contained campers due to the lack of facilities.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Dorrigo South – the first site located on the penninsula. Access is 4WD only. Self-contained vehicles only due to the lack of facilities. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water × - SS Dorrigo – the second site located on the penninsula. Access is 4WD only. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water × - MV Natone – the third site located on the penninsula. Access is by 4WD only. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water × - MV Beagle – the forth site located on the penninsula. Access is by 4WD only. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water × - MV Sarawak – the fifth site located on the penninsula. Access is 4WD recommended. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water × - Sarawak West – the final camping area on the penninsula. Access is 4WD recommended. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers × | Bins √ | Rain Water ×
K’Gari/Fraser Island
K’Gari/Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, located on the East coast of Australia. With many popular destinations to visit on the island including Eli Creek and Lake Mackenzie, be sure to plan for a longer stay.
With a large variety of camp sites along the Fraser Island coast, you can opt to hop sites every couple of days or base your ‘home’ in the middle.
Additionally, due to the large amount of dingoes on the Island, you can also opt for a dingo deterrent fenced sites (which is especially helpful when camping with children).
While enjoying your time on the island, don’t forget to account for fishing and a lot of swimming in the freshwater lakes.
The sites range from no facilities or fires allowed to drinking water and hot showers. Check the list below to find the perfect match for your upcoming holiday:
- Awinya Creek – the site has views of Platypus Bay. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Govi and Wongai – Zone 1 – this zone is located between Dilli Village and the township of Eurong. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - One Tree, Cornwells and Gabala – Zone 2 – this zone is located between the township of Eurong and Poyungan Rocks. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Poyungan and Winnam – Zone 3 – this zone is located between Poyungan Rocks and Happy Valley. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Guluri and Eli – Zone 4 – this zone is located between Happy Valley and Eli Creek. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Maheno and Wahba – Zone 5 – this zone is located between Eli Creek and The Pinnacles. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Eugarie, Yurru and Guruman – Zone 6 – this zone is located between The Pinnacles and Dundubara. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Wyuna and Burad – Zone 7 – this zone is located between Dundubara and Indian Head. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Marloo, Ocean Leak and During – Zone 8 – this zone is located between Waddy Point and Ngkala Rocks. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Diray and Carree – Zone 9 – this zone is located between Brown Rocks and Sandy Cape. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Bowal Creek – this site is located north of the western beach of the island. Not suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Bowarrady Creek – this site is located north of Woralie road on the western beach side of the island. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Central Station (tent) and (trailer) – this site is located 800m from Central Station day use area. Suitable for towing vehicles at the designated trailer site.
Fires × | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers (paid) √ | Bins √ | Rain Water × - Coolooloi Creek – this site is located on the Hook Point inland road. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Coongul Creek – this site is located south of Woralie Road on the western beach. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Cornwells – a fenced camping site, located on the eastern beach, south of Gabala camping area. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Dundubara (tent) and (trailer) – another fenced camping zone, this site is located on the eastern beach side of the island. Suitable for towing vehicles at the designated trailer zone.
Fires √ | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers (paid) √ | Bins √ | Rain Water √ - Eli – this site is located on the foredunes on the eastern beach, close to Happy Valley. Surrounded by dingo deterrent fences. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Garrys Anchorage – this site is accessed via boat only, on the west coast of the island. Not suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Lake Boomanjin – this camping site is located on the southern lakes scenic drive with dingo deterrent fences. Not suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Flush toilets √ | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Moon Point – this site is located south of the Woralie road on the western side. Accessible via boat only and not suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - One Tree – the camping site is located behind the foredunes of the eastern beach, surrounded by fences. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Teebing (Wathumba Spit) – located on the western beach in the estuary of the Wathumba Creek. This site is only accessible via boat and not suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Ungowa (tent) and (trailer) – located on Ungowa Rd. Suitable for towing vehicles in the designated trailer area.
Fires × | Drop toilets √ | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Waddy Point Top (tent) and (trailer) – located close to Champagne Pools and Ocean Lakes off the eastern side of the island. Suitable for towing vehicles in the designated trailer section.
Fires √ | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers (paid) √ | Bins √ | Rain Water √ - Waddy Point Beachfront (tent) and (trailer) – located on the eastern beach scenic drive. Suitable for towing vehicles in the designated trailer areas.
Fires √ | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers (paid) √ | Bins √ | Rain Water √ - Wathumba (tent) and (trailer) – located on the western beach of Platypus Bay. Suitable for towing vehicles in the designated trailer area.
Fires × | Flush toilets √ | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Wongai – another fenced camping zone. Located behind the foredunes of the Eastern Beach, south of Eurong. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Woralie Creek – located near Woralie Rd on the western beach end. Suitable for towing vehicles.
Fires × | Drop toilets × | Cold Showers × | Bins × | Rain Water × - Cathedrals on Fraser – a privately owned camp ground, located by the dunes close to the Maheno shipwreck. This dingo deterrent fence site ranges from unpowered and powered sites or even cabins.
Fires √ | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers √ | Bins √ | Drinking Water √
North Stradbroke Island
Located in the Moreton Bay region. A short 45 minute ferry journey will transport you to the shore of this beautiful island. An added bonus, you can adventure this island with a 2WD vehicle!
North Stradbroke Island is known as the perfect destination for swimming, fishing, 4WDing and sand boarding.
You will find many camping locations around the island. Check out the list below:
- Home Beach – this small campsite is located on the North side of the island. Suitable for towing vehicles. 2WD access.
Fires × | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers √ | Bins × | Potable Water √ - Amity Point – located in the calm waters of Moreton Bay, making this site perfect for families. Suitable for towing vehicles. 2WD access.
Fires × | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers √ | Bins × | Potable Water √ - Cylinder Beach – located in one of the most popular surf beaches. Suitable for towing vehicles. 2WD access.
Fires × | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers √ | Bins × | Potable Water √ - Adder Rock – located on the Northern side of the island. Suitable for towing vehicles. 2WD access.
Fires × | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers √ | Bins × | Potable Water √ - Adam’s Beach – located within walking distance of the ferry. Suitable for towing vehicles. 2WD access.
Fires × | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers √ | Bins × | Potable Water √ - Bradbury’s Beach – located near the One Mile Jetty. Perfect location for fishing. Suitable for towing vehicles. 2WD access.
Fires × | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers √ | Bins × | Potable Water √ - Flinders Beach – located near Point Lookout and Amity Point. Suitable for towing vehicles. 4WD access only, requiring vehicle access permit.
Fires √ | Drop toilets √ | Hot Showers × | Bins × | Potable Water × - Main Beach – located on the 38km stretch of Main Beach. Suitable for towing vehicles. 4WD access only, requiring vehicle access permit.
Fires √ | Drop toilets × | Hot Showers × | Bins × | Potable Water ×
Coolum Beach Holiday Park
If Island’s aren’t really your thing, nestled in the Sunshine Coast is the Coolum Beach Holiday Park. Conveniently located with direct access to the patrolled surf of Coolum Beach.
This beachfront camp will tick all the boxes being in close proximity to restaurants, bike paths, golf courses, Mt Coolum and much more.
With more than just the basic facilities, you also score free wifi, coin operated laundry areas and much more during your stay.
Cotton Tree Holiday Park
Not into the remoteness of National Parks? Look no further as Cotton Tree Holiday Park at the Sunshine Coast will have you covered.
With direct access to Maroochydore Beach and Maroochy River, you won’t be disappointed with the beachfront views. While enjoying your stay here take a break with the large selection of restaurants available.
Cotton Tree Holiday Park offers more than basic facilities with multiple laundry areas, a BBQ area, free wifi and much more.
Noosa North Shore
Noosa North Shore is a top destination to explore the Cooloola Coast. Access is via the Noosa barge. You won’t be disappointed with this location!
For the 4WD enthusiasts, deflate the tyres and head on down to the beach highway as the beach access point is only 1 km away from the camp grounds.
Don’t forget to pack your swimmers and fishing rods to get the most from your stay at Noosa North Shore. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, head on out for a camel ride on the beach!
Fires √ | Flush toilets √ | Hot Showers √ | Bins × | Potable Water √
Travelling Further North
If you have a bit more time on your hands and plan on taking a road trip up the North Queensland coast, don’t forget to book a tour on the Great Barrier Reef (it’s definitely one for the bucket list).
We’ve supplied a short list of further must-see destinations once you’ve finished beach camping in South East Qld:
- Kinkuna Beach National Park
- Noah Beach at Cape Tribulation
- Whitsunday Island National Park
- Daintree Rainforest
Tips for Beach Camping
For the more remote camping spots, don’t forget to come prepared. If you’re booking through National Parks websites, check if a vehicle access permit is required.
The sites will also advise if any closures or warnings are currently in place (eg. fire bans, etc).
Additionally, here’s some extra tips to ensure you get the most out of your stay while beach camping in South East Qld:
- Pack the Recovery Gear including recovery tracks
- Deflate the tyres (don’t forget to pack tire gauge and compressor)
- Pack enough supplies to get you through your stay
- Be sun safe – sunscreen (the only one we use now), hats, appropriate clothing
- Check the tide times
- Be aware of the weather
- Consider if you require to be self contained (portable toilet or shower)
Our Final Thoughts
We LOVE beach camping! Some of our favourite destinations have and will always be beachfront camping. There is nothing quite like the beauty of the ocean and the serenity you get after a few days in the ocean air.
Keep in mind, you do require to be a little more careful with planning your trip as access to facilities is a lot more limited. Additionally, reception can be non-existent. But as long as you come prepared and don’t do anything too silly, you will have the very best time!
Now you have all the information to plan your holiday beach camping in South East Qld! Whether you are looking for a Sunshine Coast holiday park destination or a remote Island getaway, we hope we’ve helped you with your next holiday beach camping in South East Qld.
Let us know your favourite destination for beach camping in South East Qld below.
