When you think of Noosa, visions of golden beaches, trendy cafes, and interesting boutique shops might spring to mind. But did you know that Noosa is also an excellent place for campers who want to keep it simple and embrace the outdoors? And, even better, you can do this without emptying your bank account!
How is this possible, though? Well, with a few great campsites near Noosa that are free to stay at, you can explore some amazing areas of natural beauty and stay close to unforgettable trails without having to pay for your overnight spot. And, to make things even easier, we’ve done the research for you. Below, you’ll find a list of the best free campsites near Noosa, along with information about their amenities and what you can do in the immediate vicinity.
Ready to hit the road? Let’s discover some amazing free campgrounds.
Free Noosa Camping Spots
While each of the campgrounds listed above are free to stay at, the important thing to remember is that they are really only suitable for campervans and definitely not for tent camping! Contact Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll match you with the perfect campervan for your needs, whether you’re taking a much-needed solo break or a family getaway.
Wahpunga School Park Free Camping Area
Kin Kin, QLD
Set just off the beautiful Gympie Kin Kin Road, Wahpunga School Park is perfect for campers who want a peaceful, quiet spot to spend the night. It’s a no-fuss, back-to-basics kind of campground, and there are plenty of spots to set up your campervan and a large grassy area to explore.
However, it isn’t exactly brimming with amenities, so it’s best suited to self-sufficient campers. This doesn’t mean it’s completely without facilities, though. Don’t expect hot showers or a swimming pool, but the basic toilets and picnic tables provide you with everything you need for a couple of nights. Just keep in mind that there is no drinking water on site, so make sure you pack plenty for your stay. Likewise, there are no showers or electricity hookups, but it’s ideal if you’re up for a bit of good old-fashioned camping!
As you’re within a short drive of the small town of Kin Kin, you’re perfectly based for picking up some supplies from the general store or grabbing a coffee and some breakfast from a cafe before heading out to the trails. Speaking of trails, the closest is the Kin Kin Noosa Trail, which offers you stunning views of the Noosa Hinterland and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Picnic Tables
Jowarra Park Rest Area
Glenview, QLD
If you’re looking for a convenient, safe space with free parking to stay as you’re heading along the Bruce Highway, Jowarra Park Rest Area is one of the best free camping sites on offer. There are toilets and picnic tables here, as well as plenty of shaded spots thanks to the tall eucalyptus trees that surround the site, but just like Wahpunga, there’s no drinking water, so you’ll need to come prepared.
There are a couple of things you need to keep in mind before pulling up at Jowarra Park Rest Area. Firstly, it’s a short-stay campsite, and you’re limited to just 24 hours of free camping, so you’ll need to move on the next day. Fires aren’t allowed here either, so you’ll need to bring a camping stove if you want to cook your own food. And, as the site operates with a Leave No Trace policy, you’ll need to take all your rubbish with you when you head off on the next leg of your journey.
Once you are back on the road, you’ll find that you’re close to Glass Mountains National Park, a popular destination where you can tackle some awesome hiking trails like the Tibrogargan Circuit and its incredible mountain views. Also, if you’re a wildlife lover, make sure you stop at the nearby Australia Zoo to spend an afternoon learning more about the animals and even getting the chance to feed some!
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Picnic Tables
Chatsworth Park Rest Area
Chatsworth, QLD
Chatsworth Park Rest Area is a friendly, welcoming spot located along the Bruce Highway, and it is ideal for anyone who wants to break up their drive or explore the surrounding Gympie region. It’s pretty spacious here, and while sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, it shouldn’t be too difficult to grab a space, even in the busier seasons.
The amenities here are pretty good, too, and include clean toilets, shaded picnic tables, and a dump point. There isn’t any drinking water or power, though, so make sure you’ve refilled your bottles and charged your devices before arriving! You’re also only limited to a 24-hour stay, and open fires are an absolute no-go, even if you’ve bought your own firewood and fire pit. But stick to these rules, and you’ll have a wonderful place to call home for the night.
If you’re keen to learn a bit about Gympie’s past while you’re here, make sure you stop by the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum. Or, for more of a scenic adventure, you can hop aboard the Mary Valley Rattler – a heritage train that leaves from the railway station and winds through the Mary Valley. Hiking more your speed? You’ll also find several great hiking trails that range from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot kangaroos and different bird species as you walk.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Picnic Tables
- Dump Point
There’s no doubt that free camping in and around Noosa and the Sunshine Coast is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with the natural beauty of Australia. Whether you’re a fan of back-to-basics camping or simply looking for a budget-friendly way to explore, the sites we’ve listed above allow you to enjoy the landscape without breaking the bank!
When you’re ready to start planning your road trip, get in touch with Travellers Autobarn. Our campervans are decked out with everything you need and come with unlimited kilometres, so you can explore all the free camping in Australia your heart desires. All you have to do is decide which of these awesome free campgrounds you want to stay, pack your bags, and hit the road.
DISCLAIMER: Any prices displayed are correct at the time of publishing. We highly recommend contacting any campsite or caravan park prior to booking to confirm prices. Please ensure you review our Terms and Conditions before visiting certain campsites.
About the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.