Queensland isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! With an average of 300 days of sunshine every year, it’s the perfect place to road trip in your campervan and explore the many camping options available.

There are thousands of campgrounds across Queensland, from the Gold Coast to Port Douglas – but that doesn’t mean you have to budget for them! At Travellers Autobarn we’re always on the lookout for free camping in Australia. We’ve put together a list of our favourites in Queensland and the Gold Coast to help you plan your next road trip.

You can find out more about campground deals and discounts on our site. For the easiest way to look up free campgrounds, check out our new app for Android and iOS. It’s free, too!

9. Crystal Clear Waters at Babinda Rotary Park

Crystal Clear Waters at Babinda Rotary Park

(Source: tykesontour.blogspot.com )

Small but well-serviced, Babinda Rotary is surrounded by National Parks and close to two of Queensland’s highest mountains. Splash in crystal clear streams and take in some amazing waterfalls. This campground at 29 Howard Kennedy Drive, Babinda, QLD, 4861, is perfect for bush-walking, fishing, or just hanging out by clear waters. You’ll find this little gem 550 m southeast of Babinda, off Bruce Highway.

Amenities include:

  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Phone reception
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fire Pits
  • BBQs
  • Water
  • Waste dump site
  • 2wd access

8. Biking Adventures Are the Star at Bidjar Ngoulin Campground

Biking Adventures Are the Star at Bidjar Ngoulin Campground

( Source: followmyride.com.au)

Located on the Munda Biddi Trail, a long-distance cycling trail. If you love to lounge in the shade of towering forests or bike through some of Australia’s lushest bush, put Bidjar Ngoulin on your radar. Water is provided, though the locals mention that it’s non-potable. Located at 28.5 km south of Dwellingup and 32 km from Lake Brockman. You will find well-kept amenities, including:

  • Toilets
  • Shelters
  • Water
  • Rubbish bins
  • 2wd access

7. Striking Stone Waterfalls at Boulders Rest Area

Striking Stone Waterfalls at Boulders Rest Area

( Source: freecampingaustralia.com.au )

 

7 km west of Babinda off the Bruce Highway is an enchanting forest swimming spot, perfect to relax and unwind. Boulders Rest Area is a scenic place to splash around with friends or family, and the ample facilities make it easy to enjoy this forest spot. With only 10 sites available this is a small free camping spot with lots to do.

Access via 2wd campervan or car, anyone will be able to get comfortable here and settle in for the night. There are many walks along the river, so make sure you pack your trekking boots. Boulders Rest Area has:

  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Limited phone reception
  • Fire Pits
  • Water
  • 2wd access

6. Bushy Parker Park: A Restful Oasis

Bushy Parker Park: A Restful Oasis

(Source: findacamp.com.au )

To find the most tranquil creek-side camping around, simply turn onto Rollingstone Street from the Bruce Highway, about 50 km southeast of Cairns. Bushy Parker has 30 free spots waiting for you, beside a calm creek in a lush setting. Go south under the highway bridge and you’ll find a little swimming hole as well!

You can also canoe and kayak near the campsite, so you’ll have plenty of activities to enjoy.

Amenities:

  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Phone reception
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fire Pits
  • Non-potable water
  • 2wd access

5. Riverside Relaxation at Chinchilla Weir

Riverside Relaxation at Chinchilla Weir Free Camping

(Source: camparoundaustralia.com.au )

9 km southwest of Chinchilla, on Tara-Chinchilla Road, you will find a riverside oasis with a huge range of conveniences. Accessibly via campervan or car, this spot is an awesome place for free camping in Queensland. This spot is best for self-contained vehicles, as the facilities are limited here. You have the option to camp next to the Condamine river, so you can enjoy stunning views of the water.

Beside the winding river, you’ll also enjoy:

  • Toilets
  • Phone reception
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fire Pits
  • BBQs
  • Power
  • Water
  • 2wd access

4. Rest and Recharge at First Settlers Park

First Settlers Park Free Camping

(Source: camparoundaustralia.com.au )

Just off D’Aguilar Highway in Benarkin lies First Settlers Park. This spacious family campground has a playground and a great phone reception! Hot showers are available for $2.00 extra, and the legendary Benarkin General Store across the road sells food, so you can stock up on the essentials.

First Settlers is a great place to recharge before you get back on the open road. Luxuries include:

  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Phone reception
  • Pet-friendly
  • Power
  • Water
  • 2wd access

3. Lake Elphinstone: A Spectacular Natural Lake!

Lake Elphinstone Free Camping

(Source: cel-fi.com.au )

If you love fishing, swimming, and even water skiing, you’ve got to check out this Lake Elphinstone. Located 24 km southeast of Glenden, this spectacular natural lake is surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and trail walks, a perfect spot for free camping in Queensland.

Check out the amenities waiting for you:

  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Limited phone reception
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fire Pits
  • BBQs
  • 2wd access

2. Fishing and Water Sports at Wuruma Dam

Wuruma Dam Free Camping

( Source: alchetron.com )

Wuruma Dam is a fisherman’s paradise, seasonally stocked with barramundi, golden perch, Australian bass and silver perch. People enjoy all kinds of boating, from kayaking to speed boating, with no vessel restrictions. Pets are allowed, provided they stay on-leash. Open fires, however, are not allowed on site–a fully stocked campervan with a gas grill can make this spot a bit easier to camp at. To enjoy this oasis, take Cynthia Range Road west to Wuruma Dam Road.

Features include:

  • Toilets
  • Limited phone reception
  • Pet-friendly
  • 2wd access

1. Diverse Landscapes at Fletcher Creek Camping Reserve

Fletcher Creek Camping Reserve Free Camping

( Source: freecampingaustralia.com.au )

At #1 sits one of the most stunning free campsites on the list. With rainforests to the north and desert to the southeast, you won’t run out of places to explore around Fletcher Creek. Located in Gelobera State Forest, 42 km north of Charters Towers, this is a perfect campsite for hiking, biking and observing wildlife. Amenities:

  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Limited phone reception
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fire Pits
  • BBQs
  • 2wd access

Travellers Autobarn also provides you with several options to reduce your spending when it comes to selecting campgrounds during your trip. All customers will receive on pick-up a booklet that will highlight free campgrounds all around Australia – meaning instead savings for you. You will also get discount on specific holiday parks we partner with! The benefits are endless.

Traveller’s Autobarn – Here to Guide You Through the QLD!

If we’ve got you excited to explore one of our favourite spots, then come and chat with the friendly Traveller’s Autobarn team to find out more!

When you rent a campervan from us, you get 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the road free of worries and set up camp wherever you like. Don’t pay hotel bills on your next road trip! Instead, camp for free and see the natural wonders our country has to offer.

For more information about free camping all around Australia or to access our free camping Australia article library come and explore today!


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.

Share this page