Camping

In Hinchinbrook

Who doesn’t love the great outdoors?! What better way to explore the untouched, wild, unseen sanctuary of Queensland than packing the car and heading off to one of Hinchinbrook’s favourite camping spots for a getaway. Hinchinbrook has many idyllic camping grounds… and the perfect warm climate to ensure the best camping experience ever!

Paluma Range National Park

The Paluma Range National Park, the southern gateway to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, is a haven for nature lovers. With a range of accommodation options to choose from including camping, caravanning, B & B or even just roughing it under the stars.  Camp at Big Crystal Creek or the Paluma Dam, enjoy the scenery and take in everything that nature has to offer. Big Crystal Creek also caters for caravans and motorhomes, set up your new home for a few nights to give you more time to explore. Stay within the Paluma village at a B & B and find out all the insider tips by getting to know the locals.

Lake Paluma is located 12 kilometres from the township of Paluma along a dirt road.

Please check road conditions as heavy rain and strong winds can cause road closures. This area is not suitable for large caravans or motorhomes as the road is quite winding and tight in some places. Camp in a small caravan, camper trailer, tent or swag. Sites are limited and bookings are essential, without a booking you are not guaranteed a camp site. Lake Paluma is the perfect place for a little getaway for a couple, family, or a group of friends.

Explore Lake Paluma and discover the natural wonders that live within. Enjoy swimming, canoeing or paddle boating by day and a nice warm fire at night. Firewood is available for purchase when rangers are on site daily (payments by credit/debit card only), or you can supply your own untreated firewood (collection from the forest is not permitted).

Hinchinbrook Island

If you are after a truly Jurassic Park experience, rugged and remote bush camping opportunities are available on Australia’s largest Island National Park! Completely uninhabited, untouched, unspoilt and uncommercialised, it’s the ultimate back to nature experience.  Each campsite is distinct and offers a variety of facilities and activities to see and do.

CAMPING AREAS INCLUDE

• Sea Kayaking: Wilderness camping, with access to locations along east coast of Hinchinbrook Island.
• South Macushla: Shady beach side camping with toilet and picnic table facilities, perfect spot for boat camping and adventures exploring the island and surrounds.
• South Zoe Bay: One of the most popular camping spots on the island, toilet and picnic facilities, entrance point to the famous Zoe Falls, stunning beach side camping with views of the bay.
• Sunset Beach: Wilderness camping, intimate and idyllic, perfect place to start your adventure exploring the east coast.
• The Haven (Scraggy Point): Grassy camping area with toilet and picnic facilities, the only camping area on the western side of the island, beautiful views overlooking the Hinchinbrook Channel.

Camping permits are required and can be booked with Queensland National Parks or at the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre.

ORPHEUS ISLAND

There is no anchoring area offshore but anchoring in the sand adjacent to the beach is permitted. Facilities at Pioneer Bay include a composting toilet and a picnic table. Fires are prohibited so it is recommended to bring fuel stoves.

South Beach camping features remote island wilderness camping and is located on the south-east end of the island with views of Fantome Island.

Totally back to nature, this camping area provides no facilities. Fires are prohibited so it is recommended to bring fuel stoves.

Camping permits are required and can be booked with Queensland National Parks or at the Hinchinbrook Visitor Information Centre.

Mount Fox

There is a great camping area nestled at the Mount Fox Cricket Grounds, situated a small distance away from the Mount Fox National Park area. Mount Fox is a place of incredible contrasts, from the tropical rainforests, open woodlands to the edge of the desert where the flat plain continues almost unabated until the coast, roughly 6000 kilometres west.

The grounds offer facilities such as toilets, hot showers, an undercover area with seating, children’s playground, rubbish bins and bore water. Fire pits are permitted. The camping area is also dog friendly. 

Although the camping area is free, a $10 per night donation is much appreciated. All donations go towards the Mount Fox Rural Fire Brigade, who volunteer their time to maintain the camping area. The diversity of landscapes provides habitats for an incredible range of flora and fauna, and combined with the elevation, brings cooler temperatures. Mount Fox is Hinchinbrook’s hidden gem.