Dog-friendly and waterside camping near Brisbane
Brisbane's camping options include rainforest retreats, beachside national parks, and island escapes.
- Brisbane
Popular camping styles for Brisbane
Dog-friendly and waterside camping near Brisbane guide
Overview
Riverside Brisbane, Australia's only sub-tropical capital city, is also one of the country's sunniest, with an average eight hours of sunshine each day. With weather this kind, you know camping is going to be fun, whether you're chasing the waves on the beach, heading up into the hills for some cool rainforest respite, or hanging offshore at one of the sand islands in Moreton Bay for some wild, off-road adventures. A highlight of any trip will be meeting the wildlife—you can hand feed wild dolphins on Moreton Island, camp with koalas on North Stradbroke, and walk with birds in the rainforest.
Where to go
Gold Coast Hinterland
A world away from the beaches and glitzy high rises of the Gold Coast, the lush hinterland is the green behind the gold. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the bushwalking trails in the World Heritage-listed rainforest of Lamington National Park and Tamborine Mountain.
The Scenic Rim
The mountainous backdrop to Brisbane is a largely untouched swathe of bushland and rainforest that belies the notion that a bustling metropolis is just a stone's throw away. A short drive through Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious along the Northbrook Parkway to the country towns of Kilcoy and Woodford takes you into a rugged wilderness with state forest and national park camping sites.
North Stradbroke Island
Keep your eyes on the trees if you're camping on "Straddie"—they're full of koalas. Opt for a luxe campsite or glamping at a beachside caravan park. Or, if you have 4WD, hit the sand to experience the dunes and the beach.
Moreton Island
The Brisbane River empties into the sea in Moreton Bay, a short ferry ride from the Brisbane CBD. Moreton Island, one of the largest sand islands in the world, is 38 kilometres long and 98% national park land. Five campgrounds and four bush camping areas sit along the beach, with almost every campsite offering a stunning water view.
When to go
It's warm enough for short sleeves and swimming almost all year in Brisbane, although the mountain ranges tend to be a little cooler than the coast. Summer can be wet and stormy, and it rains a lot in the rainforest, so bring wet weather gear. Straddie is a popular spot with locals, so you'll need to book ahead during summer holidays.
Know before you go
- If you’re towing a caravan or driving a large motorhome, be aware that some of the steep, narrow roads around Nerang and Canungra and in Lamington National Park are unsuitable for larger trailers.
- All roads on Moreton Island are 4WD only, and all vehicles must have an access permit obtained from the state government.
- Check the tide charts before driving on the beaches of North Stradbroke or Moreton Island, as the road tends to disappear as the tide rises.
- Stradbroke Island ferries depart from Cleveland, while Moreton Island ferries leave from the Port of Brisbane.
