Camping near Cardwell
Beaches, tropical forests, reef, and islands await campers in the Cardwell area.
97% (297 reviews)
- Cardwell
97% (297 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Cardwell
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds near Cardwell
92%
(25)
GLOWS Garden Centre Camp
5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Mission Beach, QLD
GLOWS Garden Centre Camp is set in a large field backing onto world heritage rainforest to the East/South and adjoining Garden Centre and Raw Materials Yard to the north. We have only opened 3 x sites at this stage as it's a work in progress :)
There are 3 Sites opening 1st September 2024 and only 200m away is a cafe at our Garden Centre for a great coffee 6 days a week! You will need to be self-sufficient however we do have a cold water shower and toilets available between 7am and 5pm in the adjoining Garden Centre. We are located on Tully Mission Beach Road with the bike path between Wongaling Beach and Mission Beach running right past the front gates, so a quick ride into town and plenty of space to bring your boat!
We your hosts, (Nancy and Shane) operate the adjoining Garden Centre and Raw Materials yard so there is always something happening and with vast local knowledge of what to do and where to go, we are only happy to help.
Opening in September 2024 we have planted a tropical fruit forest plantation as well as citrus orchard and with our 50 beautiful free-range chooks (pets) you will have them wandering around freely, clucking away happily.
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from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(4)
Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park
3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Wongaling Beach, QLD
Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park Mission Beach is a boutique sized park packed with great facilities, including a large pool, gym, tv room, woodfired pizzas, great camp kitchen and lovely amenities. Our pet friendly cabins and sites offer great value accommodation for the whole family, couples or the single traveller. Enjoy your slice of our tropical paradise with powered sites perfect for everything from caravans to big rigs and motorhomes.
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from
AU$33
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(195)
Mena Creek River Retreat Camp
11 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Germantown, QLD
Our campsites are on a private horse property with pristine creek access and a beautiful spring. We are dog friendly.Enjoy beautiful grassed areas overlooking the property, or down by the creek, accessible to all campers.Please note that property access is generally suited to 4WDs, with some areas ok if you're towing a camping trailer with high clearance. Please check with us if unsure or if the weather has not been favourable.Please be mindful of our neighbours when driving to our property as there is a short distance of dirt, please drive slow not to kick up dust past the neighbouring houses. When you arrive at our property please be mindful of small children and animals roaming the grounds. There are pristine creek views from most of the camp sites, meaning you will be waking to the lovely sound of running water. There is also a beautiful spring for swimming. We are dog friendly, and can offer pet sitting. We ask you to please text us your arrival times the night before you are coming to make sure your arrival time will suit and to check on the weather for access.Children under 7 stay for free.
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from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(70)
Clearview
6 sites · RVs, Tents350 acres · Dingo Pocket, QLD
We are a working cattle property with extensive permaculture inspired production gardens. Our goals are towards regenerating the land and being as self sufficient and organic in production as possible. We encourage you leave lasting marks on the farm by being apart of our regeneration, self sufficient projects, we provide the first hand experiences to our farming lifestyle and volunteer our knowledge to encourage everyone to do their part to a more sustainable future.
Situated 15 minutes from the North Queensland town of Tully, on record as being the wettest places in Queensland. We also encourage you to explore our 350 acres of bushland, rainforest and open grasslands or used us as a base to explore the surrounding environment including the stunning Tully Gorge National Park or the beautiful Mission Beach and Dunk Island or just chill out and relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding farmland. Our campsites have near 300-degree views of the surrounding Tully Valley, down private gullies or open grasslands.
Other options in the area include sky diving, white water rafting, bush or coastal walking, swimming in pristine fresh or saltwater or star gazing this region has it all.
Pets are welcome but must be under control at all times.
We have a passion for the environment, agriculture and reducing the amount of waste created by humans, we try to reuse and repurposing as much of our own and others waste as possible. You can follow our progress to transform our farm on the Facebook page Clearview - Tully.
We are fully off-grid, so you will need to be fully self-contained, a dump point and laundry mat is available in Tully if required.
Campfires permitted.
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from
AU$17
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(117)
Mungalla Station
14 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Forrest Beach, QLD
Mungalla Cattle Station Camp (125kms north of Townsville, near Forest Beach) Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking.If you have your own tent, van or RV come and camp! Small dogs welcome. Flat sites, suitable for caravans and 2WD. Guests are welcome to use the worker's toilets and showers, though please keep in mind these are very basic if self-contained greywater can be dispersed on the ground.Mungalla Station is a historic cattle station near Ingham in North Queensland. Come and share a unique experience of the culture and history of Mungalla Station and its Aboriginal owners.Guests can meet the Nywaigi Aboriginal people, the Aboriginal traditional owners of the lands around Ingham in North Queensland. Experience our rich culture and history.Explore the property established by James Cassady, who fled the potato famine of Ireland and created a pastoral dynasty. Visit the birthplace of the world-famous Droughtmaster cattle breed, the original homestead, the graves of James Cassady and his son.Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking.We ask campers to please try to arrive before it gets dark. Please read all information provided carefully and only contact your host if absolutely necessary.
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from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)
Mission Beach Farm Stay
4 sites · Lodging, RVs160 acres · Mission Beach, QLD
The property is a tropical fruit farm, zoned 'rural' and is nestled amongst other banana farms and small acreages. The property has mountain, rainforest and farm views. We live on a country road. It is very peaceful and quiet at night. Great for star gazing, as there is low light pollution.
You can walk to the beach in around 10-15 minutes. Shops are a little further and include post office, tourist information, restaurants and cafes, clothing, massage, Lennie's fruit shop and a small supermarket. You can purchase take away alcohol from The Tavern in the main shopping area.
Woolworth supermarket, chemist, banks and bottles-shops are in Wongaling, about 10 a minute drive.
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from
AU$28.50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 2 times
Tranquil Estate
24 sites · RVs, Tents177 acres · Bilyana, QLD
Tranquil Estate is and ECO tourist site that is located 10 mins north of Cardwell and positioned in between Cardwell and Tully in North Queensland. Tranquil Estate is located at the foothills in a beautiful part of the world called Bilyana that overlooks the magnificent Hinchinbrook Island and waterway.
Tranquil Estate has approximately 10 acres of flat grassed area for parking your RV, caravan or camping for the night. We are less than 2km off the Bruce highway and the road into Tranquil Estate is a dirt road that is well maintained. There is a common use fire pit area and two wood BBQ's for use in the middle of the paddock. There is also a potable water tank for washing only. There are no toilets and drinking water available, so being self-sufficient is a requirement.
There is a massive 50-year-old Mango tree that provides a heap of shade to sit under and enjoy the environment. Behind the Mango tree are walking tracks that take you across a bridge and into the rainforest. This is a pristine environment that we want to share with our visitors. Please be mindful that we have the usual wild animals that are native to the area (Cassowary's, pythons & snakes, wallabies & kangaroos) that should always be treated with the respect that they deserve. This is a beautiful part of the world to stay, and you will enjoy stopping and recharging your batteries!
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from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(6)
Hinchinbrook View
2 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Macknade, QLD
Park up amongst the Mango Tree orchard on manicured lawn with views to Hinchinbrook Island. Ideal spot to base yourself while exploring Lucinda, The Palm Islands and Wallaman Falls or for a quick over nighter. Plenty of room to spread out.
Pets
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from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 3 times
Echo Creek Adventure Centre
29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Munro Plains, QLD
We are located in the heart of the Tully Valley in tropical Far North Queensland
midway between Cairns and Townsville, situated on a 240 acre cattle property amongst the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. A great location for nature based activities, weddings, group events, conferences and school camps, excursions or simply a weekend getaway or camping trip with the family.
When you experience the outdoors in Tropical North Queensland you open a gateway to the thrills, spills and adrenalin of activities but also the tranquil, peaceful and abundant natural aspects of the World Heritage Area of the Wet Tropics.
Echo Creek provides the doorway into this wonderful outdoor experience through active participation in the many activities, educational programs, Corporate teambuilding and leadership programs and Special Interest Retreats such as Yoga, Wellness and Raw Indulgence getaways.
Our tours and educational programs provide a wealth of information and knowledge about the Tropical Rainforest Environment but also developing and supporting team and leadership qualities for all. We offer a range of quality products from interpretative bush walks/hiking, local bush tucker tours, journey based trekking, rock climbing to student educational tours which journey you through some of the tropical north’s breath-taking World Heritage Rainforest. You can even walk in the footsteps of the Ancestors with our local Jirrbal people and weave a bracelet, paint your face, throw a boomerang and catch a fish. Let Echo Creek take you on an educational experience of a life time or simply relax and unwind at a indulging Retreat.
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from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Butterfly Valley
2 sites · Lodging160 acres · Damper Creek, QLD
Butterfly Valley Holiday Accommodation is situated on a 160 acre property, that is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine National Park. Situated just 2.8 km from the Bruce Highway, 10 minutes from the seaside township of Cardwell and close to Hinchinbrook Island, here you can escape the hustle and bustle of life to the peace and quiet of lush natural surrounds.
Enjoy private swimming holes and a waterfall that is only 300 meters from your front door, as well as a lookout over Hinchinbrook Island.
There is abundant wildlife, and of course you will see many butterflies – watch it all from your private deck overlooking the creek.
Our campsites are beside Five Mile creek on Butterfly Island and only accessible by off road vehicles.
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AU$144.50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(10)
Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Ingham, QLD
Park alongside Inghams 100 year old fully restored historical Villa. Shower and toilet facilities, power and water provided within.
The property is located 30 seconds off the Bruce Highway.
A great stop for the weary traveller. Overnight or longer if needed. An excellent stop for exploring the region, the Wallerman Falls etc. Close to all town amenities.
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AU$49
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(4)
Twitchers Rest
4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Upper Stone, QLD
Nestled in the mountains is a little grove with beautiful views and fresh crisp air.
This property is set on 5 acres of flat and sloping ground. The campsite is part rainforest and has a creek on one side. There is also lots of open forest. I find the rainforest good for enjoying the birds.
If you're up for an adventure bring your mountain bike and go riding, or head of for walks along the creek. It's very peaceful. You will find the Wallaman Falls, Mt Fox and National Parks nearby.
This campsite is located about half an hour from town.
This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower. There is a picnic table for meals, access to water, power and wifi as well as rubbish facilities.
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from
AU$24
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Cardwell
Camping near Cardwell guide
Overview
The Northern Queensland town of Cardwell is in a convenient location on the coastal Great Green Way driving route that connects Townsville and Cairns, and on the Cassowary Coast. It’s also the gateway to Australia’s largest national park, Hinchinbrook Island, as well as the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef and the wet tropics world heritage area. In short, there’s a lot to see and do around little Cardwell. Campers in Cardwell can choose between well-equipped coastal holiday parks in the town, as well as wilder campsites in the many national parks and forests in the wider area, including offshore Hinchinbrook Island. While Cardwell itself isn’t a beach destination–its foreshore is muddy and infested with crocodiles—the beaches of Hinchinbrook are spectacular.
Where to go
Hinchinbrook Island
Australia’s largest national park, Hinchinbrook Island can be accessed by boat from Cardwell, either private vessels or water shuttles that take people to and from the Thorsborne Trail. Campers on Hinchinbrook can choose between coastal and forest sites, but all are accessible only by boat or kayak and are suitable only for tent camping. Most are very basic and do not offer any facilities, while a few have toilets and picnic tables. Camping permits are required, and there are fees.
Girringun National Park
Inland from Cardwell, Girringun National Park has some incredible waterfalls that are worth going out of your way to see, particularly Wallaman Falls and Blencoe Falls. It’s also a great bird-watching spot, with seasonal waterholes and lagoons. Campers can choose from six different campsites within the park, a couple of which are hike-in only while others are suitable for caravans and camper trailers as well as tents.
Townsville
Northern Queensland’s largest city, Townsville is about two hours’ drive south of Cardwell. There are many places to camp around Townsville, whether you’re in a tent or a camping vehicle. Lake Paluma is a popular camping spot among UNESCO-listed wet tropics forests. Offshore Magnetic Island is a popular day and over trip destination from Townsville and although there’s only one actual campsite here, you can find plenty of upmarket cabin, glamping, and lodge accommodation.
When to go
Unlike much of the rest of Australia, tropical Northern Queensland experiences two main seasons—the wet and the dry—rather than four. The wet season is the hottest, and while it’s not necessarily a bad time to visit, you should expect high humidity and for some natural areas to be inaccessible due to the weather, including flooding. The dry season coincides with winter in southern parts of Australia so it’s a popular time to visit to escape the cold, and weather conditions are ideal for camping and outdoor activities.
Top cities near Cardwell
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.