Discover the best beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Hervey Bay, Queensland

Australia
—
Queensland
—
Hervey Bay

95% (1483 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Hervey Bay

Star Hosts in Hervey Bay

Available this weekend

94%

(424)

Buxton Bush Camp

22 sites · RVs, Tents650 acres · Buxton, QLD

A 650 acre grazing and cattle breeding property flanked by the Isis River on two sides. Located upstream from Burrum Heads and Walkers Point, boating enthusiasts can explore the river system easily and the area is known as having some of the best fishing, prawning and crabbing waterways in the south east QLD. Good access for all types of vehicles, Buxton is a small fishing town situated on the banks of the Burrum River at the southern end of the Isis Shire. It's about 20 kilometres off the Bruce Highway and upstream from Burrum Heads and Walkers Point. There is a general store, picnic facilities and boat ramp. Buxton offers a relaxed lifestyle with pleasant surroundings. Boat enthusiasts are able to explore four river systems from this village. Dog friendly (refer rules please!). Toilet available for guests to use.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 5 times

Seaside Haven In The Bay

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Hervey Bay, QLD

This one acre property backs onto the Dundowran Beach foreshore in Hervey Bay. It has direct access to the beach through a private walking track. It is a 5 min walk along the beach to Brennan Park which has public toilets, a beach shower, BBQ facilities and water tap. The property itself is surrounded by trees ensuring your privacy. It has a grassy flat house pad where you can set up camp or park your RV. This property is not fenced. There is no house on this property so you will have it all to yourself. The beach is constantly changing from a thin ribbon of white sand at high tide to a 1km. walk to the low tide mark. Hervey Bay is the gateway to Fraser Island, whale watching and great fishing. Within walking distance is the Montgomery Vine Forest and Arkarra Lagoon and cafe. The local foodworks supermarket, fish and chip shop, pharmacy and doctor is a short 4 min drive away. There is also a courtesy bus that will take you to the local Country Golf Club for dinner.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(1)

Dreamtime

10 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Burrum Heads, QLD

Our beautiful 2.5 acre property, only minutes from the tranquil Burrum Heads offers generous camp sites. Our tall gum trees provide shady sites and privacy for those really hot days! Burrum Heads, our wonderful little fishing town access's the Great Sandy Straits to Fraser Island and our many local creeks and rivers. The reef brings an abundance of different variety fish and crabs to our local waters for a great fishing experience.

* Before taxes and fees

90%

(5)

Woodgate Beach Hotel Motel Caravan

20 sites · RVs3 acres · Woodgate, QLD

Property is a unique location directly across the road from one of the best beaches in Queensland. Plenty of space, large, powered sites providing perfect spot for water and beach activities. Whatever your preferred water sports may be - come along and see what all the fuss is about. Meet you at the gate.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(40)

RUSTIC RETREAT

7 sites · RVs84 acres · Maryborough, QLD

Our property is situated on the banks of the great sandy strait just 400m from the Tuan Boat ramp with access to Fraser Island by boat or kayak. We are surrounded by State forests and wetland. There is a dam on the property for swimming and playing. 400m walk to the Tuan beach and boat ramp, exit via the main gate entrance. The forshore has a park, BBQ area and picnic tables as well as garbage disposal. There is plenty of space with-in the property and surrounding forests for mountain biking, motor-biking and walking. 3km down the road in Boonooroo you will find a large park with tennis court and public BBQ's. The bowls club and Golf Club are just 3km away. This site is suitable for caravans, RV's, camper trailers. There is no toilet facility on the property. We are VERY dog friendly and can be off lead as long as the dogs are friendly towards people and other dogs and don'y try and bite our horses which roam freely. We also have other peoples horses agisting in paddocks on the property. (Please don't feed them as their owners have requested this) You can feed our horses apples and carrots. Activities you can do include boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, crabbing, walking, stand up paddle boarding, bird watching, kangaroo spotting, playing in the parks, beach tennis, mountain biking, hiking etc. Camp sites are far from the main house and other sites so you can have camp fires and play music, use generators without worry of disturbing the neighbours. We have a tap/ hosepipe at the horse stables as you drive in on nexto the main house where you can fill up water canisters but might be easier to bring your own water. Text before hand to organise so we can show you where the fresh water tap is found. Campers will need to be self contained (rubbish and toilets) and please leave your campsite the way you found it. Don't leave toilet paper or rubbish in fire pits please. Enter / Exit the main gate by pushing the code into the key pad. (Given on booking) Gate closes after 20 seconds once it is fully open so be quick. NOTE: ***During Summer months - November, December, January and February there are midgees (sandflies) at dusk and dawn and we do recommend midgee screening or spraying the mesh on your caravan windows as the standard mozzie mesh will not keep them out. Bring coils, a fan as they hate any breeze, bug spray and long sleeved pants and tops to wear in the evenings from about 5pm-7pm. After it is dark they die down!*** ***4X4's are recommended if you don't stay along the fence line as it can get muddy if there has been lots of rain. If you stay along the fence line you will be fine as the roads are compact and hard and the camp sites along this fence are higher up, they are marked with Fire Pits so camp here if you want to stay dry and get a good breeze.*** We hope you enjoy the peace and quiet out here. If you need anything please message me on HIPCAMP messages or text or call me : 0487047270 (9am -5pm) Unless in an emergency.

* Before taxes and fees

12 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Hervey Bay

94%

(424)

Buxton Bush Camp

22 sites · RVs, Tents650 acres · Buxton, QLD

A 650 acre grazing and cattle breeding property flanked by the Isis River on two sides. Located upstream from Burrum Heads and Walkers Point, boating enthusiasts can explore the river system easily and the area is known as having some of the best fishing, prawning and crabbing waterways in the south east QLD. Good access for all types of vehicles, Buxton is a small fishing town situated on the banks of the Burrum River at the southern end of the Isis Shire. It's about 20 kilometres off the Bruce Highway and upstream from Burrum Heads and Walkers Point. There is a general store, picnic facilities and boat ramp. Buxton offers a relaxed lifestyle with pleasant surroundings. Boat enthusiasts are able to explore four river systems from this village. Dog friendly (refer rules please!). Toilet available for guests to use.

* Before taxes and fees

92%

(6)

Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay

138 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hervey Bay, QLD

If you like your beach holidays packed with coastal charm, Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay has a camping, caravan, or cabin site calling your name. Located alongside the Torquay Lakes, with Torquay Beach just a short stroll away, water sports, swimming, and fishing are what your holiday agenda is soon to be all about. In fact, most of the action happens on the water in these parts. Every winter you’ll share the region with the 8000 or so humpback whales who migrate north to the warmer waters of Hervey Bay to have their young – and they put on an aerial performance you can even see from the coastline to mark their arrival. From Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay, you’ll also be at the jumping-off point to explore the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, even if only for a day. Onsite, an array of park facilities makes things comfortable for the young and young at heart – a kid’s playground, games room, and resort-style pool to name a few.

* Before taxes and fees

95%

(216)

Riverside Burrum Heads

39 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Burrum Heads, QLD

4WD access required, sand track. Welcome to Riverside, a brand new campsite for that traditional style campground experience. Heaps of space, surrounded by nature, while still a stone's throw from civilization, come and see the beauty of this incredible natural environment for yourself. We have river access and our own private river beach (beautiful sandbar) at low tide, great for paddling, bird watching or fishing. Views to Fraser Island, large flat grass fields, freshwater dams and national park forests to explore. Because we are surrounded by wilderness and on the river, depending on the weather, wind, tide and particularly during the warmer months, insects and bugs may also be present. Please be aware and bring insect spray or protective clothing to suit your visit. Pet-friendly. Flushing toilet & hot showers. Bags of firewood, ice and bait for fishing all sold on site. Campfires allowed unless fire restrictions are in place.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(40)

RUSTIC RETREAT

7 sites · RVs84 acres · Maryborough, QLD

Our property is situated on the banks of the great sandy strait just 400m from the Tuan Boat ramp with access to Fraser Island by boat or kayak. We are surrounded by State forests and wetland. There is a dam on the property for swimming and playing. 400m walk to the Tuan beach and boat ramp, exit via the main gate entrance. The forshore has a park, BBQ area and picnic tables as well as garbage disposal. There is plenty of space with-in the property and surrounding forests for mountain biking, motor-biking and walking. 3km down the road in Boonooroo you will find a large park with tennis court and public BBQ's. The bowls club and Golf Club are just 3km away. This site is suitable for caravans, RV's, camper trailers. There is no toilet facility on the property. We are VERY dog friendly and can be off lead as long as the dogs are friendly towards people and other dogs and don'y try and bite our horses which roam freely. We also have other peoples horses agisting in paddocks on the property. (Please don't feed them as their owners have requested this) You can feed our horses apples and carrots. Activities you can do include boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, crabbing, walking, stand up paddle boarding, bird watching, kangaroo spotting, playing in the parks, beach tennis, mountain biking, hiking etc. Camp sites are far from the main house and other sites so you can have camp fires and play music, use generators without worry of disturbing the neighbours. We have a tap/ hosepipe at the horse stables as you drive in on nexto the main house where you can fill up water canisters but might be easier to bring your own water. Text before hand to organise so we can show you where the fresh water tap is found. Campers will need to be self contained (rubbish and toilets) and please leave your campsite the way you found it. Don't leave toilet paper or rubbish in fire pits please. Enter / Exit the main gate by pushing the code into the key pad. (Given on booking) Gate closes after 20 seconds once it is fully open so be quick. NOTE: ***During Summer months - November, December, January and February there are midgees (sandflies) at dusk and dawn and we do recommend midgee screening or spraying the mesh on your caravan windows as the standard mozzie mesh will not keep them out. Bring coils, a fan as they hate any breeze, bug spray and long sleeved pants and tops to wear in the evenings from about 5pm-7pm. After it is dark they die down!*** ***4X4's are recommended if you don't stay along the fence line as it can get muddy if there has been lots of rain. If you stay along the fence line you will be fine as the roads are compact and hard and the camp sites along this fence are higher up, they are marked with Fire Pits so camp here if you want to stay dry and get a good breeze.*** We hope you enjoy the peace and quiet out here. If you need anything please message me on HIPCAMP messages or text or call me : 0487047270 (9am -5pm) Unless in an emergency.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 5 times

Seaside Haven In The Bay

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Hervey Bay, QLD

This one acre property backs onto the Dundowran Beach foreshore in Hervey Bay. It has direct access to the beach through a private walking track. It is a 5 min walk along the beach to Brennan Park which has public toilets, a beach shower, BBQ facilities and water tap. The property itself is surrounded by trees ensuring your privacy. It has a grassy flat house pad where you can set up camp or park your RV. This property is not fenced. There is no house on this property so you will have it all to yourself. The beach is constantly changing from a thin ribbon of white sand at high tide to a 1km. walk to the low tide mark. Hervey Bay is the gateway to Fraser Island, whale watching and great fishing. Within walking distance is the Montgomery Vine Forest and Arkarra Lagoon and cafe. The local foodworks supermarket, fish and chip shop, pharmacy and doctor is a short 4 min drive away. There is also a courtesy bus that will take you to the local Country Golf Club for dinner.

* Before taxes and fees

90%

(5)

Woodgate Beach Hotel Motel Caravan

20 sites · RVs3 acres · Woodgate, QLD

Property is a unique location directly across the road from one of the best beaches in Queensland. Plenty of space, large, powered sites providing perfect spot for water and beach activities. Whatever your preferred water sports may be - come along and see what all the fuss is about. Meet you at the gate.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(11)

Synergy Beachside Nudist Stay

6 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Hervey Bay, QLD

We are 2 minutes walk from Dundowran Beach with a heated pool , hot tub outdoor shower and fire pit with the natural harmony with nature. a place of peace and restoration while enjoying the freedom of being naked in tune with your tropical surroundings this is the place for you . Power and water is available the host lives on site and is nude at all times in keeping with the naturist philosophy and is available if assistance is required we can accommodate rv's and vans up to 7 metres there is also a tent site We are a NUDE only stay the retreat is a place for naturists and those new to naturism so in order to be able to experience the joy freedom and health of a nude lifestyle focusing on body positivity without judgement we expect all guests to be naked at all times throughout their stay Looking forward to meeting you

* Before taxes and fees

97%

(1857)

Burrum Shores Beachfront Campground

57 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents73 acres · Burrum Heads, QLD

Burrum Shores Campgrounds offers well maintained grassy sites with direct access to the beach. Access to the camp sites is via a dirt track. Accessible for 2wd vehicles with decent ground clearance and 4wd vehicles. We now have our toilets and showers completed and open. We can accept bookings from caravans, motorhomes, campers, camper trailers, tents, roof top tents and swags on select sites. Please refer to the individual site listings to ensure your camping setup is compatible with your site. Grey water must be captured in a grey water tank or a bucket and can be emptied onsite as advised by caretakers. ____________________________________________________________________________ Campfires are welcome in a raised fire pit, either bring your own or use one of our communal campfire areas. Firewood and kindling is available for purchase on arrival. You will have access to our town water drinking taps to fill your water tanks and we also have a dump point on the property. All sites are pet friendly. We ask that you keep your dogs on leash all of the time. Our only rules are that you respect the property and other guests and no generators. We look forward to welcoming you to our special spot.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(28)

Bopple Nut Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Talegalla Weir, QLD

Bopple Nut Farm is a small family farm specializing in Beef, Bees and Trees. We are a newly established Macadamia orchard with Honey Bees and the occasional friendly cow. Come and visit us and stay on one of our self-contained sites. Out of view from others and with tranquil, scenic, bushland settings. Each site provides you with space to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of life.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(2)

Beach Shed

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Toogoom, QLD

If the beach is your favourite place then this should hit the spot. The Beach shed is located in Toogoom (meaning; a place of rest). Get your dose of natures vitamans with unlimited access to sun, sand and sea. The close proximity lets you listen to the roar of the incoming tide and the waves crashing on the beach. Toogoom is a picturesque seaside community, only a 15 minute drive from Hervey Bay. This area boasts unspoilt beaches, great fishing, wildlife, bird watching and crabbing. This 660m2 property backs onto the dog friendly Toogoom Beach. On low tide there is Km's of beach for you and your little ones to explore. Play with the soldier crabs and go searching for the prettiest shells. Dont forget to watch the sun rise over the ocean from the picnic table with your morning beverage of choice. If you prefer to skip sunrise you can always start your day by preparing some dough for a pizza night with the family. The outdoor patio is equipped with a TV to watch the footy on while you fire up the pizza oven. Giving you the freedom to create all the pizza combos you wished dominos had. Even though it is a shed it has all the basic ammenties any place has. The only difference is the ceiling looks a bit different. Fully equipped kitchen is stocked with all of the things you'd need to cook a sunday roast or even a microwave meal if you'd prefer. Complimentary coffee and tea for those that need it. The bathroom has a large shower with a gas hot water system. Its a dream for anyone who enjoys hot showers. Dual washing machine and dryer for those wet weather days that won't allow you to use the clothes line. We can accomodate up to six guests. Bedroom one contains two single beds, a 40" smart Tv and USB charging outlets along with a small cuboard for clothes storage. Bedroom two which has been closed in utilising large wardrobes with hanging and shelf storage. This contains one queen size bed and a 40" smart TV along with USB charging outlets. We have added a sofa bed in the lounge room that is equivallent to a double bed. All beds linen has been provided to allow for a comfortable stay. All TVs have access to netflix as well for those much needed movie nights. The yard is fully fenced with plenty of space for your boat or jet skis. Public boat ramp is only 2.5km's from the property giving you access to the fish the nearby reefs and fraser island. There is a hose long enough to flush out your gear and give the boat a quick hose down when you finally decide to come back to land. Fraser island sealink ferry is only a 35 minutes drive away to make a day trip to one of the largest sand islands in the world. Hervey bay Wetside Water Park is also only a 20 minute drive away and is a perfect way to keep the kids happy and entertained. Swim with the turtles at Reef world Aquirium or go for a wander down the Urangan peer. FInish up the day with some dinner at the Hervey Bay boat club with a beer or wine in hand. If you have missed any essentials or you're craving a crumb sausage the Toogoom convenience store is only 800m down the road along with the pharmacy. Local restaurants are near the boat ramp for a night free of cooking and clean up duties. Throw a rod in at the jetty while you're waiting for breakfast at Goodys.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(1)

Dreamtime

10 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Burrum Heads, QLD

Our beautiful 2.5 acre property, only minutes from the tranquil Burrum Heads offers generous camp sites. Our tall gum trees provide shady sites and privacy for those really hot days! Burrum Heads, our wonderful little fishing town access's the Great Sandy Straits to Fraser Island and our many local creeks and rivers. The reef brings an abundance of different variety fish and crabs to our local waters for a great fishing experience.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 1 time

Abington Estate Retreat

10 sites · Tents51 acres · Abington, QLD

Hi there! Welcome to Abington Estate Retreat. Our retreat offers a relaxing experience with the comforts of glamping. You'll have the opportunity to see daily wildlife that visits the retreat which will enhance your wellness. Our camping and caravan grounds are both comfortable and safe, and we are also pet-friendly. On top of that, we offer an on-site concierge service for your convenience. We have an office kiosk where you can grab snacks and drinks, and we offer both non-powered and powered sites with all necessary facilities including a full camp kitchen with all the necessary equipment. Our site also includes toilets and a gas hot shower for your comfort. Finally, you can enjoy beautiful starry nights and fresh air during your stay.

* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

98%

(40)

RUSTIC RETREAT

7 sites · RVs84 acres · Maryborough, QLD

Our property is situated on the banks of the great sandy strait just 400m from the Tuan Boat ramp with access to Fraser Island by boat or kayak. We are surrounded by State forests and wetland. There is a dam on the property for swimming and playing. 400m walk to the Tuan beach and boat ramp, exit via the main gate entrance. The forshore has a park, BBQ area and picnic tables as well as garbage disposal. There is plenty of space with-in the property and surrounding forests for mountain biking, motor-biking and walking. 3km down the road in Boonooroo you will find a large park with tennis court and public BBQ's. The bowls club and Golf Club are just 3km away. This site is suitable for caravans, RV's, camper trailers. There is no toilet facility on the property. We are VERY dog friendly and can be off lead as long as the dogs are friendly towards people and other dogs and don'y try and bite our horses which roam freely. We also have other peoples horses agisting in paddocks on the property. (Please don't feed them as their owners have requested this) You can feed our horses apples and carrots. Activities you can do include boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, crabbing, walking, stand up paddle boarding, bird watching, kangaroo spotting, playing in the parks, beach tennis, mountain biking, hiking etc. Camp sites are far from the main house and other sites so you can have camp fires and play music, use generators without worry of disturbing the neighbours. We have a tap/ hosepipe at the horse stables as you drive in on nexto the main house where you can fill up water canisters but might be easier to bring your own water. Text before hand to organise so we can show you where the fresh water tap is found. Campers will need to be self contained (rubbish and toilets) and please leave your campsite the way you found it. Don't leave toilet paper or rubbish in fire pits please. Enter / Exit the main gate by pushing the code into the key pad. (Given on booking) Gate closes after 20 seconds once it is fully open so be quick. NOTE: ***During Summer months - November, December, January and February there are midgees (sandflies) at dusk and dawn and we do recommend midgee screening or spraying the mesh on your caravan windows as the standard mozzie mesh will not keep them out. Bring coils, a fan as they hate any breeze, bug spray and long sleeved pants and tops to wear in the evenings from about 5pm-7pm. After it is dark they die down!*** ***4X4's are recommended if you don't stay along the fence line as it can get muddy if there has been lots of rain. If you stay along the fence line you will be fine as the roads are compact and hard and the camp sites along this fence are higher up, they are marked with Fire Pits so camp here if you want to stay dry and get a good breeze.*** We hope you enjoy the peace and quiet out here. If you need anything please message me on HIPCAMP messages or text or call me : 0487047270 (9am -5pm) Unless in an emergency.

* Before taxes and fees

94%

(424)

Buxton Bush Camp

22 sites · RVs, Tents650 acres · Buxton, QLD

A 650 acre grazing and cattle breeding property flanked by the Isis River on two sides. Located upstream from Burrum Heads and Walkers Point, boating enthusiasts can explore the river system easily and the area is known as having some of the best fishing, prawning and crabbing waterways in the south east QLD. Good access for all types of vehicles, Buxton is a small fishing town situated on the banks of the Burrum River at the southern end of the Isis Shire. It's about 20 kilometres off the Bruce Highway and upstream from Burrum Heads and Walkers Point. There is a general store, picnic facilities and boat ramp. Buxton offers a relaxed lifestyle with pleasant surroundings. Boat enthusiasts are able to explore four river systems from this village. Dog friendly (refer rules please!). Toilet available for guests to use.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 5 times

Seaside Haven In The Bay

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Hervey Bay, QLD

This one acre property backs onto the Dundowran Beach foreshore in Hervey Bay. It has direct access to the beach through a private walking track. It is a 5 min walk along the beach to Brennan Park which has public toilets, a beach shower, BBQ facilities and water tap. The property itself is surrounded by trees ensuring your privacy. It has a grassy flat house pad where you can set up camp or park your RV. This property is not fenced. There is no house on this property so you will have it all to yourself. The beach is constantly changing from a thin ribbon of white sand at high tide to a 1km. walk to the low tide mark. Hervey Bay is the gateway to Fraser Island, whale watching and great fishing. Within walking distance is the Montgomery Vine Forest and Arkarra Lagoon and cafe. The local foodworks supermarket, fish and chip shop, pharmacy and doctor is a short 4 min drive away. There is also a courtesy bus that will take you to the local Country Golf Club for dinner.

* Before taxes and fees

92%

(6)

Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay

138 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hervey Bay, QLD

If you like your beach holidays packed with coastal charm, Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay has a camping, caravan, or cabin site calling your name. Located alongside the Torquay Lakes, with Torquay Beach just a short stroll away, water sports, swimming, and fishing are what your holiday agenda is soon to be all about. In fact, most of the action happens on the water in these parts. Every winter you’ll share the region with the 8000 or so humpback whales who migrate north to the warmer waters of Hervey Bay to have their young – and they put on an aerial performance you can even see from the coastline to mark their arrival. From Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay, you’ll also be at the jumping-off point to explore the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, even if only for a day. Onsite, an array of park facilities makes things comfortable for the young and young at heart – a kid’s playground, games room, and resort-style pool to name a few.

* Before taxes and fees

95%

(216)

Riverside Burrum Heads

39 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Burrum Heads, QLD

4WD access required, sand track. Welcome to Riverside, a brand new campsite for that traditional style campground experience. Heaps of space, surrounded by nature, while still a stone's throw from civilization, come and see the beauty of this incredible natural environment for yourself. We have river access and our own private river beach (beautiful sandbar) at low tide, great for paddling, bird watching or fishing. Views to Fraser Island, large flat grass fields, freshwater dams and national park forests to explore. Because we are surrounded by wilderness and on the river, depending on the weather, wind, tide and particularly during the warmer months, insects and bugs may also be present. Please be aware and bring insect spray or protective clothing to suit your visit. Pet-friendly. Flushing toilet & hot showers. Bags of firewood, ice and bait for fishing all sold on site. Campfires allowed unless fire restrictions are in place.

* Before taxes and fees

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach and dog-friendly camping near Hervey Bay guide

Overview

Hervey Bay (pronounced Harvey) is best known as the gateway to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K’gari), less than an hour’s ferry ride away. It’s also one of Australia’s most popular whale-watching destinations, for the passing parade of Humpback whales that visit annually. Campers can find all they need in equipment and supplies in the town, and then choose between big-name commercial camping and caravan parks and smaller, non-commercial camping grounds around the Fraser Coast. Some of the best are in Wongai State Forest, where you can camp near picturesque waterholes. Kayaking and canoeing is popular, and there are easy walking trails.

Fraser Island (K’gari)

The world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island (K’gari) is popular with campers, hikers and fishermen, but can only be accessed by 4WD vehicle or on foot. Sandy tracks criss-cross the island. As well as beach camping, there are protected camping sites behind fences to keep out wild dingos, recommended for families with children under 14. Don’t-miss spots include the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and the lush rainforest of Central Station.

Bundaberg

About 90 minutes’ drive north is the sugar milling town of Bundaberg, where nature lovers flock in summer to witness the turtle nesting season at the largest rookery in the Southern Hemisphere, on the beach at Mon Repos. Bush and coastal camping spots abound, a mix of commercial operations and council-run campgrounds. One of these is Norval Park Campground, close to the ocean but with no facilities, open to tents and trailers only (a permit is needed).

Lady Elliot Island

Glamping is the only camping option on Lady Elliot, one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most remote inhabited islands. Access to the island is by air only, booked through Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, from Hervey Bay or Bundaberg. Tents are close to the lagoon and each has a deck where you can watch nesting seabirds and turtles (in season). Less expensive cabin accommodation is available. The highlights are snorkelling off the beach, 20 dive sites, and Manta Ray (best in winter).

When to go

Book well ahead at any time of year, especially for camping on Fraser Island. During whale-watching season (August to October), the region is busy. The best weather is in Spring (September to November), when there is little rain and the summer humidity hasn’t kicked in yet.

Know before you go

Allow at least three days to explore Fraser Island.
On Fraser Island, it is illegal to feed or interact with dingos (wild dogs), which have been responsible for fatal attacks on visitors. Heavy fines apply.
Whale watching season in Hervey Bay runs from August to October.
Camping permits are required for all Queensland National Parks, forests and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival.