Lakeside camping near Tinaroo

Known as the gateway to Danbulla National Park and State Forest, the rural town of Tinaroo opens the door to stunning scenery, epic outdoor activities, and next-level camping opportunities. Between the freshwater lakes and Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Tinaroo offers something for every camper. Explore Danbulla before heading off to Wooroonooran National Park for mountain biking and elevated boardwalks that wind through the treetops. Koombooloomba National Park offers more spectacular views with vantage points looking over waterfalls. Each park features a variety of campgrounds with amenities like toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings for a comfy campsite to call home for the night.

Danbulla National Park and State Forest

Right beside Tinaroo sits Danbulla National Park and State Forest. Lake Tinaroo draws water skiers, kayakers, anglers, and swimmers, and trails like Mobo Creek Cater walk and Cathedral Fig Tree showcase the biodiversity of this Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Tent campers can adventure to secluded boat-access campgrounds featuring numbered campsites with fire rings. Cars, campervans, and camper trailers can roll into easily accessible campgrounds with picnic tables, wood-fire BBQs, shower cubicles, and flush toilets.

Wooroonooran National Park

Experience the rush of Josephine Falls and the iconic Mamu Tropical Skywalk in Wooroonooran National Park—just under two hours from Tinaroo. The Goldsborough Valley and Palmerston area have several campgrounds that welcome tents, caravans, and motorhomes. Most campgrounds have waterfront campsites nestled along rivers and creeks with fire rings, flush toilets, and picnic tables. Both areas also feature incredible scenery and access to mountain-biking routes, walking trails, and scenic waterways for canoeing or floating on a lilo.

Koombooloomba National Park and Conservation Park

Settle into rugged campgrounds surrounded by lush rainforest in Koombooloomba National Park. Amenities like pit toilets are available, but campers need to bring all other essentials. Caravans and motorhomes will have to sit this one out, but cars and camper trailers with 4WD can conquer the winding forest roads. Swimmers and speed boats are welcome in the lake, while bird watchers keep an eye on the forest canopy. Don’t miss Tully Gorge lookout for a tip-top view of Tully Falls and the surrounding Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest.

Surrounded by tropical rainforest, it’s no surprise that Tinaroo gets plenty of precipitation—especially in summer when it’s hot and humid. Waterproof footwear and an extra tent tarp are essential in December, January, and February. A positive perk about the heavy rain is that it brings lively wildlife with it. The fish in Lake Tinaroo are most active during the warmer months, and many rare bird species migrate over from Papua New Guinea. The rain tapers off when winter arrives.