The best camping near Tully Gorge National Park

The Tully River flows through the heart of this national park, taking you on a wild ride through forested gullies, steep ravines, and waterfalls. The park has two sections to explore. Head to the Tablelands to hike in the Misty Mountains and marvel at the views from the Tully Gorge Lookout. In the Tully section, trek along rainforest trails and mountain tracks, cool off with a swim in the Alligators Nest swimming hole, or enjoy a picnic amid the trees. There are ways to get on the water, too—go white-water rafting, kayaking, or fishing along the Tully River.

• Best for caravans and motorhomes: Tully Gorge camping area has shady grass pitches by the Tully River, and hardened camping pads for RVs.
• Best for hikers: Cochable Creek camping area lies at the trailhead for both the Koolmoon Creek and Cannabullen Creek hikes. There are spacious grass pitches for tents only (car parking is a short walk away) with direct access to the creek.

1. Camping permits are required for all the park’s campsites, and campsites must be reserved in advance. A tag with your booking number must be displayed on your tent at all times. 
2. Book at least six weeks in advance, especially if visiting during Queensland holidays. 
3. Campsites do not have defined pitches, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

Tully Gorge is located within Queensland’s Wet Tropics, and the weather can be extreme. Expect daytime temperatures of more than 30°C through summer (December through April), along with high humidity and frequent heavy downpours. The most pleasant time for hiking and camping is from April through September, but prepare for cool nights, as temperatures can drop quickly after sundown. Waterfalls can dry up towards the end of winter, so consider visiting around April or May for the best of both worlds. 

• Tully Gorge National Park is located about a 2.5-hour drive south of Cairns. The Tully section of the park is accessed via Tully and the Tablelands section via Ravenshoe; there is no through-access between the sections. Camping is only possible with the Tully section. 
• Facilities include restrooms, picnic benches, and barbecues. Bring everything else you need with you, including sufficient drinking water. The last fuel stations on route to the park are in Ravenshoe (Tablelands section), or Cardwell and Tully (Tully section), where you can also stock up on supplies. Phone coverage is patchy throughout the park.
• Open fires and generators are allowed at some campsites, but restrictions apply. Fire bans are common throughout Queensland in dry periods, so be sure to follow current regulations. 
• The Butterfly Walk, Tully Gorge campsite, and Alligators Nest day-use area are wheelchair accessible.