Great Places to go Camping
1 April 2025Are your campsites better described as camp palaces, or do you just roll with the bare essentials?
Whether you’re at one end of the spectrum or the other, lace up your hiking shoes, load up your 4WD (or hatchback) and string your fairy lights around these camping sites near Cairns.
BABINDA BOULDERS
Babinda Boulders swimming hole
Rise and shine, your crystal-clear morning bath awaits at one of Tropical North Queensland’s favourite swimming holes. Located only a short stroll from your humble canvas abode, take a morning dip before other like-minded adventurers arrive to cool off.
MOUNT BARTLE FRERE
Sunrise above the clouds at the highest campsite in Queensland.
This is the bare necessities campers’ time to shine. Pack your dehydrated food, Trangia stove and (ultra-light) tent and climb aboard the foot taxi (i.e. get walking) for an adventure to the highest peak in Queensland – Mount Bartle Frere. Your hike through the dense tropical rainforest is rewarded with expansive views from the Atherton Tablelands all the way to the coast. Remember, you’re now over 1,600m in elevation – the warm weather rules of the tropics don’t quite apply here and a warm sleeping bag is definitely welcomed overnight. There are two trails that you can take to venture to the summit and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
ETTY BAY
Etty Bay is frequented by cassowaries
Wave hello to the local residents, the ancient Southern Cassowary, as they meander down the sands on this small stretch of beach. These birds are seen patrolling Etty Bay most days in the early morning and late afternoon so booking a campsite at Etty Bay Caravan Park will ensure your greatest chance of an encounter. Spend the rest of your time lazing on the beach, taking a dip to keep the heat at bay, and opting to fire up a barbecue or enjoy a treat from the kiosk.
UPPER DAVIES CREEK
If you’re into roasting marshmallows on the campfire and like your tea from the billy, Upper Davies Creek is the place to be. With a total of eight sites spread out along the creek, Upper Davies allows fires and offers a bit more privacy than its Lower campsite counterpart. Enjoy sunset with uninterrupted views to the horizon from the natural infinity pool atop Davies Creek Falls before a night under the stars. For the more active of campers, Lambs Head (Kahlpahlim Rock) and Turtle Rock trailheads both begin by the campground. These challenging hikes finish 1300m and 936m above sea level respectively and are rewarded with spectacular views. Four-wheel-drives or high clearance vehicles are recommended to access the campground, though smaller cars are ok throughout most of the year.
GOLDFIELD TRAIL
Causeway on the Goldfield Trail
A 19km walk between Babinda and Goldsborough surrounded by thick rainforest vegetation makes up the Goldfield Trail. Approximately halfway the East Mulgrave River carves its way through the track marking the campground area. The causeway features a deep swimming hole and a beautiful waterfall so it’s a welcome destination after a long walk. It’s first in, best dressed as sites here are undesignated however they must be booked through National Parks. The trail is commonly walked one way, with walkers being picked up at the other end or doing a car shuffle. It’s also possible to hike to the campground and back the same way, completing half the trail.
Looking for something with a bit more comfort?
If you’re after a little extra comfort on your camping adventure, why not check into one of the many welcoming caravan parks in the region?