Here are 9 Queensland state forest and national park campfire-friendly areas around the Sunshine Coast.
Camping fees can be found here:http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/camping_fees.html
Bookings can be made here: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/camping_bookings.html
Cost:
Fees for camping permits in national parks and other protected areas, forest reserves, State forests and recreation areas, from 1 July 2015:
- $5.95 per person per night, or $23.80 per family per night;
- $3.30 per person per night for students and accompanying adults on approved educational excursions.
Family rate
A family is 1 or 2 adults and accompanying children under 18 years.
The family rate applies to a maximum of 8 people in total.
Free of charge for children under 5 years.
All prices include GST.
1. Amamoor State Forest and Forest Reserve
Looking up the creek from the Amama walk, Amamoor State Forest. Photo: Ross Naumann, NPSR volunteer.
Location
About 180km north of Brisbane, inland from the Sunshine Coast, 20km south-west of Gympie along the Amamoor Creek Road
What’s special
Amamoor’s forests include dry forests, riverine rainforests, and hoop and bunya pine plantations. Camping areas and short walks are provided.
2. Auburn River National Park
Auburn River National Park. Photo: Robert Ashdown, NPSR
Location
About 410km north-west of Brisbane, or 255km west of Maryborough.
What’s special
The scenic Auburn River flows through a steep-sided gorge, tumbling over massive, water-sculpted, salmon-coloured granite boulders. The gorge and river are the park’s most striking landscape features. The park protects a western hardwood forest, now uncommon in the area, and provides habitat for many plants and animals.
3. Beerburrum and Beerwah State Forests
Coochin Creek near the Coochin Creek camping area in Beerwah State Forest. Photo: Ross Naumann, NPSR volunteer.
Location
About 70km or one hour’s drive north of Brisbane.
What’s special
Exotic pine plantations, open eucalypt forest and rainforest patches surround the peaks of the Glass House Mountains. Glass House Mountains lookout offers great views over all of the Glass House Mountain peaks and walking tracks. Enjoy relaxed camping close to the creek at Coochin Creek camping area.
4. Burrum Coast National Park
Burrum Coast National Park. Photo: NPSR
Location
Burrum Coast National Park is spread over four sections—between 25km and 95km south-east of Bundaberg
What’s special
Flowering heaths, quiet beaches and abundant wildlife make this park a place to retreat and relax. Several walking tracks provide excellent opportunities to explore diverse coastal habitats.
5. Conondale National Park
View across Conondale Range, Conondale National Park. Photo: Robert Ashdown, NPSR.
Location
15 km south of Kenilworth township, and about one hour west of Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast. 130 km north of Brisbane.
What’s special
With magnificent forests, deep gorges and spectacular views, this park offers walking tracks, scenic drives and grassy campsites near rainforests and mountain streams. Popular Booloumba Creek camping areas are located beside a scenic rainforest lined creek.
The Conondale Range Great Walk showcases the very best of Conondale National Park. Ancient rainforest, cascading waterfalls, crystal clear creeks, tall open forest, and expansive views are just some of the spectacular features of this walk. Visitors can take short strolls or complete the full four-day 56 km circuit walk.
6. Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park
Cooloola Recreation Area—staggering views of long sweeping landscapes. Photo: Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government
Location
North of Brisbane, between Noosa Heads (about 155 km) and Rainbow Beach (about 240 km).
What’s special
Cooloola offers something for all visitors. Four-wheel drive past towering coastal sand cliffs and coloured sands, fish straight from the ocean, canoe on tranquil waterways, hike through rainforest remnants and across vast sandblows and camp among blooming wildflowers.
7. Imbil State Forest
Little Yabba Creek close to Charlie Moreland camping area, Imbil State Forest. Photo: Ross Naumann
Location
About 150km north of Brisbane, inland from the Sunshine Coast
What’s special
Magnificent forests, deep gorges and spectacular views, walking tracks, scenic drives and grassy campsites near rainforests and mountain streams feature here.
8. Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area
Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area offers clean beaches, good fishing and coastal camping. Photo: Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government
Location
About 250km north of Brisbane and 9km north of the town of Rainbow Beach.
What’s special
Inskip Peninsula is a narrow, sandy finger of land built up by wind and waves. It forms a natural breakwater at the entrance to Tin Can Inlet and Great Sandy Strait. Inskip is a gateway to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Beach she oaks, cypress pine and other coastal trees and shrubs shade the very popular camping areas ringed by open ocean beaches and sheltered estuary shores. All are within 15 minutes drive of Rainbow Beach.
9. Jimna State Forest
Peach Trees camping area on a quiet weekend, Jimna State Forest. Photo: Ross Naumann.
Location
About 140 km north of Brisbane, inland from the Sunshine Coast and 45 km north of Kilcoy
What’s special
Jimna forests include towering hoop pine plantations, mixed eucalypt forests, several walking tracks and a creekside camping area.
