The Queensland Coastline boasts at least 16 great Queensland free & low cost camps from Brisbane to Cairns alone!

The East Coast of Australia is the most popular road trip destination in Australia and no more so than the Brisbane to Cairns leg in Queensland.

With so many famous locations and must see destinations such as the Gold Coast, Noosa, Fraser Island, 1770, the Whitsundays, Mission Beach plus the Daintree and Cape Tribulation it is no surprise why so many travellers hitch up to visit Queensland and some never leave.

Let’s also not forget one of the 7 Great Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef, is a worldwide attraction and an incredible drawcard for the Sunshine State.

The warmer weather in Queensland is also very attractive to those living in the southern states of Australia, especially during the winter months of the year.

With so many experiences to be had saving on accommodation allows you to experience more of these amazing locations.

We have listed some great Free and Low Cost camps where you can stay when travelling from Brisbane to Cairns in beautiful sunny Queensland.

Here are favourite 16 Great Queensland Free & Low Camps from Brisbane to Cairns:

1. Hugh Muntz Park, Beenleigh Brisbane

Hugh Muntz Park camping is approx halfway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane at Beenleigh.

This is a Free camp situated in a park setting and is walking distance to shops including groceries.

The park provides drinking water and BBQ’s plus it is pet friendly.

There are toilets available plus a dump point on site.

The max stay is 3 nights.

Be aware the campground is located close to the busy M1 Pacific Motorway.

We recommend visiting the nearby Beenleigh Rum Distillery. Tours of the distillery are available also.

2. Lawnton Showgrounds, Lawnton Brisbane

The Lawnton Showgrounds are located in the Pine Rivers region on Brisbane Northside.

Ok, the Showgrounds are not free and at $25 a night why is it in this list?

For a major city offering fantastic facilities such as available here it is the Best Stopover when you have to stay in Brisbane. It is simply excellent low cost value.

All sites are powered and have water for just $25 a night and you can stay up to 21 nights.

There are 2 toilet blocks, a good camp kitchen, dump point and it is pet friendly.

Lawnton train station is within walking distance to catch a train for appointments in the city plus BCF, Bunnings, Supercheap Auto and the Lawnton Swimming Pool are also only a short stroll away.

We recommend taking a look around the Lawnton Markets which are on each Saturday morning to enjoy a great Bacon & Egg burger and drink plus find a bargain.

Read about: 21 Best Things to do in and around Brisbane

3. Cooroy RV Stopover, Sunshine Coast

A perfect spot to stay when visiting the Sunshine Coast, only 20 minutes drive to Noosa.

The Cooroy RV Stopover is a low cost camp and offers an excellent place to stay with good level grassy grounds.

Drinking water is available plus bins and a dump point are in place.

The Cooroy RV Stopover is also pet friendly.

You will need to be self contained meaning toilet on board plus holding tanks for black and grey water.

Maximum stay is 72 hours.

We recommend walking Noosa National Park and explore its incredible beauty and if reasonably fit, take a walk to the top of Mount Coolum during your stay.

4. Tiaro Memorial Park, Tiaro

Just 27kms south of Maryborough is the fabulous Tiaro Memorial Park Free Camp. It’s only small however there are toilets and hot showers available.

It is also pet friendly.

We found this a great spot for an overnighter.

5. Hervey Bay Free 48 Rest Stop, Hervey Bay

Behind the Hervey Bay Information Centre is a good 48 hour Rest Stop. You do need to be self contained.

There are no facilities except a dump point which is locked, access is by a key at the Information Centre desk.

It is just 5 minutes from town and all the features of Hervey Bay.

While in Hervey Bay take a Whale Watching tour and don’t miss the opportunity to see the World Heritage Listed Fraser Island.

Read more: Our Trip from Hervey Bay to Bundaberg

6. Workmans Beach Campground, Agnes Water

This is a fantastic campground in one of Australia’s most beautiful locations.

Agnes Water/ 1770 is a beautiful small town on Queensland’s Coastline between Bundaberg and Gladstone.

The Workmans Beach Campground is just 400m to the beach and provides toilets, BBQ’s and is pet friendly.

While in town head to 1770 for spectacular Sunsets and Sunrises and enjoy the Larc Tour to Bustard Head.

7. Boynedale Bush Camp, Lake Awoonga

Lake Awoonga is just 30kms from Gladstone in Queensland and the Boynedale Bush Camp is set overlooking the lake.

A few years ago millions of Barrimundi fingerling were released in to the Lake along with some Mangrove Jack and with Red Claw also available it can be a great place to go fishing and camping.

There are toilets available however no power, no water and no bins.

Dogs are discouraged as there is a lot of surrounding wildlife.

8. Calliope River Rest Area, near Gladstone

The Calliope River Free Camps are located on both sides of the Calliope River and are a very popular overnight place to stay for travelers.

There are toilets available and fires are allowed. Pets are permitted also.

It is just a 20 minute drive to Gladstone from the Campgrounds.

9. Kershaw Gardens Free Camp, Rockhampton

The Kershaw Gardens Free Camp is a simple space on the edge of parklands in Rockhampton.

It is well located and within easy walking distance to Coles, Kmart, Chemists, Camping Stores and lots more.

The Free camp is available for 48 hour stay. There are no facilities and you must be self contained.

The Rockhampton Council have been fantastic and fought to keep this Free Camping space for travelers for the benefit of all businesses in Rockhampton and we acknowledge this and thank the Council for their wisdom and courage.

While in Rockhampton we recommend visiting the spectacular region of Yeppoon.

10. Carmila Beach Campground, Carmila

100 kms south of Mackay is the ocean front Carmila Beach Camping Ground.

Previously a Free place to stay it is now $12.50 per vehicle a night.

There are toilets, bins and a dump point available and it is pet friendly. You will need to bring your own water and please place your rubbish in the bins provided.

There is great fishing in the rivers either side of the Campground.

Watch our video of getting our Motorhome bogged in the sand at Carmila Beach.

11. Notch Point, Ilbilbie

Spend 7 days with stunning views and fantastic fishing for Free at Notch Point in Queensland.

Take the turnoff at Ilbilbie but it is 4WD only and the track includes tidal pools of water to navigate.

There are no facilities and you will need to take all your provisions with you.

It is pet friendly but before letting your dog go swimming there’s plenty of signs regarding sharks and possible salt water crocodiles.

12. RV Park Proserpine & Peter Faust Dam Proserpine

There are now 2 Free Camping options at Proserpine thanks to a progressive local Council and both are excellent options.

The Peter Faust Dam at Lake Proserpine opened in October 2019 and provides a 72 hour stay for Free. It is accessible for rigs of all sizes.

There are toilets and showers plus it is pet friendly.

Back in town is the RV Park Proserpine which offers 48 hour Free camping for Self Contained RV’s.

Drinking Water is available plus there are bins and a dump point.

It is also pet friendly.

Proserpine is the gateway to the phenominal Whitsundays and Airlie Beach. We highly recommend the Ocean Rafting Tour.

Book your Ocean Rafting Tour here>

13. Toomulla Beach Rest Area, north of Townsville

Just 40kms north from Townsville is the Toomulla Beach Rest Area.

Toilets, BBQ’s and bins are available and it is pet friendly.

This is an excellent free camp however remember to bring your insect repellent as there are mangroves nearby so midges and mosquitos are always possible.

Read more: Winning the War against Midges or Sand Flies

14. TYTO RV Park, Ingham

The TYTO RV Park isn’t Free but it is just $10 per vehicle and with such beautiful surroundings it sure is worth it.

Register and pay at the Information Centre next door. Given it is located on wetlands there is a strict no grey water on the ground rule.

The TYTO RV Park is a maximum 48 hour stay.

It is pet friendly and water, toilets, bins and a dump point are all available.

While staying at TYTO RV Park in Ingham do the day trip to the amazing Wallaman Falls.

15. Babinda Rotary Park, Babinda

The Babinda Rotary Park Rest Area is a great Free camp beside the river and offer toilets, drinking water and $2 hot showers.

Maximum stay is 72 hours.

There is also another free camp nearby at beautiful Babinda Boulders.

Babinda is less then an hours drive to Cairns.

16. Greenpatch Reserve, Gordonvale Cairns

The Greenpatch Reserve is located in Gordonvale besides the Mulgrave River just 23kms from Cairns CBD.

This Free camp is very popular and provides toilets and $1 hot showers. Bins are also available.

It is located near the highway so can be noisy.

Maximum length of stay is 72 hours.

Read all about the Things to See and Do in Cairns plus don’t miss a Day trip to Fitzroy Island.

Book your Fitzroy Island tickets here>

Check out: Things to See and Do in Cairns

A couple of tips for Free camping

• Arrive between 9am and 1pm just after others have left for their next adventures. By mid afternoon most Free Camps tend to get busy with other travellers arriving to set up camp.

If you turn up early you have a much better chance at securing a site and a better spot.

• Don’t just leave with your own rubbish but clean up the immediate space around you.

If we all commit to being responsible for leaving our space cleaner than when we arrived then in no time we will all be staying in a clean environment.

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There are so many free camps but these 16 Great Queensland Free Camps from Brisbane to Cairns are our favourites in our home state. Let us know in the comments below if you have stayed at any others that you rate highly.

Check out these other great blogs:

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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The Beerwah Sportsground turned out to be an excellent place to stay to explore the surrounding region.

Beerwah is in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and is near the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains in Queensland.

The Beerwah Sportsground no longer provides power, unfortunately the Sunshine Coast Council put a stop to it, however it is still a great value place to stay.

Beerwah Sportsground Camping Facilities

Water is available to connect to and there are toilets and bins on site.

The swimming pool complex next door offers $2 hot showers and a great place to enjoy a swim and cool off in the warmer months.

The Beerwah Sportsground is pet friendly and therefore dogs are allowed.

There is an outdoor exercise equipment area to use plus there is a children’s playground. There’s also the football grounds to run and play and the public swimming pool is just next door.

A skate park is also nearby providing lots to do for kids.

It is a 3 nights maximum stay within any 7 night period at the Beerwah Sportsground.

We had excellent phone coverage with both Telstra and Vodafone.

A mobile coffee van is also onsite with the Wandering Bean Mobile Cafe located at the entrance to the Sportsground.

ALDI, a chemist and a range of other shops are all an easy walk away.

We found it to be quiet and peaceful and we had plenty of space around us.

How to Book into the Beerwah Sportsground:

To check for availability and book a site we recommend to contact the Beerwah Sportsground prior to arrival.

The local Beerwah Discount Tyres & Batteries Store were superb in helping us with a problem tyre valve and we can highly recommend them too.

The cost to stay is $15 per night for 2 adults on an unpowered site.

Our stay was 20-21st August 2020

How to get to the Beerwah Sportsground:

Take the Roys Road exit from the Bruce Highway and follow Roys Rd to Beerwah and go through the traffic lights to the rounadbout and turn right in to Roberts Rd.

From Roberts Rd take the first right in to Sportsground Drive and continue in to the sportsground.

Beerwah Sportsground Contact Details:

Phone: (07) 5494 0513
Facebook

Things to see and do in and around Beerwah Sportsground

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is close by and a great day out to see many amazing animals and visit the Animal Hospital.

Cuddle a Koala and watch the Crocodile show at the Crocoseum.

Book your Australia Zoo tickets here>

The Big Mower

See the Big Mower and add it to your list of Big Things to See around Australia.

Glass House Mountains

The Glass House Mountains are stunning and there are several mountains available to climb, all at varying level of difficulty.

The Wild Horse Mountain Lookout offers the perfect place to witness the spectacular views of the Glasshouse Mountains at sunset.

A short but steep climb to the lookout provides stunning 360 degree views.

Visit Maleny and Montville

A trip in to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland includes a visit to the beautiful small townships of Maleny and Montville.

Here you can see waterfalls, walk National Parks, visit wonderful Farms and Dairy’s and witness the incredible views from several lookouts.

Pin It!

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Check out these other interesting blogs:

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.

The Coochin Creek Campground is a very popular camping spot for locals from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast looking for great waterfront accommodation.

It is perfectly located approximately halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and has easy bitumen access all the way except the last 200m of easy gravel road to the campground entrance.

Situated alongside Coochin Creek there is great fishing and crabbing in the creek. There are two boat ramps nearby to launch your tinnie.

Coochin Creek Campground Sites

The sites are all different sized, some are small and suited for tents, others are bigger for Campervans and Vehicles and a few are large and designed for Caravans and Motorhomes. Check images on the website prior to booking.

Are pets allowed at Coochin Creek Campground?

It is State Forest and not National Park however pets are not permitted at Coochin Creek Campground.

Campground Facilities

There is a new modern toilet block and new BBQ’s available.

There’s no showers and no water onsite, you will need to bring your own provisions in this regard.

The sites are very shaded with trees and therefore receive limited sun. That meant we weren’t generating a lot of solar power in to our system.

Generators are not permitted at the Coochin Creek Campground.

We had good phone coverage with 2 bars of 4G Telstra and 3 bars of Vodafone during our stay.

There are fire pits at each site and we had a great evening around a fire and cooking over hot coals.

Mosquitos and Midges weren’t too bad during our stay but in the warmer months we imagine they could be a real issue. Ensure you bring plenty of your preferred insect repellent with you.

Read about: Winning the War against Midges or Sand Flies

There are signs saying no swimming in Coochin Creek. We have heard a lot of feedback that there are a lot of Bull sharks within the creek system.

Coochin Creek Camping Prices

The cost to stay is $6.75 per adult per night.

Our stay was 18-19th August 2020

How to get to Coochin Creek Campground

Take the Roys Road exit off the Bruce Highway and head East. After the Highway take the first right and continue on Roys Rd until you see the sign to Coochin Creek Campground on your right.

How to book Coochin Creek Campground

Book your site through the Queensland Parks and Forests website. 

On the right on this page you will see the icon Book your Campsite. Click on it and sign in or register an account to follow the steps of booking your site.

If you have any problems you can call Queensland Parks and Forests on 13 74 68.

What else is there to do in and around Coochin Creek Campground?

Explore Coochin Creek

A drive further to the very small township of Coochin Creek takes you past strawberry farms, pineapples, honey and turf farms, a few houses and the creek that winds it’s way around before finally opening into the Pumicestone Passage which separates Bribie Island from the mainland.

Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

We highly recommend taking the walk up to Wild Horse Mountain Lookout for stunning sunset views over the Glasshouse Mountains.

Read more: Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

Coochin Creek Fishing

Coochin Creek is great for fishing. There’s access to the creek directly from the campground to throw your line out and there are also two boat ramps within a short drive from the campground for those wishing to launch their tinnie .

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is close by and is a great day out for adults or kids.

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Read more great places to stay and visit on the Sunshine Coast:

Safe travels

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

_______________________________________________________________________

Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/

Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.