Frequently asked questions

New booking system queries

About the new system

The Queensland National Parks Booking Service looks different, has it changed?

Yes. The Queensland National Parks Booking Service released on 6 February 2025 continues to allow customers to create and manage their camping and vehicle access permit bookings online. The service is accessible from www.qld.gov.au/camping. Go to how to make a booking for more information on how to make, modify or cancel your bookings.

Why is there a new booking system?

The new booking system provides more self-service functionality for customers and ensures we can continue to deliver a secure Queensland National Parks Booking Service.

Are there changes to camping permits or vehicle access permits (VAP) pricing?

No. There are no changes to current camping and vehicle access permit fees. See camping fees and vehicle access fees for more information.

Is the refund policy changing?

No. The refund policy remains the same.

Can I still make my own bookings?

Yes. For existing bookings, as long as it’s more than 2 days prior to the start date of your booking, you can change dates and/or duration, change campsites, update vehicle registrations, and request a refund. See how to make a booking for more information on making, modifying and cancelling your booking.

Can I still book a vehicle access permit (VAP) and camping permit at the same time?

Yes. You can book a VAP and camping permit at the same time. If booked together these will show up under the one itinerary in your account, giving you greater visibility on your bookings. However, Great Walks camping permits must be purchased separately.

How far in advance can I make a booking in the new service?

You can make a booking up to a year in advance. This means that the last night of your stay must fall within 12 months from today’s date.

What is the difference between itinerary number and booking/permit number?

There are 2 numbers associated with your booking:

• Itinerary number: a unique identifier for your entire booking, encompassing all components (e.g. camping permit and vehicle access permit) of the booking.
• booking number (permit number): A unique identifier for each individual component or segment within the itinerary, such as each camping area or vehicle access permit. This is the number that is also displayed on your permit tag.

Any booking change will produce a replacement booking number.

How do I provide feedback about the booking service?

Enquiries, positive feedback and complaints can be sent to us via our feedback forms.

About your existing bookings

Have current bookings that I made in the old service been automatically changed over to the new service and are they still valid?

Yes. All existing bookings made before Sunday 2 February have been transitioned to the new booking service and are valid. See log in to your account for instructions about accessing your account for the first time in the new booking service.

What do I do if I can’t see/find my booking in the new service?

If you are unable to see your bookings in the new service, please contact us using our online enquiry form, or calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68) which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, noting that mobile phone charges may apply.

Can I see my historic bookings in the new service?

Bookings that expired prior to 6 February 2025 will not immediately appear in your account. Some historic data migration will take place at a later date.

Camping permits and vehicle access permits

Which permits do I need to go camping?

You need to book and pay for a camping permit for all camping in Queensland’s parks and forests. Some parks and recreation areas also require a vehicle access permit (VAP).

How much does camping cost?

See camping fees for the fee structure and guidelines. Fees increase slightly in July/August each year

Do I need a vehicle access permit and how much does it cost?

If you’re visiting a recreation area on Bribie Island, K'gari (Fraser Island), Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), Cooloola or Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) in a vehicle, you’ll need to buy a vehicle access permit (VAP). See vehicles access permit fees for fee structure and permit details.

How do I get my permits and what do I do with them?

Permits can be booked and paid for online. After booking you’ll be emailed a booking confirmation from noreply@bookeasy.com with your e-permit camping tag and/or a vehicle tag attached.

• Camping—print a copy of your camping tag to display on your tent, or other camping equipment. If you are unable to print your camping tag, you can also write the required details on a piece of paper if the permit is not able to be printed and hard copy tags are not available.
• Vehicle access tag (recreation areas only)—you no longer need to print and display your vehicle access tag in recreation areas that have automatic number plate recognition systems. However, you still need to be able to produce a copy of your permit or tag if requested, so take a screen shot or print a copy to keep in your glovebox. You still need to display vehicle tags when in recreation areas on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) as these recreation areas do not have automatic number plate recognition systems installed.
• Display your camping tag with your permit number, camping area arrival/departure dates, number of persons authorised, surname and vehicle registration by placing in a clear plastic bag and affixing it in a conspicuous place on your camping structure. If you can’t print your camping tag or obtain a hard copy tag, write these details on a piece of paper and display this as outlined above.
• Park Rangers will check your camping tag to confirm you are lawfully camping in the area. Vehicle access permit tags will also be checked in recreation areas as necessary.

Can I save a campsite for friends or family?

No, please do not save, reserve or fence off areas—you might be taking another group’s site.

How long can I stay?

For most camping areas, the maximum stay is 29 nights (30 days) with a valid camping permit. Check in to your camp after 2pm and check out by 11am on the day of departure. The maximum stay does vary by location, especially on overnight walks, so check the camping conditions when you book.

Can I book multiple vehicle access permits on my account?

Yes. You can book multiple vehicle access permits using the Queensland National Parks Booking Service. On the confirmation screen select ‘add to cart’ rather than ‘buy now’. See how to purchase a vehicle access permit for instructions.

How do I apply for a Vehicle Exemption Permit and attach supporting documents?

Residents, landholders, visiting close relatives of residents, educational groups and workers who need to travel through our recreation areas may qualify for a fee exemption. See exemption from vehicle access permits fees for more information.

Your account and bookings

Creating and accessing account

How do I access my existing account?

If you didn't have a future booking with us in the former system as of 6 February 2025, complete your next booking without signing in and use your current email address. Once your booking is complete, you'll be sent a confirmation email with a link to manage your bookings and access your account.

If you did have a future booking, your email address is still your username in our new system. You will need to reset your password and will then be able to access your bookings and make new ones.

How do I create an account?

If there is no existing account associated with the email address you enter, an account will be created for you automatically as part of the booking process. See how to make a camping booking or how to log in to your account for further details.

Why do I need an email address?

An email address is your unique identifier in the Queensland National Parks Booking Service and is how your booking confirmation with camping and vehicle access permit tags are sent to you once your booking is completed. Current email address and mobile phone numbers also help our Rangers to manage potential safety issues. In the event of extreme weather or natural disaster forewarnings, we contact visitors registered to camp either in person, on site, or via email/SMS before arrival to advise them of any changes in conditions.

What do I do if I need to update or change my email address?

If you wish to update/change your email address on your account (for existing or future bookings), please contact QPWS on QPWS@des.qld.gov.au. Please state in your email, the current (old) email address that you have your bookings associated with and, the new email address that you are wishing to have your account associated with and have your bookings/tags/permits emailed to. Once these changes have been made, you will receive an email (or multiple emails, depending on how many upcoming bookings you have on your account) with your upcoming booking confirmation/s, camping tag/s and/or vehicle access permit/s.

What if I forget my password?

You can still access your account if you’ve forgotten your password. See forgotten your password for detailed instructions.

What makes for a good password?

Create a case sensitive password that is at least 8 characters long. For security reasons your password must contain the below:

1. lower case letter
2. upper case letter
3. a number
4. at least 8 characters
5. a special character or a space

How do I update/modify my contact details?

You can modify certain details such as your phone number and address by following the steps in ‘manage contact details’.

How do I access my account after booking over-the-counter or by phone?

Once your booking is complete you will receive a confirmation email to the address provided as part of your booking. Within this email, select ‘manage my bookings’. You will be prompted to complete your account set up and will then be able to see any upcoming bookings associated with your email. See how to log in to your account for details.

Who has access to my account information?

We’re committed to protecting user privacy.

For information on our commitment to privacy visit our privacy statement. For specific privacy information or enquiries please email privacy@des.qld.gov.au.

How do I apply for a Commercial Tour Operator or Educational group account and attach supporting documents?

Commercial Tour Operators and Educational groups are able to request a special account for bookings. Application for special account creation can be completed through the special accounts tab. See permits for special groups for more information.

Bookings

How do I make a booking?

From the Queensland National Parks Booking Service home page, click on the Camping or Vehicle Access tabs at the top of the screen to proceed through to make a booking. See howt to make a camping booking, how to make a Great Walks camping booking or how to purchase a vehicle access permit for further details.

What if I don’t have internet access?

You can still buy your permit:

• at an over-the-counter booking office
• by phone on 13 QGOV (13 74 68), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, noting that mobile phone charges may apply.

Remember to plan ahead, especially if you are travelling in regional Queensland.

The Queensland National Parks Booking Service is a responsive website so you can access the service via your mobile phone or tablet.

Alternatively, a lot of roadhouses and many accredited Visitor Information Centres around Queensland (open 7 days a week) have free Wi-Fi where you can get online.

Some of our national parks also have free Wi-Fi at visitor centres. Visit QldParks–Wifi for more information.

How do I pay for my booking?

Online bookings and bookings made via 13 QGOV (13 74 68) can be paid for using a Visa card, Mastercard or gift voucher. Over-the-counter booking offices may accept other forms of payment. Please contact them to discuss.

Do I have to book in advance?

Some camping areas are popular, and we recommend booking as early as possible, especially during school holidays. You must book and pay for a camping permit before you arrive at a camping area.

How do I check availability of a camping area?

For detailed instructions see how to check availability.

What happens if the camping area is closed or access is unsafe?

If there is a park alert advising of a park or camping area closure, you can apply for a refund of your camping permit via your online account. See instructions on how to how to cancel a camping booking.

Alternatively, you can email your refund request to qpws@des.qld.gov.au.

What if I didn’t receive my booking confirmation email or want a copy of my permit tags?

The Queensland National Parks Booking Service sends permits by email. If you didn't receive an email, please check your email account ‘Junk’ folder and ensure the sender address noreply@bookeasy.com is on your safe sender list.

If you’re still unable to find your camping and/or vehicle access permit tag please contact us with your itinerary and/or booking number to reissue it.

Why have I been put in a waiting room queue?

This may be due to an increased load on the system during a high peak period.

Modifications

How do I make changes to my booking?

For existing bookings, as long as it’s more than 2 days prior to the start date of your booking, you can change dates and/or duration, change campsites, update vehicle registrations, and request a refund. This includes on weekends and public holidays. See how to modify a camping booking or how to modify a vehicle access permit for conditions and detailed instructions.

Why have I received a request for payment email when I have already paid for my booking modification online?

If you modify your booking and an additional payment is required, i.e. you increase the number of nights, you’ll receive 2 emails:

• reservation confirmation and payment request email
• reservation and payment confirmation email.

If you have received the confirmation email, which has your updated permit tag attached, you can ignore the request for payment email.

How do I book varying numbers of people across my booking dates?

You will need to create a separate booking for each stay based on the number of campers per night. For example, if you are booking for 3 people on Saturday and 2 people on Sunday, you will need a separate booking component for each night. Both components can be added to your shopping cart before checkout. See how to make a camping booking for instructions on how to book camping permits.

How do I add varying numbers of people to an existing multi-night booking?

You will need to cancel your existing booking (see how to cancel a camping booking) and create new bookings for each stay based on the number of individuals per night. For example, if you are booking for 3 people on Saturday and 2 people on Sunday, you will need a separate booking component for each night. Both components can be added to your shopping cart before checkout. See to how to make a camping booking for instructions on how to book camping permits.

I picked the wrong numbered campsite, how do I swap to a different one?

If the camping start date is more than 2 days in the future, follow the steps within how to modify a camping booking, changing the ‘campsite’ selected under ‘Camping Area Type Details’. If the camping start date is within 2 days, cancel your booking and create a new booking for the correct site.

Can I change sites once I arrive at the camping area?

No. Once your camping permit date commences, you cannot change the permit site or location. If you do not want to stay at the site booked, you can book a new permit for a new site (if available). Cancel your original booking and request a refund of the original permit (refund policy applies). For instructions see how to modify a camping booking or how to cancel a camping booking.

How can I update the registration on a vehicle access permit?

If the start date of your VAP is more than 2 days in the future, most modifications can be made to your vehicle access permit using the Queensland National Parks Booking Service. See how to modify a vehicle access permit for conditions and instructions. If the start date is within 2 days, please contact us to request changes.

Cancellations and refunds

What is the latest day that I can cancel or change my booking?

To be eligible for a refund, the request must be made more than 2 calendar days prior to the permit start date (e.g. if the booking commences on Saturday, then any modification or cancellation must be completed prior to midnight Wednesday).

If unforeseen circumstances, such as closures, severe weather, etc., applies to your booking within 2 days of your permit, or during your stay, you can submit a refund request. Refunds will be considered in accordance with the QPWS refund policy. All refund requests must be submitted within 28 days of the camping permit end date.

See instructions on how to change or how to cancel a camping booking.

How do I cancel my booking and will I get a refund?

In the Queensland National Parks Booking Service go to ‘my bookings’, locate the permit you wish to cancel. See detailed instructions on how to cancel a camping booking.

If you cancel more than 2 days prior to the permit start date, you will receive an automatic refund.

If you cancel within 2 days of your start date, or during your stay, the cancellation will be actioned automatically and refund request raised. A refund will only be issued if there are extenuating circumstances as outlined in the QPWS refund policy. All refund requests must be submitted within 28 days of the permit end date.

How long do I have to apply for a refund?

All requests for a refund must be submitted within 28 days of the end of the permit or booking period.

Facilities and recreation

What facilities are in camping areas?

Every camping area has different facilities, from toilets to BBQs, drinking water and showers (the cost of showers may vary). Some areas are completely natural environments and have no facilities at all.

• Use the search and filter tools to find camping areas with specific facilities.

Can I take my pet with me?

See dogs and pets to find out where you can take your dog or other domestic pets.

Where can I have a camp fire?

You can have camp fires in many of our camping areas, as long as you use the fireplaces, fire rings or existing fire locations and adhere to all fire bans and restrictions. Read more about camp fires and cooking.

Where can I stay with my caravan?

To find a camping area that can accommodate a caravan use the camping area search. You can refine the list by selecting a region from the options at the top of the page or add additional features.

Are there any powered sites? Can I take a generator?

None of our camping areas have powered sites but you can use a generator at some locations. Conditions apply so read up before you leave home.

Are there smoking restrictions in national parks?

Smoking restrictions apply in Queensland’s national parks.

For further information please see Smoking restrictions in National Parks.

Where do I get a barge or ferry to K’gari or Cooloola?

If travelling to K’gari (Fraser Island), barge information is available on getting there and getting around.

Ferry information to Cooloola Recreation Area is available on visiting safely.

Can I fish in national parks?

Fishing is permitted in some of our parks and forests—fisheries regulations and, in some cases, zoning rules apply. Read more about fishing.

Can I take a firearm into a national park?

You aren't allowed to use firearms in any of our parks or forests. In national and conservation parks, you can have a firearm in your vehicle but it must be securely and legally stored. To enter a State forest or forest reserve with a firearm you'll need to get a permit.

Great Walks

How do I book my Great Walks camping?

From the Queensland National Parks Booking Service home page, click on the Great Walks tab at the top of the screen to proceed through to make a booking. See How to make a Great Walks camping booking for further details on how to make your Great Walks booking.

How do I book a Great Walks camping permit and another permit such as a vehicle access permit in the same booking?

You will need to make 2 separate bookings, one for the Great Walks, and one for the vehicle access permit.

How do I modify or cancel my Great Walks booking?

To modify or cancel your Great Walks camping booking, please contact us using our online enquiry form, or calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68) which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, noting that mobile phone charges may apply.

Where can I download or buy a topographic map?

Four of the 10 Great Walks have topographic maps that can be purchased from sales outlets or on-screen versions can be downloaded. For more information and details visit Great Walks topographic maps.

Gift cards/vouchers

Is a gift card the same as a gift voucher?

Yes. While the terminology has changed slightly, a gift voucher should be treated the same as a gift card. Find out more about gift vouchers.

Can I purchase a gift voucher and camping permit at the same time?

No. Gift vouchers need to be purchased in a separate transaction.

I didn’t get my gift voucher, can you resend it?

Your gift voucher will be sent to you via the email address entered at checkout. The email will come from noreply@bookeasy.com. Please make sure you check your junk/spam folder. If you’re still unable to locate it you can contact us.

Are gift vouchers transferrable?

No, gift vouchers cannot be transferred to another account. However, you can purchase a gift voucher and provide the voucher number to friends or family as a present. The amount of the voucher or balance remaining will not show in your account. Gift vouchers are valid for 36 months from date of purchase and can be used to pay for:

• online camping permits (including Great Walks camping permits)
• online vehicle access permits.

Find out more about gift vouchers.

Didn’t find an answer to your questions or need more help? Contact us.