Danbulla National Park and State Forest Tropical North Queensland

Platypus camping area has expansive views of Lake Tinaroo. Photo credit: Julie Swartz © Queensland Government

Lake Tinaroo is the heart of Danbulla National Park and State Forest. Photo credit: Karl Seelig © Tourism and Events Queensland

Platypus camping area

Nestled under towering hoop pines, this waterfront camping area overlooks the dam wall and has beautiful lake views.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Bicycle
  • Boat
  • Canoe or kayak

Camping area facilities

  • Anchoring allowed
  • Wood-fired barbecue (BYO wood)
  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Picnic tables
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Campervan camping
  • Short walk to tent
  • Scenic drive
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating
  • Swimming
  • Fishing

Always check

The self-service kiosk at this park has been decommissioned.

Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

You’ll find plenty of shade to set up camp in. The hoop pines here are more than 50 years old and supply high quality plantation timber for plywood, furniture and flooring.

Wander down to the water and take in the views of the 45m dam wall—5 years in the making and completed in 1958.

Wake up early to capture the lake’s world class sunrise and watch a varied birdlife in and around the camping area.

Explore the nearby Platypus Rock, slip a boat onto the water, or head further afield along the feature packed Danbulla Road.

Getting there and getting around

Platypus camping area is in Danbulla State Forest, on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hr) from Cairns.

  • The camping area is 4km from the western entrance and 24km from the eastern entrance, on Danbulla Road.
  • Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles. The Tablelands Regional Council has erected signs indicating this road is unsuitable for caravans. For any road access problems, please contact the Tablelands Regional Council.
  • You can also get to the camping area by boat. See visiting Danbulla safely for directions to boat ramps.

For more information see visiting safely—getting there and getting around.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Platypus camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check in to your camp after 2pm and check out by 11am on the day of departure.

Platypus camping area.

Camping area features

This joint camping and day-use area is in a hoop pine plantation that was established in 1971. Popular with anglers, this area overlooks the dam wall.

Location: 4km from the western entrance and 24km from the eastern entrance of Danbulla Road.

Map: Platypus camping area map (PDF, 225.1KB)

Access: the camping area can be reached by conventional vehicle or boat. Although the camping area as a whole is accessible by car, it is necessary to park a short distance from camp sites. It is not possible to drive onto a camp site.

Number of sites: 18 numbered sites.

Camp sites are suitable for: tents, camper trailers (camp site 17) and campervans (camp site 18) (see table below).

Camp site surface: gravel.

Facilities: flushing toilets, shower room (bring own shower), picnic tables, wood barbecues (bring own wood), taps and individual fire rings.

Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply) in fire rings and barbecues only.

Generators: not permitted.

Essentials to bring: drinking water and insect repellent. Bring your own or buy firewood before entering the park. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.

Mobile phone coverage: generally available.

Camp site number Suitable for Capacity (number of people)
1 Large tent 8
2 Small tent 6
3 Small tent 6
4 Large tent 10
5 Large tent 8
6 Small tent 6
7 Small tent 6
8 Small tent 6
9 Large tent 16
10 Small tent 6
11 Large tent 8
12 Small tent 6
13 Small tent 6
14 Small tent 6
15 Small tent6
16 Large tent 8
17 Large tent or camper trailer 16
18 Campervan 6

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Danbulla safely and camp with care.