Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area Sunshine Coast

S.S. Dorrigo camping area. Photo credit: Queensland Government

Soak up a tranquil sunset over Inskip Peninsula. Photo credit: © Ben Blanche

SS Dorrigo camping area

There’s something for every camper at this popular beachside spot on the eastern side of the peninsula.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  • Tent camping
  • Caravan camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Campervan camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Walking
  • Fishing
  • Dogs permitted (on leash)

Always check

Set up camp with ocean views of Double Island Point, or seek out a more sheltered patch among the red ash and sheoaks. From here you can fish, walk and drive in the surrounding recreation area and marine park.

Why S.S. Dorrigo? The names of six camping areas on the Inskip Peninsula recall past shipping history. On Good Friday 2 April 1926 the steamer S.S. Dorrigo, bound for Thursday Island from Brisbane, sank in heavy seas several kilometres off Double Island Point. The captain and his son were rescued, the body of the bo’sun was found on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), but all 21 other crew members disappeared without a trace.

Camping area features

Open camping area within the fenced area behind the foredunes. No formally defined sites.

Please note:

  • Casurina equisetifolia provide dappled shade in some areas.
  • It is only a short walk to the surf beach or to the more sheltered Pelican Bay.
  • Some camp sites provide views across the ocean towards Double Island Point.
  • Other camp sites, located closer to the bitumen road, are more sheltered from prevailing ocean winds.

Location: Behind the foredunes, off Inskip Point Road. This is the second camping area from the entrance of the recreation area.
Also see: Inskip Recreation Area map (PDF, 1.9MB) and S.S. Dorrigo camping area map (PDF, 163.1KB)

Access: 4WD only on sand tracks. Access only off Inskip Point Road, vehicle access permits are not required.
Please note:

  • See the map on the sign at the camping area entrance for access details.
  • No vehicle access to or from the beach from within this camping area.
  • A beach access track is located just south of the camping area's entrance.

Number of sites: Open area without separately defined sites.
Please note:

  • Occupation of a camp site is on a ‘first in, best placed’ basis.
  • Reserving or roping off areas is not permitted.
  • All structures under a single camping permit must be in one place and no more than 3m apart.
  • Don't spread your camp too far, so others can fit in too; rangers will ask you to move structures that have taken up an unreasonable amount of space.
  • Camping more than 30 days is prohibited.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside a 4WD vehicle, off road camper trailers, campervans and caravans.

Camp site surface: Grass and/or sand.

Facilities: Four hybrid toilet blocks are provided in this camping area. One has a wheelchair access ramp.
Please note:

  • No showers.
  • No drinking water taps.
  • Rubbish bins are located near the camping area exit.
  • If you bring a portable toilet, the nearest waste disposal facility is available at the council service facility located on Clarkson Drive just outside of Rainbow Beach. Do not empty portable toilet waste into the camping area toilets. Penalties apply.
  • The service facility also has drinking water—take your own water storage containers.

Open fires: Permitted in pre-existing fire sites, except when QPWS-imposed fire prohibitions or QFES fire bans are in place. Fuel stoves are recommended.
Also see: the short video about campfire prohibitions and fuel stoves.

Generators: Only low decibel generators up to 2.0Kva are permitted. Turn generators off after 9pm.

Essentials to bring: Drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fuel or gas stove, first-aid kit, sunscreen, sand pegs.
Please note:

  • For campfires bring clean, untreated firewood such as milled timber off-cuts.
  • Bring kindling and fire lighters as collecting and burning wood, including leaves and twigs, from the protected area is illegal and penalties apply.
  • If you bring a portable toilet, please dispose of your toilet waste at the council service facility on Clarkson Drive just north of Rainbow Beach. Do not empty portable toilet waste into the camping area toilets. Penalties apply.

Also see:

Bookings: Camping permits are required before setting up camp. Book online or learn about our camping booking options. Advance bookings are required, especially for holiday periods including long weekends and public holidays.
Also see: Camping during peak periods

Mobile phone coverage: Intermittent.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

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

View all park alerts