Escape the everyday—family camping in the paradise of the Sunshine and Fraser coasts
Issued: 18 Jun 2023

From sheltered bays to remote islands, the Sunshine and Fraser coasts offer a diverse range of camping experiences, perfect for families seeking entertainment, relaxation and quality time together.

We’ve gathered together some of the best family-friendly camping areas in the Sunshine and Fraser coast region. Whether you're after sparkling beaches, lush rainforests, or a combination of both, or if you're seasoned campers or just starting out, we’ve got the perfect spot to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

A family safe-haven with coastal charm and natural wonders

Nestled behind the foredunes on the western side of K'gari, Great Sandy National Park, where world heritage rainforest meets the salty waters of Great Sandy Marine Park, the Wathumba (tent or trailer) camping area offers plenty of opportunities to relish nature's delights. Get the family together and witness the majestic spectacle of migrating humpback whales frolicking offshore during the winter months, try your luck casting a line into Wathumba Creek, or why not launch the kayak or tinny and embark on a coastal cruise.

The camping area is enclosed by a wongari (dingo) deterrent fence, creating a more sheltered and safe environment for families with young children and teenagers. While the kids explore within the camping area, you can sit back, relax, and take-in the true K’gari coastal camping experience, knowing they’re better protected from the iconic island locals.

Remember to Be dingo-safe while out and about exploring K’gari.

Get the family together and enjoy creek life and beach life at Wathumba camping area. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government Choose a beautiful camp site nestled in cypress pine woodland at Wathumba camping area. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government Search the sky for brahminy kites at Wathumba camping area. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Camping doesn’t have to mean giving up all your creature comforts

Planning what to pack in the four-wheel drive for a family camping trip can feel a lot like playing one giant game of tetris, trying to make room for all those extra items as well as the kids. Thankfully, when you book a site at Dundubara (tent or trailer) camping area, located on the eastern side of K’gari, Great Sandy National Park, you can stress less about the small stuff and worry more about what activities you’re going to do with the family when you arrive.

Simply park-up, pitch the tent or camper trailer, and settle comfortably into your vacay, with on-site amenities like flushing toilets, picnic tables, a waste transfer station, and $2 hot showers. Not to mention the camping area is enclosed by a wongari (dingo) deterrent fence, so you can enjoy a tranquil and memorable stay, while the kids explore in the safety of this coastal woodland camping area.

Remember to Be dingo-safe while out and about exploring K’gari.

Dundubara camping area is sheltered from the strong ocean winds and surrounded by shady woodland. Photo credit: © Queensland Government The dingo (wongari) deterrent fenced Dundubara camping is tucked just inland from the beach. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government Be dingo safe when visiting K’gari, Great Sandy National Park. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

Waterside camping at reputedly the largest perched lake in the world

Nestled amid towering scribbly gums, blackbutt and bloodwoods, Lake Boomanjin camping area offers a unique camping experience on the world’s largest sand island, K’gari. Set up camp then gather the kids together for a short stroll down to the lake's edge, taking in the chorus of birdsong that fills the open forest air along the way.

Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters for a cool swim or leisurely kayak excursion, and as the sun sets, witness the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant hues, painting the lake in ethereal colours. After a restful night’s sleep within the safety of the wongari (dingo) deterrent fence enclosing the camping area, pack some snacks in the car, and continue your journey along the Southern Lakes scenic drive, admiring the breathtaking natural beauty that characterises this World Heritage-listed paradise.

Remember to Be dingo-safe while out and about exploring K’gari.

Sunrise at Lake Boomanjin on K’gari, Great Sandy National Park. Relax at Lake Boomanjin camping area and take in the wonderful view. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

A hidden gem for those who love all the perks of beach access

If you’re after some family down time in nature away from the hustle and bustle of other recreational activity goers, then check out Freshwater (tent or trailer) camping area in the Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park. This woodland camping area is just a stone's throw from the popular Teewah Beach but feels much more like a secluded family getaway as it avoids the traffic of the beach highway.

The camping area boasts the luxury of hot showers and flushing toilets, and because it’s situated a short walk from Freshwater day-use area you’ll also have easy access to facilities like electric barbecues (free of charge!) and picnic tables. When you’re feeling rested and recharged, check the tide times, pack up the four-wheel drive, and head up to Double Island Point for a day on the beach or out on the water.

Pitch the family tent at Freshwater camping area surrounding by tranquil woodland. Photo credit: © Queensland Government The picnic tables and electric bbqs at Freshwater day-use area are easily accessible from the camping area. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw Watch for goannas sunbaking at Freshwater day-use area. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government Enjoy views of Rainbow Beach along the Double Island Point lighthouse walk, a short drive from Freshwater camping area. Photo credit: © MJL Photography

The perfect base for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and even sailing

Located on the sandy banks of Tin Can Bay, Poverty Point (Cooloola) camping area is an open area with a maximum capacity of just 24 people, making it one of our more exclusive stays in the Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park. This partly shaded camping area is surrounded by mangroves, offering plenty of coastal charm while overlooking the tranquil, tidal waters of the Tin Can Inlet.

At low tide, explore the old jetty that dates from the area’s timber-cutting days. Try your hand at yabby pumping on the sand flats and watch pelicans and other shorebirds feeding on the sand banks. After a big day out on the water, boating and fishing, light a camp fire in one of the fire rings provided, cook up some dinner, and toast a marshmallow or two, or ten.

Set up camp on the sandy banks of Tin Can Inlet at Poverty Point camping area. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw Look for white-bellied sea eagles soaring above. Photo credit: © Chris Whitelaw Bring your tinnie or just relax on the shore—you can do as much or as little as you like when you camp at Poverty Point! Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Ready for your coastal paradise family camping adventure?

The best way to ensure the whole family has a good time is to be prepared. Make sure you book your camping permit and vehicle access permit before you go. We suggest booking early to avoid disappointment during peak periods.

Always check park alerts for your chosen park before you set out in case there are any closures for management or maintenance purposes.

If you’re planning to visit K’gari then remember to Be dingo-safe. Knowing how to be dingo-safe on K’gari is important for your safety, that of future visitors and dingoes. Know your dingo do’s and don’ts before arriving on island to ensure your K’gari adventure is a safe and enjoyable one.