Camping of Fraser Island

Pitch your tent...

Experience the tranquil and natural beauty of the Queensland outdoors - go camping. Sleep out under the stars and awake to the sounds of nature at dawn in one of the many state forests, national parks and next to reservoirs throughout the state, or pitch your tent in one of the hundreds of caravan parks which offer excellent camping facilities, all for a very low cost.

Camping provides fun, excitement and adventure for the whole family. Come face to face with unique and fascinating Australian wildlife in their natural setting, savour the unique fragrance of the Queensland bush, the refreshing scent of a towering eucalypt or the sweet smell of an Australian wattle. Quench your thirst with sparkling fresh water straight from a mountain stream. Boil a billy and eat out under a blanket of stars - certainly one of the most beautiful dining experiences in Queensland. Get close to nature and get away from the pressures of life in natural Queensland.

Facilities at campgrounds vary. At some camping areas you can expect a good range of facilities including vehicle parking, campsites, toilets, showers, barbecues and picnic tables. For those that like to rough it, others are fairly basic with campsites, toilets and water. Some other camp sites may have few or no facilities. For details of the facilities available contact the appropriate information and booking centre.

More information on camping in Queensland and booking services;  

Park and Wildlife Service:
Email nqic@epa.qld.gov.au
Internet: www.epa.qld.gov.au

Fraser Island bookings: 
Phone 13 13 04
Email: enquiries@smartservice.qld.gov.au 

Camping Fees

If you want to camp at a National Park, you must first obtain a camping permit.  You usually have to pay a nominal amount - camping fees contribute towards the cost of maintaining the Park

Fees are A$4 per person per night for all National Parks and Moreton and Fraser Islands or approximately A$16.00 per family per night. 
Children under 5 years of age are free.  (Dec 2004 prices)
Vehicle permit costs extra.

The maximum length of stay is 22 days but shorter periods apply to some parks

How to Pay Camping Fees

Camping fees may be paid by cash, cheque or credit card.  Check with the Booking Centre for the preferred form of payment.

Self Serving Camping

At some National Parks and most State Forest camping areas, fees can be paid at a"self service" camping registration site or hut. Under this system, you fill out the form and deposit your camping fees (in cash, cheque or credit card) in the box at the registration sign or hut.

Campsite Booking

Bookings are required at some camping areas (especially during holidays and long weekends) and can be made 12 months in advance.  (At least six weeks' advance booking is recommended as some camping areas are heavily booked).   Check with the booking centre for specific details.
You can book by phone (using your credit card) or by completing a camping permit application form available from National Park and State Forest Information outlets.
When booking your campsite you must include the total cost of your camping fees.
For written applications for campsites, please include a self-addressed envelope for confirmation of campsite availability. You will be notified before the visit.

Cancellation

If you cancel your planned camping trip, contact the booking centre about the possibility of a refund of your camping fees.

Setting up Camp

On arrival at a campground, check signs or the self-registration hut for special instructions on setting up camp.  If you have pre-booked and paid for your campsite, set up camp in any vacant site or as directed by the Ranger.

If you have not booked, all sites may be taken and you should be prepared to move on, perhaps to another Park.

Remember, you cannot camp on a State Forest or National Park without a permit, which you must obtain before or on arriving at the park.

Domestic Pets

Domestic pets are not allowed on National Parks.

Tips for Camping...

• Camp Safely - Camping outdoors in Queensland can be wonderful. Remember national parks, state forests and water reservoirs are wild places with many hidden dangers. Follow these simple rules for a safe and enjoyable visit:

• Be prepared - Plan your trip carefully and make sure your camping equipment and vehicle/boat are in good working order.

• Take care near water - Beware of currents, submerged rocks and logs and waterfalls. Never dive into creeks or rock pools. Always supervise children.

• Stay on the track - Read maps and signs carefully. Stay behind safety fences. Let someone know your plans in case you get lost.

• Watch your step - Be careful near cliff edges, lookouts and waterfalls. Avoid slippery rocks.

• Beware of stings and bites - Beware of marine stingers in coastal waters from Gladstone north October - May. Beware of crocodiles in the sea and estuaries north of Maryborough.

• Watch out for biting, scratching and stinging creatures and plants - Wear insect repellent and clothing to protect yourself from stings, scratches and bites. Detour around snakes - never provoke them.

• Never feed or play with animals - Human foods are harmful. Feeding encourages aggressive behaviour. You might get bitten or scratched.

• Think before you drink - Boil or treat water before use. Even tap water can cause diarrhoea or giardia.

Checklist for Campers

Camping is fun provided you are well prepared and take the right equipment.

• comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes
• raincoat or waterproof jacket
• insect repellent (for leeches, ticks, etc)
• hat and sunscreen
• first aid kit
• binoculars, camera and film
• sufficient food, water and other supplies
• fuel stove and waterproof matches
• map and compass
• torch for spotlighting
• At the park:
• check signs, brochures and displays for information
• join in special activities (talks, guided walks, spotlighting)
• look for wildlife at dawn and dusk

Island Camping

Many islands listed are in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a World Heritage Area. Protect yourself and the islands and reefs when you visit:

• Check the zoning plan for restrictions on line fishing and collecting shells. Spearfishing using SCUBA gear and collecting coral are prohibited.
• Take extra supplies in case you get stranded by sudden changes in the weather.
• Be aware of tidal variations and strong currents. Anchor boats securely.
• Anchor in sand or mud to avoid coral damage. Preferably use a lightweight reef pick with plastic tubing over the anchor chain.
• Be alert for sudden weather changes, particularly storms and cyclones. Be prepared to evacuate.
• Don’t throw it, stow it. It is illegal to dump plastic and other rubbish at sea.
• Carry a portable maritime radio.

Leave No Trace - National parks, state forests and reservoirs are special places. Please help care for the environment by observing these simple rules:

Protect the wildlife - Remember, plants and animals are protected. Try not to trample plants when walking or erecting your tent.

Be careful with fire - Use fireplaces where provided, not an open fire. Put the fire out when you leave your campsite.

Use a fuel stove - Preferably use a fuel stove for cooking. Don’t collect firewood from the reserve.

Leave no rubbish - Take your rubbish when you leave or use bins (where provided). Don’t bury rubbish.

Be considerate - People visit parks and forests to enjoy nature, not noisy radios or generators.

Camp softly - Leave your campsite better than you found it. Bury human wastes away from tracks and water bodies, if toilets are not provided.

Take no pets - Leave domestic animals at home. Their scent repels native wildlife.

Protect the creeks - Do not use soap, toothpaste or detergent in freshwater lakes and streams - they pollute the water.

A national park protects and conserves outstanding examples of Queensland’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The Department of Environment and Heritage manages national parks for conservation and nature tourism.

A state forest is a natural area managed by the DPI Forest Service for multiple uses (timber production, conservation and recreation). State forest areas of high recreational value often have facilities for nature-based recreation.

A water reservoir is a lake constructed by the DPI Water Resources to provide water supply for irrigation and other purposes. Recreation on the lake and foreshore is encouraged where possible.

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