There are many free camping options in Queensland, Australia, which can help the travel budget, especially when on a road trip or travelling with family.
Queensland in Australia is the warm and popular holiday destination for so many travellers around the world due to the beautiful, tropical climate and beach lifestyle.
Read on for my ultimate list of free camping in QLD, Australia!
Far North Queensland
Babinda Boulders Camping Area
Babinda Boulders Camping Area is a popular spot for free camping in Queensland, Australia. 5 minutes west of the town of Babinda, located on the A1 highway, an hour south of Cairns, QLD.
The beautiful boulders, tropical climate, and swimming area make Babinda Boulders a gorgeous area to visit, hike and camp. This free campground in North Queensland has toilets and BBQs. Fires are allowed but no pets.
Toomulla Beach Campground
Toomulla Beach Campground is located 40 minutes north of Townsville, on the east coast of Queensland.
Toomulla is a private, sheltered beach, great for fishing or a stop over for families. Toilets and BBQs available. Pets are welcome.
Japoonvale Rest Area
Japoonvale Rest area is on the Cassowary Coast an hour and a half south of Cairns.
An easy free camp next to the Liverpool Creek (best to stay out of the creek to avoid crocodiles!) A modest camping area, suitable for smaller vans or tents, with good amenities and picnic tables.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Little Yabba Creek
Little Yabba Creek is a basic but pretty campground with one night free camping permitted.
This free camp is an hour and a half west of the Sunshine Coast. Nearby walks and swimming in the creek are the draw-card of this area. Fires are allowed, BBQs and toilets (drop toilets) available, and pets are also permitted.
South Queensland
Ngumbi Camp Site
Ngumbi Free Camp is a 2 hour drive west of the Gold Coast, situated on Lake Wyaralong at My Joyce Base Camp.
Horse riding, mountain biking and hiking are all popular at this free camp. Ngumbi Camp Site cannot be accessed by car, only by walking tracks or the lake. There are toilets with tank water, but BYO drinking water.
Outback Queensland
Long Waterhole
Long Waterhole in Winton is a free campground at the man made swimming spot 2kms from Winton.
There’s fishing, pelicans and nearby emus, with a local atmosphere. No toilets or BBQs at Long Waterhole, but this camp is pet-friendly.
North West Queensland
Julia Creek Campground
Julia Creek Campground is located 3 hours east of Mount Isa, inland in far north west Queensland.
Stunning sunsets across the flat landscape next to Julia Creek make this a good stop for a free camp (can be used for up to 96 hours). No fires or tents permitted, but pets allowed.
Mary Kathleen
Mary Kathleen free camp is an hour east of Mount Isa in Queensland.
This quiet and picturesque camping spot is an interesting place to stay, with deteriorating roads to be taken carefully by a stunning lake. No fires and no swimming here, as the old uranium mine site is radioactive.
Leichhardt Falls
Leichhardt Falls, Queensland is a free camp north west Queensland below the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Camping is available close to cliff tops and the beautiful Leichhardt cascading waterfall. This free camp is pet-friendly and remote with no other amenities.
Bushy Parker Park
Bushy Parker Park is in Rollingstone, QLD, 45 minutes north of Townsville.
Swim in the creek and have a BBQ at this quiet free camping spot. There are toilet amenities available and a 48 hour limit to free camping.
Caliguel Lagoon, Queensland
Caliguel Lagoon, Queensland is a free camp 4 hours inland from the Sunshine Coast.
This camp is highly reviewed for its lagoon views, birdwatching and high standard amenities (flushing toilets!), as well as a playground. Fires and pets allowed! BBQs and powered sites. BYO drinking water.
Allora Rest Area
2.5 hours west of the Gold Coast is Allora, which has a free camp for overnighters. A basic spot with toilets and picnic tables.
Located off the highway but far enough to be peaceful, and pets are allowed.
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It’s helpful to remember that free campsites in 2026 often have a time limit, with stays permitted anywhere from 1-4 days. Remember to stay up to date with any dangers like floods and fires. Bear in mind that some free campsites don’t have toilet amenities.
For more free camping Australia info, see Ultimate List of Free Camping NSW, Australia and Best Free Camping in Victoria, Australia.
Free Camping Queensland Map
