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11 serene spots to go camping on the Sunshine Coast

From glitzy glamping to activity aplenty holiday parks, the best camping on the Sunshine Coast helps you escape in style.

I’m open to all wellness practices but what’s more energising than time spent in nature? In the Sunshine Coast, just a 2.5-hour drive north of where I live on the Gold Coast, powder-white beaches and lush subtropical hinterland make getting (and staying) outside especially enticing. From luxury glamping with all the plush surprises to pitching a tent in a family-friendly holiday park, camping on the Sunshine Coast serves as a holiday maker’s rite of passage. Here, I break down some tried-and-tested hot spots.

In short

If you only pick one spot to go camping on the Sunshine Coast, make it Sixty6 Acres for its freshly built sites (unveiled in June 2025) and wellness zone complete with seven mineral plunge pools.

1. Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp

glamping at Habitat Noosa Everglades
Retreat into your luxe glamping tent at Habitat Noosa Everglades.

The Noosa Everglades gathered dust atop my Queensland bucket list prior to my visit to Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp – but, boy, did it live up to expectations when I made it. The headline attraction, those Everglades, at this Sunshine Coast campsite are one of only two on the planet, and these guys run daily tours out to them. Eerily still, particularly its River of Mirrors, as endemic birdlife thrives, the Everglades are just the cherry on top of deluxe glamping at Habitat. Go for the Paperbark glamping tents rather than the Wilderness ones if you’re a family of four or under — they’re newer, fitted with a king bed and bunkbed, and surrounded by red kangaroos who care for adorable joeys right at your doorstep. Expect a spacious ensuite bathroom, bar fridge, private fire pit, private deck and tea and coffee making facilities, too. The great thing about this place is you can, alternatively, keep things cheap with a solar-powered or unpowered campsite right by the water. Activities beyond Everglades exploration include paddleboarding, canoeing and sinking homebrews care of the on-site microbrewery. Prices start from $37 for unpowered camping sites.

Address: Elanda Point Rd, Elanda Point

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2. Sixty6 Acres

a private farm stay at Sixty6 Acres, Sunshine Coast
The picturesque farm stay occupies an idyllic slice of the countryside. (Image: Kelli Jean Black Photography)

It used to be an exclusive farm stay with just a handful of cabins but Sixty6 Acres, just a few minutes’ drive from the Big Pineapple, now invites camping in arguably its most spectacular form. 93 powered sites accommodate caravans and tent-pitching amid 66 spectacular acres of countryside. When you’re not wandering its grounds, losing total track of time, there’s an on-site restaurant and bar, The Farmhouse, to indulge in, unveiled in June 2025. Also, that month, a series of seven outdoor magnesium plunge pools, linked by a stone pathway, lit Sixty6 Acres up as a wellness destination, so bring your togs and prepare to soak. Fluffy farm animal encounters, a golf course and one picture-perfect lake are also on-hand to help create magical family-friendly moments. Powered sites start from $100 per night.

Address: Walden Rd, Woombye

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3. Kookaburra Park

the Kookaburra Park, Sunshine Coast
Kookaburra Park sits on 75 acres in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Get your laughing yoga on at Kookaburra Park where the cackling of kookaburras provides a memorable soundtrack to relaxed Sunshine Coast camping. A stay at this property, which doubles as a sanctuary for rescued animals, is delightful for all ages and family sizes as a range of unpowered and powered sites, tiny homes, cabins and cottages fill the pet-friendly grounds. Kids will love hand feeding the campsite’s resident deer, pigs and guinea pigs before uncovering a fairy garden where they can add their own arts and crafts to the interactive play scene. There’s also a scenic 2.4-kilometre return hike, as a local platypus beckons from the Mary River and multiple dams play home to turtles and ducks. Prices start from $22 per person for one night’s unpowered camp site.

Address: 2951 Maleny Kenilworth Rd, Cambroon

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4. Ingenia Holidays Rivershore

Ingenia Holidays Rivershore pictured from above
Stay in plush cabanas next to the outdoor pool. (Image: Ingenia Holidays Rivershore)

Ingenia Holidays Rivershore isn’t your average holiday park, leaning far more into resort territory thanks to its plush cabanas at the outdoor pool. Yes, there’s the obligatory holiday park amenities, like camping and caravan sites, a jumping pillow, two water slides and a camp kitchen. However, this Sunshine Coast camping spot, nestled on the banks of the Maroochy River, also has riverfront glamping tents with king-sized beds and claw-foot baths, a jetty made for fishing and a fully licensed onsite restaurant and bar. Unpowered camp sites start from $52 per night and prices climb all the way up to those safari glamping tents, priced from $219 per night. The clincher? Many accommodation options are pet-friendly, so check the website for details.

Address: 99 David Low Way, Diddillibah

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5. BIG4 Noosa North Shore

the ensuite site at BIG4 Noosa North Shore, Sunshine Coast
The pet-friendly BIG4 Noosa North Shore has an array of accommodations for families. (Image: Supplied)

Ready for another Sunshine Coast holiday park with all the trimmings? BIG4 Noosa North Shore lures fur parents thanks to its various pet-friendly accommodation options which span powered and unpowered campsites (from $38 per night), cottages (from $200 per night) and glamping tents (from $255 per night). Once you’ve settled in, grab a map from reception because the facilities can overwhelm. Two mountain biking tracks, paddleboarding, a jumping pillow, indoor bouldering cave, frisbee golf, volleyball, table tennis, surfboard rentals, multiple walking trails and dedicated school holiday programs should keep everyone smiling, plus there are multiple amenities blocks, a kiosk, an eatery, laundry, playground and an abundance of wildlife for every other spare moment.

Address: Cnr Maximillian & Beach Rds, Noosa

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6. Kenilworth Homestead

an outdoor pool at Kenilworth Homestead, Sunshine Coast
Kenilworth Homestead is still one of South East Queensland’s premier family campsites.

A privately run camping site that feels like a holiday summer camp, Kenilworth Homestead is a gorgeous spot for sleeping under the stars on the Sunshine Coast. Choose between powered and unpowered sites scattered throughout the 38-hectare property, while horse yards and farm animals provide all the entertainment. Prices start from $36 per night for an unpowered campsite.

Address: 2760 Eumundi-Kenilworth Rd, Kenilworth

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7. Kanimbia

a safari tent at Kanimbia, Sunshine Coast
Kanimbia has four luxe Safari tents.

Crowned 2024’s best Australian glamping destination at the World Luxury Travel Awards, Kanimbia offers outstanding outdoor stays. Stepping into one of four of its top-shelf Safari tents, I couldn’t believe what I saw. Glass cabinets with artefacts, couches, rugs, candles, pendant light fixtures, kitchenettes, bar trolleys… It’s like you’re in someone’s home. There’s also one Empress tent, where the shower and bath are just outside, and another two glamping options but trust me: you want the Safari. The team can arrange food and cheese platters, plus bikes, and there are firepits to set the mood come sunset. Prices start from about $190 per night.

Address: Inalls Rd, Obi Obi

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8. Starry Nights, West Woombye

You’ll score more than enough space to stretch out at Starry Nights, located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Pour yourself a bath, pluck away at your ukulele, or just soak up the chorus of birdsong at this beautiful glampsite, featuring tents crafted from recycled barnwood and canvas. Each stay offers a wood fire, king beds, rain shower, clawfoot tub, kitchenette with an espresso machine, flushing toilets and a barbecue, plus you can book spa treatments inside the comfort of your cocoon. Prices start from roughly $350 per night.

Address: 36 Carruthers Rd, West Woombye

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9. Big4 Caloundra

the pool at Big4 Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
Big4 Caloundra is your ultimate destination for a holiday packed full of family fun.

Parents, like me, who pitch their tent at Big4 Caloundra on the water’s edge of the Pumicestone Passage estuary get to take a load off because the kids are sorted here. Pack their bikes and skateboards so they can mingle with the mass of kids you’ll camp alongside, and let them take full advantage of the kid-friendly amenities spanning a jumping pillow, kids’ club and heated swimming pool with two waterslides. When everyone’s reunited, toast a day done right at Tripcony Traders, this Sunshine Coast camping hot spot’s in-house restaurant and bar. Prices start from about $85 per night for a powered tent site.

Address: 44 Maloja Ave, Caloundra

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10. Cotton Tree Holiday Park

a beachfront camping site at Cotton Tree Holiday Park, Sunshine Coast
Stay in powered and unpowered camp sites on Maroochydore Beach. (Image: Mark Fitz/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Cotton Tree Holiday Park offers the best of both worlds with direct access to both the Maroochy River and stunning Maroochydore Beach. This is urban camping at its very best, so walking down the main street for ice cream is a must, as is rambling down to one of the local restaurants for dinner. Choose from powered and unpowered camp sites (24 of the powered beauties lie absolute waterfront), plus there are villas and a four-bedroom house to consider. Facilities include four individual amenity blocks, three laundries, barbecues and free Wi-Fi. Prices start from roughly $64 per night for an unpowered tent site.

Address: 2/36 Cotton Tree Pde, Maroochydore

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11. Teewah Beach Camping Area Zone 1

a couple standing beside a 4WD on Teewah Beach Camping Area
Teewah Beach is accessible via 4WD. (Image: Ming Nomchong Photography/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Hardcore campers who like to get off the well-trammelled beach paths will appreciate Teewah Beach Camping Area Zone 1 in the staggeringly beautiful Great Sandy National Park. The beach is only suitable for high clearance 4WDs so it keeps numbers down, making for a much more intimate camping experience. It’s an easy stroll to the beach where you can extend your exploration at low tide and may even spot whales in winter. Campers should note there’s no phone reception and open fires are not allowed. Additionally, there are no toilets (the nearest are found at the Freshwater Day-use area and Double Island Point, which both demand decent walks), so visitors must BYO portable loos (it’s mandatory), and you’ll be sleeping on sand or grass – no concrete slabs. It’s priced at $7.50 per night and you’ll need to organise your permit, too.

Address: Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Wine, dine and vintage gems: 8 things you didn’t know about Toowoomba

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

    With Victorian-era and traditional Queenslander buildings, an abundance of manicured gardens and the famous Carnival of Flowers painting the streets in vibrant colours each spring, Toowoomba is one of the most charming regional cities in Queensland Country.

    While its beauty alone is reason enough to visit, there are lesser-known sides to Toowoomba that locals love most, from its burgeoning culinary scene to its artistic flair. Located just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane (or a direct flight from Sydney), it’s all too easy to discover on a long weekend away.

    1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

    tour group walking in front of toowoomba street art
    Find incredible works of art around Toowoomba’s streets. (Credit: Nathan McNeil)

    Australia’s second largest inland city is a flourishing arts and culture hub waiting to be discovered. Over 100 vibrant street art murals and graffiti works decorate the city, and they’re best viewed along Bank Lane and Searles Walk.

    Regional Queensland’s oldest public art gallery can also be found in Toowoomba – it’s home to 20th-century Australian works created by Queensland artists and those connected to the Toowoomba region.

    2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

    rosalie house aerial toowoomba secrets
    Stop into Rosalie House to wine and dine.

    As a regional city, Toowoomba has direct access to incredibly fresh produce that’s shaping its culinary scene. At sunset, head to the verandah at Rosalie House Cellar Door Restaurant for a grazing-style dining experience and to discover Queensland’s underrated wine scene. Indulge in dishes such as Warilba lamb rump and roasted pumpkin with ginger-roasted potatoes and lime yoghurt, paired with their delicious cool-climate wines.

    For a more relaxed affair, sweet tooths should make a beeline for award-winning The Baker’s Duck. Be sure to try their cult favourite strawberry cheesecake danish; you’ll learn why 35,000 of these treats are sold annually.

    3. Small bars are doing big work

    table spread at Uno Más small bar in toowoomba secrets
    Pop into small bars like Uno Más.

    Toowoomba doesn’t disappoint with fantastic pubs, but discerning drinkers can take happy hour to the next level at one of the city’s impressive small bars. Savour Spanish-style bites paired with a thoughtful line-up of wines at the newly opened Uno Más Tapas & Wine Bar. On Thursdays, head to Cork & Lever to tap your feet to live music over creative cocktails made with their all-Australian gin collection. And enjoy elevated toasties and premium drops at the cosy Press’d Coffee & Wine. Or try newly opened The Book Pour.

    4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

    Bunnyconnellen
    Chill out in beautiful surrounds at Bunnyconnellen. (Credit: Salt Media)

    Whether you prefer the buzz of the city centre or retreating to the hinterland, there are stylish stays aplenty to settle into in this idyllic corner of the world. Apartment-style living can be found at Quest Toowoomba; partly housed in a heritage church building in the city, it’s a comfortable and convenient base. And at The Arbour Boutique Apartments, spacious rooms are injected with old-world charm.

    In the hinterland, enjoy bucolic bliss at the boutique Bunnyconnellen, where an 1880s farmhouse and self-contained cottage are backdropped by rolling hills. And at the secluded Ravensbourne Escape, one-bedroom studios, two-bedroom chalets and three-bedroom holiday homes overlook Ravensbourne National Park and the Brisbane and Lockyer Valleys.

    5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

    extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain
    Tackle Table Top Mountain. (Credit: Ariana Potamianakis)

    Toowoomba is hugged by national parks, making it a haven for nature lovers. On its doorstep you’ll find the extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain, where keen hikers can tackle the challenging two-kilometre return trail which rewards them with 360° views of the Lockyer Valley and surrounds.

    For a more gentle experience, Ravensbourne National Park offers peaceful walking trails within lush rainforest. It’s a top spot for bird watching as there are over 110 bird species that call the area home, including the paradise riflebird. Crows Nest National Park is home to platypus and koalas, and its refreshing natural swimming spots, like Kauyoo Pool, are a great place to beat the heat.

    6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

    Toowoomba’s cool and calm energy lends itself to a wellness-focused getaway. Slated to open in August 2026, soak in the serenity at Vikasati Toowoomba, a bathhouse oasis with outdoor hot and cold magnesium pools, ice baths and Finnish saunas. Rest and recharge at City Cave Toowoomba, which offers float therapy, infrared sauna and massage services, or visit Kalm Springs for LED therapy, cryotherapy and float therapy.

    7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

    inside Queensland Museum Cobb + Co
    Learn all about the history of Cobb+Co.

    History buffs can step back in time at Toowoomba’s fascinating cultural and historical museums.

    Explore 50,000 years of Darling Downs and Toowoomba history at the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co; it’s known for its impressive National Carriage Collection of 47 restored horse-drawn vehicles, which were put to use for Queensland’s urban expansion. Visitors can also try their hand at blacksmithing or leadlighting in heritage workshops, refuelling with traditional scones at the onsite cafe.

    Train enthusiasts can celebrate the golden era of rail travel on a heritage steam locomotive thanks to the volunteer-driven, community-led organisation DownsSteam Toowoomba. Vintage train rides range from a two-hour journey between Toowoomba Station and DownsSteam Railway Museum to an overnight adventure from Toowoomba to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

    8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found

    Whether it’s to pick up a unique piece for your home or a one-of-a-kind accessory for a loved one, you’re guaranteed to find something special in one of Toowoomba’s antique and vintage stores. Range Antiques sells everything from furniture, rugs and lamps to fine porcelain, jewellery and art, while Toowoomba Antiques & Collectables is a treasure trove of Art Deco, farmhouse, retro and mid-century modern pieces.

    Start planning your weekender of a lifetime in Queensland Country region at queenslandcountrytourism.com.au.