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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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9 experiences in and around Noosa you haven’t tried yet

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Noosa’s magic extends beyond the sun and sand. Uncover this popular region’s natural charms and secret spots to get more from your visit.

    Wander through bushland and paperbark forests, linger on a curve of quiet beach, hit the water or hike up a mountain. Whether you’re seeking long languid lunches, savouring the region’s best food and wine, are ready to rejuvenate or are up for an active adventure, there are Noosa experiences for everyone.

    Winter is the perfect time to visit – it’s still warm enough to bask in Queensland’s sunshine and mild temperatures while discovering the natural beauty and sustainable experiences that make this region so popular. It’s easy to see why Australian Traveller readers voted Noosa Australia’s top town to visit.

    1. Explore the hinterland

    Two women kayaking during a Noosa experiences.
    Kayak through Noosa’s peaceful hinterland.

    Choose your Noosa experience – kayaking, abseiling, rock climbing, camping or hiking – with Noosa-based Adventure Tribe. They host guided experiences throughout the region, including in Rainbow Beach, Cooloola and the stunning Noosa Everglades.

    Small group tours with Joel’s Journeys combine hinterland villages with wine and cheese or chocolate tasting, a gourmet lunch, waterfalls, the Everglades and memorable views.

    Plan ahead for the Great Noosa Trail Walk. This 56-kilometre three-day trek into the Noosa Biosphere will help you reconnect with nature over the October long weekend.

    2. Accommodation to suit all budgets

    The bedroom at Elysium Noosa Resort noosa experiences.
    Book into Elysium Noosa Resort. (Image: Elise Hassey)

    Indulge in luxury at one of Noosa’s premium resorts or bring the family for a laidback beach-focused holiday. Anywhere you choose will mean you’re never far from the vacation vibes of Hastings Street.

    The recently rebranded Elysium Noosa Resort has given new life to one of the most central spots in Noosa Heads, while Number One in Hastings Street offers a range of luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and exclusive penthouse suites, surrounded by the national park and boutique shopping.

    Families will love the space and pools of Mantra French Quarter Noosa. Over at RACV Noosa Resort, a water park and games room compete with the beach for the kids’ attention while adults indulge in the day spa or hit the tennis court or gym.

    For couples, Noosa Blue Resort’s studios and one-bedroom suites have sweeping river, bay and hinterland views from its perch atop Noosa Hill. With two outdoor heated pools, spa, steam room, yoga studio and more, it’s the complete package.

    Travelling on a budget? Halse Lodge offers heritage-listed colonial-style accommodation for backpackers and budget travellers without sacrificing style or comfort, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Family-friendly Ivory Palms has three pools, a children’s playground, jumping pillow, tennis courts and more.

    3. Reset and rejuvenate

    the massage bed at Sensaura Day Spa, Noosa experiences
    Unwind with spa treatments at Sensaura Day Spa.

    Banish stress, slow down and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Noosa while indulging in pampering treatments. Reset and recalibrate with packages from one of the many day spas – try Sensaura Day Spa Noosa or Noosa Springs Spa.

    Noosa Bespoke offers three thoughtfully designed packages that focus on wellness, active adventures and fresh local produce, all with a focus on sustainability, allowing guests to choose their own way of discovering Noosa.

    For something different, try forest bathing and take a walk in Noosa National Park.

    4. New dining experiences

    Cibaria Noosa experiences
    Enjoy authentic Italian at Cibaria Noosa. (Image: Elise Hassey)

    Stroll Hastings Street to find your own dining vibe. For authentic Italian, head to Cibaria Noosa for everything from a coffee and pastry to amazing pasta and seafood platters.

    Over in Noosa Junction, try something lighter at Atelier Wine Bar. Taste a selection of bar food and platters including charcuterie, cheeses, oysters and more. Then finish off with ‘dessert in a glass’.

    Order out or dine in at Somedays Pizza, where all the ingredients for the organic, wood-fired pizzas are sourced from local farmers, artisans and winemakers.

    5. Where the locals eat

    Rickys River Bar And Restaurant noosa experiences
    Enjoy waterfront views at Rickys. (Credit: Manuel Freudenmann)

    Perennial favourites Bistro C, Season Restaurant Noosa and Sails are absolute beachfront dining options overlooking Laguna Bay. You can almost feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy some of the finest cuisine on offer.

    Locale Noosa’s seasonal Italian menu features handmade pasta, traditional antipasti and delectable desserts. On the riverfront, Rickys River Bar and Restaurant has been luring the locals for years; come for the elegant setting and fabulous food and wine, and stay for the sunsets.

    6. Spot humpback whales

    humpback whale sighting noosa experiences
    Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

    There are plenty of great places to watch the gentle giants of the sea make their annual migration from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Queensland coast between May and October.

    To see whales at play and teaching their calves to breach and tail slap, head to Hell’s Gates or Dolphin Point in Noosa National Park, or to one of the many vantage points along the coast from Sunshine Beach to Peregian Beach. For closer encounters, book a whale-watching boat tour.

    7. Take a country drive

    Three people walking towards Pomona during a Noosa getaway.
    Sample craft spirits at local distilleries.

    Download the Noosa Country Drive map from the Visit Noosa website, or pop into the visitor information centre for a printed copy, then jump in the car to explore craft breweries, gin distilleries, bookshops, country pubs, scenic lookouts and cute cafes.

    Through the villages of Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi, Cooran and Kin Kin, look out for local markets and galleries for that special souvenir. Want to stay longer? There are farm stays, boutique B&Bs and glamping tents to rest your head. Take time to go horse riding or mountain biking, ride a steam train or explore a small museum. And don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce from a roadside stall.

    8. Explore the eastern beaches

    Sunshine Beach near noosa
    Visit Sunshine Beach, just minutes from Noosa. (Credit: Amy Higg Photo)

    Noosa’s near neighbour beaches, Peregian and Sunshine, are just a short drive south. Peregian Square has boutique shopping, vintage finds, homewares, day spas and antiques, and weekend markets are held twice a month in the beachside park.

    Drop into the Peregian Beach Hotel for a meal and live music, or head to the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club for views of the patrolled beach. Grab a coffee or juice at plastic-free Sunshine Social and linger on the deck under the pandanus trees.

    9. Discover the Noosa River

    A scenic boat trip during a Noosa getaway.
    Discover Noosa from the water on a scenic boat trip.

    Taking time out on the Noosa River is a serene way of exploring more of this region. Whether by canoe or kayak, a small boat or scenic boat trip, being on the water gives a new perspective on Noosa.

    Head to Terrace Marina for small boats and great coffee, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis to explore independently, or join Noosa River Cruise Co for a romantic gondola ride.

    At sunset, board the Noosa Queen to cruise along the river – cool drink in hand – to the shores of Lake Cooroibah.

    Start planning your Noosa getaway at visitnoosa.com.au.