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The ultimate guide to Noosa camping, glamping and caravan parks

Turn your Sunshine Coast escape into an unforgettable adventure with a stay at the best Noosa caravan parks, camping and glamping spots.

Noosa caravan parks are a beacon for road-trippers. From camping and glamping sites aimed at couples to family-friendly parks with playgrounds and caravan parks that offer access to stunning national parks, here’s where to stay to enjoy all the region has to offer.  A mix of creature comforts, action-packed activity, and around-the-clock access to pure Sunshine Coast paradise is calling.

In short

If you only stay at one Noosa caravan park, make it Sixty6 Acres. The farm stay is for those who like camping, albeit with a high thread count. The property is located in Woombye, halfway between the bush and beach.

1. Noosa Eco Retreat

a woman holding a drink at Noosa Eco Retreat
Take in uninterrupted views of Mt Cooroora. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Couples

Stay in one of six spacious, self-contained eco-luxe yurts tucked away in the heart of Noosa’s biosphere in Tuchekoi National Park. The sustainable Noosa Eco Retreat offers uninterrupted views of Mt Cooroora and her jagged ridges. The 40-hectare property also provides the perfect jumping-off point for hikers and mountain bikers who want to tackle Noosa’s network of trails. During our last visit, we tackled Trail No. 5 before returning to our yurt, which offers a Noosa camping experience unlike any other. We enjoyed dinner on the deck under a starlit sky. Played birdwatching bingo. Then bunkered down in our own private space, fitted with a comfy king-sized bed.

Address: 44 Pomona Connection Road, Pomona

2. Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp

kangaroos at Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp
Find kangaroos roaming around Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Couples, families and groups

Noosa is best known for its proximity to some of Queensland’s best surf breaks. But a recent visit to Noosa Everglades allowed us to see Noosa anew. As one of only two Everglades systems on Earth, this large subtropical ecosystem feels like a place from another time. Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp is fringed by this great forested finger of land in the upper reaches of the Noosa River. It has paperbark sites, safari tents, powered and unpowered sites for camping and motorhomes. Whether you’re behind the wheel of your new Star RV, or prefer a ceiling of canvas, there’s an eco campsite to suit.

Address: 204 Lake Flat Road, Boreen Point

3. Sixty6 Acres

a private suite with a tub at Sixty6 Acres
Sixty6 Acres is perfect for campers who like their creature comforts. (Image: Kelli Jean Black Photography)

Best for: Romantic getaways or a much-needed escape with friends and family.

Noosa is one of the most dreamed-about regions for campers and caravanners. And Sixty6 Acres has been designed to capitalise on the lush landscapes the Sunshine Coast has to offer. The brand-new luxurious farm stay near Noosa provides the perfect base camp for a rural escape with a mix of self-contained accommodation and 93 large, powered sites that will accommodate caravans, motorhomes, RVs, tents or swags. While Sixty6 Acres is designed for a peaceful stay, you won’t have to forgo creature comforts: the new Farmhouse restaurant and bar can pack you up with a coffee in the morning and sundowner at night. Forget roughing it: the property has seven heated magnesium plunge pools.

Address: Walden Road, Woombye

4. Ingenia Holidays Noosa North

the tent setup at Ingenia Holidays Noosa North
Camp on verdant greenery at Ingenia Holidays Noosa North.

Best for: Couples, families and groups

If your idea of roughing it is staying in a two-bedroom cabin near to a swimming pool then Ingenia Holidays Noosa North is your go-to. The Noosa caravan park gives you proximity to the chic seaside village without the designer price tag. The emphasis at Ingenia Holidays Noosa North is on the great outdoors, tapping into a growing trend to provide inspiration for travellers to unplug. During a recent holiday here with the extended family, we enjoyed excursions to the beach, and long bush walks. The best thing about a Noosa caravan park and campsite so close to the village is you can pop into the local bakery or nearby cafes for brunch and spend the arvo browsing Noosa’s most stellar boutiques and eateries.

Address: 143 Moorindil Street, Tewantin

5. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Noosa

the family safari tent at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Noosa
The spacious safari tent is a great base camp for families.

Best for: Large gatherings for families and friends

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Noosa is just a few minutes’ drive away from Ingenia Holidays Noosa North. And like its sister property, this Noosa caravan park and campground is best suited for those who want a bit of outdoor immersion with the luxury of a hot shower and other amenities nearby. The Noosa caravan park and campground is aimed squarely at families; it features a giant jumping cushion, games room, seasonal outdoor cinema, shaded swimming pool, toddler splash area and roster of school holiday programs. Bunker down in comfort in a self-contained cabin. And stay within your budget by picking up some rissoles and snags for the barbecue. Note: Noosa Farmers’ Market is worth a jaunt to pick up supplies.

Address: 141 Cooroy Noosa Road, Tewantin.

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6. Noosa River Holiday Park

campers relaxing at the Noosa River Holiday Park
Take your camping set-up to the next level by the Noosa River.

Best for: Couples, families and groups.

A tent is your ticket to having a wallet-friendly family holiday within a stone’s skip of the Noosa River. But you don’t have to get shin splints from sleeping on the rocky ground. Invest in an inflatable camp pillow and sleeping pad to take your camping set-up to the next level. Noosa River Holiday Park is an absolute riverfront caravan park and campground in Noosa that suits beachcombers, bushwalkers, surfers, fishos and everyone in between. There are powered and unpowered sites for campervans, camper trailers and tents as well as a picnic area with river views. Sleep under the stars in the most stunning of locales.

Address: 4 Russell Street, Noosaville

7. Noosa North Shore Beach Campground

the Noosa North Shore Beach Campground
Revel in flora and fauna at Noosa North Shore Beach Campground.

Best for: Couples, families and groups

The Noosa North Shore Beach Campground is sited on the highly Instagrammable Cooloola Coast, which stretches from Noosa all the way to K’gari on the Fraser Coast. At the campsite, which has more than 40 powered sites and 45 unpowered sites, you’ll find a host of bush and beach trails nearby where native fauna – such as kangaroos and goannas – roam free. This is the kind of playground that suits adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. If cocktails by the pool are more your jam, consider our guide to the luxe accommodation options in Noosa and surrounds.

Address: 240 Wilderness Track, Noosa North Shore

8. Big4 Noosa North Shore Retreat Tourist Park

a glamping tent at Big4 Noosa North Shore Retreat Tourist Park
Elevate your camping experience in a glamping tent.

Best for: Those who want to try camping (glamping) for the first time

Tired of baked beans? Campers and caravanners staying at this Noosa caravan park and campground are just a short walk away from both a mini supermarket, bottle-o, and bar and bistro. The Big4 Noosa North Shore Retreat Tourist Park is on the edge of bushland on the fringes of the Great Sandy National Park making it a top spot for nature-lovers. But the family-friendly accommodation also suits a diverse mix of holidaymakers with three swimming pools, glamping tents and cosy cottages. Lean into the local lifestyle by hiring mountain bikes, canoes, surfboards and SUPs which are available as part of a two-for-one package.

Address: 1 Beach Road, Noosa North Shore

9. Tranquil Valley, Noosa

Best for: Couples and families who appreciate access to a hot tub

Farm Charm is one of the trends in travel identified by Expedia’s Unpack ’26 report. And this 30-odd-hectare property in Black Mountain makes camping look pretty darn fabulous. Voted as one of Hipcamp’s best farmstays in Australia, Tranquil Valley has powered campsites dotted around the property in the pretty Sunshine Coast hinterland. Feel that farm charm during a goat yoga session or farm tour where the air is scented with a deliciously pungent, earthy aroma that provides campers with a real sense of place. Enamoured with the cute dwarf goats? Well you’re going to want to bleat about the fact you can purchase one of the miniature animals as a pet.

Address: Black Mountain, Sunshine Coast

10. Boreen Point Campground

campers next to a lake at Boreen Point Campground
Camp next to a serene lake in Boreen Point Campground.

Best for: Active types who don’t mind a spot of free-range camping

All up, there are 19 powered sites and 55 unpowered sites at Boreen Point Campground, which offers easy access to both the bush and the beach. There’s also the option of free-range camping along the foreshore of Norm’s Beach on the banks of Lake Cootharaba. This lovely lakeside campground has a BMX track and basketball court, and kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available, making it a great getaway for action heroes who like to take advantage of the endless blue skies on the aptly named Sunshine Coast.

Address: The Esplanade, Boreen Point

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11. Pomona Caravan Park

caravanning at Pomona Caravan Park
Set up your caravan within the picturesque hinterland. (Image: Noosa Show Society)

Ideal caravanning and camping for: Families and vanlifers travelling with pets

Pitch up to one of the spacious sites at the pet-friendly Pomona Caravan Park and you will be within walking distance of Pomona. Visit the picturesque hinterland town’s silent movie theatre or distillery. You’ll value a side trip to Ponoma when you return with a bottle of gin to enjoy over ice and paired with tonic in one of the campground’s shared social areas. It’s also worth the drive to Australia Zoo, one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular attractions. This Noosa caravan park is quite basic, so don’t expect all the bells and whistles of a BIG4. However, what you can expect are showers, a camp kitchen, laundry facilities and the thrill of a velvety night sky studded with stars.

Address: Corner Exhibition and Pavilion Streets, Pomon

12. Cooloola Recreation Area in Great Sandy National Park

Best for: Nature lovers who love being immersed in Noosa’s landscapes

Cooloola Recreation Area presents the great outdoors like a grand theatre that stirs the spirit of those who gain a deep satisfaction from being immersed in nature. This campground near Noosa suits everyone from those with trailers and caravans, to digital nomads trying to make a go of #tentlife. Despite the different camping areas on offer, each is demarcated to provide spectacular access to the national park’s diverse forest and pristine beaches. Harrys Camping Area on the banks of the Upper Noosa River provides ample opportunity to kayak and paddle your days away. Meanwhile, the Upper Noosa River Camping Area 3 also draws day trippers in dinghies.

Address: Great Sandy National Park, Noosa

13. Lake Borumba Caravan & Camping Grounds

a tent setup at Lake Borumba Caravan & Camping Grounds
Set up your tents on the side of the creek at Lake Borumba Caravan & Camping Grounds.

Best for: Those who want to get to know Noosa beyond its beaches

Noosa is not all about the beaches. Those in the know understand there is also much to see and do in the lesser-known Noosa Outback. Lake Borumba Caravan & Camping Grounds is perfectly positioned to show another side to Noosa on the banks of Yabba Creek, about one kilometre from Lake Borumba. This creekside camping spot has a volleyball court and onsite kiosk with ice cream and offers free use of its kayaks. Campers here can gather around open fires so BYO marshmallows under a sky pinpricked with stars.

Address: 1484 Yabba Creek Road, Lake Borumba

14. Cooroy RV Stopover

Best for: Grey nomads keen on a caravan stopover

Need a safe spot to park your caravan for the night? Look no further. Cooroy RV Stopover in the charming little town of Cooroy is a parking site within walking distance from the main strip of Cooroy. Pull the wide hips of your caravan off the highway and into the leafy-green park just a 20-minute drive from Noosa Heads Main Beach. Make sure you’re fully self-sufficient when you arrive because the gates are locked at 7.30pm and don’t open up again until 7am the following morning. You can stay for up to four nights and bookings are essential via the website.

Address: 17 Mary River Road, Cooroy

15. Glamacamp

Best for: Couples and families looking for a stylish stay

The exotic bell and garden tents hired out by Glamacamp lack nothing when it comes to drama. Call ahead and arrange for a deluxe version of the stunning tents to be set up in the garden of your best friend’s holiday house in Noosa. You can have it styled to suit the occasion with beautiful things to eat and drink and music fizzing through the night. You can hire everything from a picnic basket with bone China and crystal stemware, to vintage sun chairs, BBQs and antique furniture. BYO Camilla Kaftan so you can swan around in the 6×9 Maharaja tent.

Address: Check out the website for private and specialty events.

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship launched her career at The Cairns Post, before a stint at The Canberra Times and The Sydney Morning Herald gave way to extended wanders through Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, Asia and Europe. Carla was chief sub editor at delicious and has contributed to Good Food, Travel & Luxury, Explore Travel, Escape. While living in London, Carla was on staff at Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times Travel desk and was part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK.
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Why Hamilton Island is perfect for multi-gen travel

Consider this your cheat sheet to holidaying on Hamilton Island with the clan.

Keeping everyone in your crew happy on holidays is no small feat. Yet ask any parent who’s been and they’ll unanimously agree Hamilton Island multi-gen travel overdelivers – for many reasons.

Taking the family to this premier island destination is a rite of passage for many Aussie parents. Not only is Hamo stuffed to the brim with fun activities to suit all ages, but it’s accessible, safe and super easy to get around thanks to its relatively small size. And I suppose the fact that it’s undeniably stunning doesn’t hurt either.

Whether you’re spending time together creating magical memories or relaxing while giving the young ones some kids’ club time, this guide breaks down everything there is to know about holidaying on Hamilton Island for families.

Getting there, and around

Hamilton Island multi-gen travel on a buggy
Hire a buggy and explore at your own pace.

The easiest and most fuss-free way to get to Hamilton Island is to fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on the island. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Airlie Beach, then take a ferry from Shute Harbour with Cruise Whitsundays, which operates services daily.

Once you’re here, rental buggies make it easy to zip around from A to B (not to mention being a fun activity in themselves – the kids will love it).

Where to stay

Reef View Hotel Pool Terrace hamilton island multi-gen travel
Reef View Hotel offers pool and sea. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)

Part of what makes Hamilton Island so appealing is its diverse range of family-friendly accommodation. Many include return airport or marina shuttles, along with complimentary use of non-motorised watersports equipment – making it easy to relax as soon as you step foot on the island.

Reef View Hotel is one of the most popular picks due to its spacious suites perfect for larger families and proximity to the island’s resort centre – a happening hub of restaurants, pools and water activities.

Meanwhile, families looking for something more self-contained can check into Palm Bungalows. Each modern bungalow is enveloped by lush tropical gardens and offers a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave and coffee facilities – plus a private balcony for card games and evening drinks.

pool and sup boarders at The Sundays hamilton island
Take in pool and sea at The Sundays.

The Sundays is another fantastic option for families. The newest hotel on Hamilton Island, it has serious bragging rights thanks to its coastal chic design and stellar location at the end of Catseye Beach. Opt for one of the Family Connect Rooms for extra breathing room.

For that relaxed, home-away-from-home feeling, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes hit the nail on the head. Choose from more than 100 self-catering homes dotted around the island that accommodate both large groups and smaller families. From waterfront luxury to spacious villas, there’s something for everyone.

Family tip: Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays all participate in Hamilton Island’s Kids Stay Free program, earning themselves a reputation as some of the best family-friendly accommodation on Hamilton Island. No extra charge is added for up to one or two (dependent on the hotel) children under 12 who are sharing a room with parents and using existing bedding.

Where to eat

coca chu on hamilton island
Sit down to a feast at coca chu.

Hamilton Island’s foodie scene is seriously worth its salt. From just-caught seafood to family-friendly staples, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied.

Start at coca chu, one of the best Hamilton Island restaurants for families. Spotlighting vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, it offers a lively, high-ceiling setting overlooking Catseye Beach. Nearby is Catseye Pool Club, Josh and Julie Niland’s breezy coastal venue that’s at once elevated and laidback. Dishing up the likes of charcoal tiger prawns with lemongrass marinade and Greek-style lamb shoulder, it’s the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments with older kids.

Got young ones who recoil at the sight of vegetables? Not to worry. Head straight to Romano’s for please-all pizza, or Marina Tavern for hearty pub classics in a relaxed atmosphere complete with an outdoor deck.

Catseye Pool Club hamilton island
Grab some tasty bites by the pool at Catseye Pool Club.

For brekkie or lunch, Bob’s Bakery is a family favourite for affordable pastries, sandwiches and pies, while Marina Cafe serves up bacon and egg rolls and salads with fresh smoothies. And Popeye’s does a mean fish and chips to go.

Sails Restaurant is the place to be for poolside bites with views of the Whitsundays’ famous turquoise waters. The kids can splash in the pool while parents sip spritzes and graze on mezze plates of za’atar pita, hummus and olives. The menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern, though you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly crowd favourites such as ham and cheese toasties. For something extra special, book in the Piper Package – expect exclusive access to a king-size sunbed with a shaded umbrella, plus a chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck NV Champagne and a showstopping seafood platter (I still have dreams about it).

Where to explore

hamilton island couple running on trail
Explore the island’s walking trails.

There are bucket loads of family-friendly activities on Hamilton Island that the whole clan can do together. First stop: hiring a buggy and taking your time to explore the island at your own pace. Next stop: getting active and creating memories together in the process.

One of the best activities on Hamilton Island for families is tackling one (or more) of its beautiful bush and walking trails, with the one-hour hike to Passage Peak a standout for panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Morning is a great time to go to beat the heat (and other walkers).

For the active and adventurous, the all-new E-mountain biking facilities make for an adrenaline-packed experience your teens won’t be able to stop talking about. It’s a self-guided trail taking riders to some of the island’s quietest and most scenic pockets, and the knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Island Trails HQ will fit you out with all the gear you need for a safe adventure.

E-mountain biking on hamilton island
Check out the all-new E-mountain biking facilities.

Come sunset, you’d be silly not to head up to One Tree Hill at least once during your stay. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun brushes the horizon with gold, it’s a popular place for groups and families to come together and enjoy a drink from the pop-up cocktail van.

Family tip: If you’re staying at the Sundays, Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows or Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to a range of water activities, including catamarans, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkel equipment at Catseye Beach. Keep an eye out for the turtles that love to hang around the shallow fringing reef.

Where to play

heart reef
Take the family on a day tour to places like Heart Reef.

Kids are sure to have a field trip thanks to the island’s abundance of child-centric offerings.

Parents in need of some ‘me time’ can drop little ones between six months and 12 years off at the Clownfish Club, located near the Resort Centre and Pool. Overseen by trained professionals, the nursery offers a calm space for toddlers and babies with a balance of gentle play and rest. Meanwhile, older kids can unleash their imaginations with age-appropriate craft, games and group activities.

Parents seeking a stress-free night out can also make use of Hamilton Island’s babysitting services, which start from $40 an hour.

Hamilton Island Wildlife is another must-visit stop. Fun for children of all ages (and adults too!), the centre provides up-close encounters with a variety of cute and fascinating Aussie animals. Think marsupials, snakes, lizards, koalas and kangaroos, along with a giant saltwater crocodile. Catch the 10am or 2pm daily tours (included with entry) guided by expert keepers, or opt for a 30-minute private or small-group VIP encounter with an animal of your choice.

More kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Palm Valley Activities, where you can race around the go-karting track and reach up to 45 kilometres per hour. Kids under 16 can ride as passengers in double go-karts. Or perhaps try your hand at mini golf at the HI Fitness Club, navigating palms, playful challenges and pathways that wind through lush tropical gardens.

Keen to explore further afield? A wide range of Hamilton Island day trips promise endless excitement, from snorkelling on a Great Barrier Reef tour and chartering a boat to marvelling at the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach from a scenic plane.

To plan your family island escape, visit hamiltonisland.com.au.