When it comes to getting outdoors with the family and away from the stresses of the day-to-day for a while, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better idea than Sunshine Coast camping. With so many great options it’s hard to know where to begin!
That is why we here at AllbrandCS have compiled ten of the best sites to visit for activities and beautiful scenery. From heading into the bush to fully facilitated holiday parks, your family (and pet) have plenty of options depending on the type of Sunshine Coast camping experience you are after!
The pros of camping
- Perfect for the whole family
- A great way to build treasured memories
- A cost-effective getaway
- You can bring your dog
- Relive childhood experiences
- You can rough it or “Glamp” in luxury
- Pitch a tent, park a caravan or book a cabin
1. Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park
We’ve put Mapleton at the beginning of the list as its surrounds are absolutely stunning. From rolling hills to woodlands, creeks, streams, and a rainforest, the beauty of nature is indeed on display.
Sunshine Coast camping under the stars in the Hinterland is always a great trip away, and Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park offers seven acres of greenery with national parks and waterfalls all within hiking distance for a fun day trip. The many beaches of the Sunshine Coast are only a short drive away if you decide you want to change things up a little as well.
Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park offers unpowered and powered sites with provisions for campervans and caravans with cabins, cottages, and villas available as well. The park also features a pizza oven, free Wi-Fi, picnic facilities and activities such as giant chess! Your furry friend is also welcome on application.
2. Dicky Beach Holiday Park
Dicky Beach offers a significant amount of room in a social setting so you can get to know your neighbours and meet other like-minded campers! Choose from cabins or powered and unpowered sites, and group bookings can score a large private site.
Bunbubah Creek flows through the centre of Dicky Beach which is large enough to provide beach access as well as bushland surrounds depending on which you prefer. Sunshine Coast camping doesn’t get much better than having both of those options as well as a pool, playground, and recreation room all onsite and Dicky Beach offers the lot. You can also easily access local shops and cafes, and the Surf Life Saving Club is always a good time for a night out.
The park also offers a tennis court, TV lounge, and free Wi-Fi as well as snorkelling and a nearby skate park. Unfortunately, your furry friend will need to stay home if you decide to head to Dicky Beach.
3. Noosa Caravan Park
Noosa Caravan Park in Tewantin is the best spot to hire a boat and head out on the Noosa River. The sites are surrounded by shady palm trees, and all of them are powered. You are a short walk to the attractions of the township which includes shops and cafes and you can spend your time right by the river.
All of the standard facilities are here as well as a heated pool, playground, games room, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better location for a spot of whale watching during the right season!
4. BIG4 Rivershore Resort
Here we have our first option on the list for a spot of Glamping. The BIG4 chain is known for delivering a nice slice of luxury to the Sunshine Coast camping experience, and the Rivershore Resort spot is no exception. With powered or unpowered sites, the park even offers a “Ready To Go Camping” package where the tent is already set up and furnished! This makes for a very cost-effective camping holiday as you won’t need to buy your own gear.
Site sizes are very good for accommodating larger caravan or mobile homes, and then there is the glamping. A luxurious experience indeed, BIG4 offers their famous Safari Tents, which are a 5-star affair with beds, bath, kitchenette, outdoor deck, and Netflix! It’s barely camping; it’s glamping!
Rivershore Resort has its own boat pontoon on the Maroochy River, and the kids will love the playground and giant jumping pillow while the adults head out on the river with kayaks and canoes. There is also mini golf and swimming pools (including a heated lap pool), and you can hire bikes and bring your dog along (except for during school holiday periods).
5. BIG4 Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park
The second Big4 park on our list is the Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park which is just outside of Brisbane on the edge of the Pumicestone Passage. Being a little closer to civilisation has its advantages in the form of Stockland shopping centre and a range of restaurants.
Along with provisions for tents, campervans and caravans will love the sites which have a TV aerial connection point! The park runs a Kids Club during school holidays brimming with various activities for the little ones to keep them entertained.
As with most BIG4 parks you’ll have access to:
- Camp kitchens and BBQs with picnic tables
- A boat ramp
- Toilets and showers with baby facilities
- A playground with a giant jumping pillow
- Pool with a slide
- Coin operated laundry
- Free Wi-Fi
- Book exchange
6. Noosa Holiday Parks
We’ll group three parks into one number for the sixth one on the list as the Noosa parks, while in separate locations, fall under the same banner. They also offer slightly different vibes with either riverside, beachside or lakeside campsites depending on your area of preference.
The three options are:
Noosa River Holiday Park
All of the parks are suitable for tent, caravan or motorhome with both powered or unpowered sites either on the waterfront or in garden areas. All of the usual facilities like a camp kitchen, BBQs, and a playground are there along with an onsite kiosk for any essential things you may need or run out of.
Noosa North Shore Beach Campground
If you want to get back to the roots of the idea of camping (none of this Glamping business), then Noosa North Shore Beach Campground which sits between the beach and a national park is perfect for you. The majority of the sites are unpowered with a few powered options as this is bare camping at it’s finest.
If you want a little luxury you can pay one dollar for a hot shower (cold showers are free if you are game), and there isn’t much else besides toilets and a small kiosk. The idea here is to go off grid, focus on nature and the stars, surrounded by wildlife. Getting to Noosa North Shore Beach Campground requires a ride on the cash-only ferry or access via Rainbow Beach (4WD only).
Boreen Point Campground
On the shores of Lake Cootharaba, you’ll find a range of powered and unpowered as well as free range camping spots in amongst the bushland at Boreen Point Campground. The kids will love the BMX track within the recreation park, and there is all sorts of fun to be had in the shallow lake like kayaking and canoeing. You can swim in said lake or the ocean which isn’t far away and be sure to keep an eye out for all of the local wildlife spotting, boating, local attractions.
It’s important to note that you are unable to bring your dog along to Noosa North Shore Beach Campground or Noosa River Holiday Park. Boreen Point Campground, however, will allow the fluffy ones anytime other than school holidays.
7. Landsborough Pines Caravan Park
If you love the greenery of the forest surrounds, then Landsborough Pines is the place for you as it sits on the border of the Beerwah State Forest. It features nine acres of parkland set to a backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains.
There are both powered and unpowered sites and the park even supplies canvas matting provided for tents and vans! Take a dip in the swimming pool or dam, and enjoy all of the normal facilities like BBQs (right by the dam) and feel free to bring the dog along.
8. Coochin Creek Campsite in Beerwah State Forest
Coochin Creek is another spot that offers the stripped back, traditional style of camping with no frills. Located in the Beerwah State Forest, you won’t find a better place to disappear into the wilderness. Swim in the creek, bring the canoe and enjoy the secluded location.
There are 21 sites and campervans and caravans will fit in the area, just be warned, showers or power of any kind are luxuries that are not on offer, generators are also banned from the area. It should also be noted that you should refrain from drinking the water without boiling it first.
As Coochin Creek is in a state forest, pets are not allowed and the lighting of campfires must be within the established fire rings. It is also illegal to obtain wood for fires from the forest so you’ll need to bring your own.
9. Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park
What would Sunshine Coast camping be without something real close to the beach? Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park is a small spot right near Sea Life Aquarium and the Mooloolaba Wharf where all sites are powered, and a host of entertainment and shopping options are just down the road. Great for whales watching and surfing, the only downside is the dog needs to stay home for this one.
10. Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park
You’ll need to opt for something other than a tent at Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park which is primarily for campervans and caravans, plus the on-site cabins.
Located midway between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, the park offers a pizza oven, heated pool, playground, and is extremely close to a range of beaches that feature some great surf.
Always remember
Camping is a great, inexpensive way to spend some quality time with friends and family and reconnect with nature; it is, however, essential to check any local restrictions in the areas you visit.
The same applies to fire regulations, a very important thing to be aware of to avoid any potential disaster. Campfires are only permitted at certain times of the year and often in particular locations. If you do have a campfire, always put out the embers with water, don’t just bury them!
If you are visiting one of the sites above that allows your furry companion(s) dogs keep them on a leash and always be conscious of your neighbours. Tents have thin walls so keep the volume respectable.
Keep things clean, take your rubbish with you or dispose of it in the provided bins and avoid going to the toilet in the bush without digging a hole first!
The most important point to remember is that you are always visiting someone else’s home – the local wildlife! Be kind to them and do your best to keep them safe!
Let AllBrandCS get you ready for your next trip!
AllBrand Caravan Services love heading out on the road to places like the ones listed above. We are a family owned and operated a business in the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane, and our passion is preparing Aussie travellers for the road. We offer caravan repairs and servicing and are experts in all major brands of caravans and parts.
Let us help you ensure that your caravan is in tip-top condition for your next trip and rest easy that you won’t break down in the middle of nowhere, ruining your getaway! Contact us today, we love to talk all things caravan and will make sure yours is in the best possible condition to head out on the open road!
