Discover the best waterfall campgrounds near Bonnie Doon, Queensland

Bonnie Doon, a small coastal town, is a charming place to begin an authentically Australian camping adventure. Find tent and caravan campsites, along with farm stays and other forms of lodging, all around Bonnie Doon and its surrounding areas. Or journey across the diverse landscape of Mowbray National Park to see large, flightless birds. Mount Lewis National Park features 4WD adventures up and around the eponymous mountainscape. Or head to Daintree National Park, which protects two distinct areas as the gateway to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.

Where to go

Mowbray National Park

Just south of Bonnie Doon, Mowbray National Park is renowned for its birding opportunities, incredible vegetation, and cultural significance to indigenous Aboriginal peoples. As part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Mowbray’s landscape has wetlands, open eucalypt forests, and mangrove forests. An important wildlife corridor, the park also functions as a home for endangered southern cassowaries. Take in views of Black Mountain and Big Mowbray Falls. Then, head nearby to private tent and caravan campsites with flush toilets, hot showers, wifi, and communal firepits.

Mount Lewis National Park

Mount Lewis National Park is a paradise for unique wildlife amid beautiful upland rainforests and waterways. While many mountains in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area are inaccessible to the public, Mount Lewis features a scenic drive, climbing to an elevation of over 1,200 metres. Walking and biking tracks as well as 4WD roads throughout the park allow for exploration of the dense forest systems, geological structures, and waterways, like the Mossman and Mitchell Rivers. Tent and vehicle campsites are readily available nearby with pit toilets, potable water, and campfire space.

Daintree National Park

Also known as Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land, Daintree National Park is split into two distinct areas. Mossman Gorge comprises the rugged slopes and mountain ranges of Main Coast Range and Windsor and Carbine tablelands, which feed Daintree and Mossman Rivers. Cape Tribulation runs from Bloomfield River to Daintree River and is best known as the site of the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage areas. Don’t miss Mossman Gorge, Myall Beach, Kulki, and Mount Alexandra. Then, pitch a tent or park the campervan on-site campsites, or head out of the park for unique farm stays and other lodging options that provide private, peaceful space along with flush toilets, hot showers, and electrical hookups.

When to go

Peak tourist seasons in Bonnie Doon generally happen in fall and spring, providing a balance of warm temperatures, little precipitation, and low humidity. December is the warmest month with an average high of 34°C. However, the area is tropical and largely temperate year-round. The coldest month is June with an average temperature of 21°C. June and July are ideal times for whale watching as humpback whales migrate north through the Great Barrier Reef.