The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Cairns, Queensland

Cairns is the only place where two World Heritage-listed sites meet. Here, the Wet Tropics Rainforest meets the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and this tropical city is a great base for campers to see both. Join a day trip to the Outer Reef or laze beside the city’s man-made lagoon on the Cairns esplanade. There’s no beach in Cairns city, but the northern beaches begin just 15 minutes’ drive north of the city centre, one of the loveliest being Palm Cove. Don’t miss a visit to the Cairns Aquarium, a great introduction to the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.Fitzroy Island is the closest island to Cairns, only 45 minutes by ferry, and camping sites are right next to the beach, a five-minute walk from the jetty. You can hire snorkelling and diving equipment, take glass-bottom boat rides, or hike the rainforest trails or to the old lighthouse. The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on the island is also well worth visiting.Kuranda is a rainforest village in the mountains near Barron Gorge National Park. It has two campgrounds, perfect for hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Easy walking trails let you explore the Barron Falls and river and the rainforest. Other attractions will introduce you to koalas, butterflies and birds. A little further away is Davies Creek National Park, with granite boulders and swimming holes.Beach camping with stunning views of the Coral Sea and islands is found at Ellis Beach, about half-way between Cairns and Port Douglas is an hour’s drive north of Cairns, on one of Queensland’s most spectacular coastal roads. Swaying palms surround you, and there are great facilities, including a restaurant across the street. No bookings are required; just turn up and pitch your tent.Cape Tribulation's only national park camping area is near beautiful Noah Beach, where you can pitch your tent in a sheltered site under shady trees. This park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and is closed January to Good Friday. Wildlife abounds: you’re likely to see giant lace monitors (goannas) and perhaps crocodiles as you cross the Daintree River on the ferry.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Cairns is the only place where two World Heritage-listed sites meet. Here, the Wet Tropics Rainforest meets the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and this tropical city is a great base for campers to see both. Join a day trip to the Outer Reef or laze beside the city’s man-made lagoon on the Cairns esplanade. There’s no beach in Cairns city, but the northern beaches begin just 15 minutes’ drive north of the city centre, one of the loveliest being Palm Cove. Don’t miss a visit to the Cairns Aquarium, a great introduction to the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.Fitzroy Island is the closest island to Cairns, only 45 minutes by ferry, and camping sites are right next to the beach, a five-minute walk from the jetty. You can hire snorkelling and diving equipment, take glass-bottom boat rides, or hike the rainforest trails or to the old lighthouse. The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on the island is also well worth visiting.Kuranda is a rainforest village in the mountains near Barron Gorge National Park. It has two campgrounds, perfect for hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Easy walking trails let you explore the Barron Falls and river and the rainforest. Other attractions will introduce you to koalas, butterflies and birds. A little further away is Davies Creek National Park, with granite boulders and swimming holes.Beach camping with stunning views of the Coral Sea and islands is found at Ellis Beach, about half-way between Cairns and Port Douglas is an hour’s drive north of Cairns, on one of Queensland’s most spectacular coastal roads. Swaying palms surround you, and there are great facilities, including a restaurant across the street. No bookings are required; just turn up and pitch your tent.Cape Tribulation's only national park camping area is near beautiful Noah Beach, where you can pitch your tent in a sheltered site under shady trees. This park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and is closed January to Good Friday. Wildlife abounds: you’re likely to see giant lace monitors (goannas) and perhaps crocodiles as you cross the Daintree River on the ferry.

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Top-rated campgrounds

1. NRMA Cairns Holiday Park

93%

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1.6km from Cairns · 113 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cairns, QLD

Craving a holiday like no other? Picture balmy winter days by a sparkling saltwater pool. Snorkelling coral reefs with sea turtles. Discovering ancient culture in a World Heritage rainforest. Splashing beneath waterfalls. And, above all, sharing unforgettable moments together. At NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, we make holiday magic easy. Our fun-filled activity program brings people together, and our laidback vibe keeps the good times rolling. Everyone’s welcome here - including your pets! Just minutes from Cairns' attractions, our caravan park is your gateway to the best of Tropical North Queensland. NRMA Cairns Holiday Park is located in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, just 3km from downtown Cairns. A 10-minute drive from the airport, the park is a hop, skip and a jump from the iconic attractions of the region. You can get to Cairns via a three-hour flight from Sydney or Melbourne, or a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Brisbane.

2. Fnq blooms

99%

(92)

57km from Cairns · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Bartle Frere, QLD

Fnq blooms is a Tropical flower Farm. The 52 acre property is situated at the foothills of Queensland's tallest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere standing at 1622mt. Camp creek-side at FNQ Blooms, Campers will love exploring the crystal-clear creeks and waterfall on the farm. Camp site is a large grass area next to pristine rainforest creek, plenty of room to have friends camp with you. Set up, sit back and watch the Ulysses Butterflys fly by or Kingfishers duck and weave though the creek or just watch the jungle perch swim by while sitting in the creek with a cold one. On our Farm, we grow an extensive variety of Tropical Heliconia and Ginger for use in the Australian Cut Flower Industry as well as Vanilla in our shade house for food products your welcome to learn about the farm and its operations. We are a grate spot to explore the surrounding areas, Josephine falls swimming and Hiking Mt Bartle Frere, Babinda town , Babinda Boulders swimming and hiking , Eubenangee Swamp to spot crocs Bramston Beach, Franklen islands reef out of Deeral, Innisfail, Etty bay to see cassowary and Paronella Park at Mena Creek

3. 3 Bares Retreat

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(7)

18km from Cairns · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Koah, QLD

3 Bares Retreat is a clothing optional naturist retreat located in the stunning Atherton Tablelands of Far North Queensland, just an hour’s drive from Cairns CBD. We offer a safe, private friendly adults only place for you to enjoy. The retreat features an on-site caravan for hire, along with flat, powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites. We provide a spacious camp kitchen, shower block, toilets, and laundry facilities. There is also a dump point on site for those who are self-contained. Guests also have access to filtered drinking water. Our grounds are rich with the natural beauty and wildlife of FNQ, ready for you to explore. Enjoy sweeping views from the camp kitchen balcony, take a dip in our pool or the picturesque Clohesy River that borders the property, or cosy up by a warm log fire in the evening. We’re pet-friendly too—just please ensure your furry friends are kept on a lead at all times. We warmly welcome nudists, LGBTQI+ guests, and anyone curious to try the lifestyle. We are now clothing-optional, so come and enjoy our little slice of paradise. There are plenty of games to enjoy, including Boule, Finska, darts, archery, volleyball, as well as board and card games—or simply relax and unwind. The natural bushland and gardens attract a wide variety of birdlife, butterflies, and other creatures, offering wonderful opportunities for birdwatching or simply soaking up the sights and sounds of nature.

4. Treetops Sanctuary

61km from Cairns · 1 site · Lodging · Jaggan, QLD

John Knott pole home is situated in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands. This beautiful timber home has 3 levels and includes 9 beds. Enjoy the privacy and seclusion and space to explore with cattle pastures, rainforest and spring fed creek. Take a bush walk on the property, a quick drive to the tablelands waterfall circuit and crater lakes. Or simply relax and enjoy the lush view from the breezy deck.

5. Camel's Rest

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33km from Cairns · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Aloomba, QLD

Camel’s Rest – Rainforest Retreat in Aloomba Escape to Camel’s Rest, a peaceful 30-acre property surrounded by lush rainforest and rolling hills near Aloomba, Queensland. Choose from a spacious RV/tent site or a cozy off-grid tiny home — both designed for rest, nature, and simple comfort. Wake to birdsong, explore quiet trails, or unwind by the campfire under star-filled skies. Though tucked away in nature, you’re still close to local attractions and conveniences. Highlights: • 30 acres of private rainforest • RV/tent site and off-grid tiny home options • Fire pit, forest views, and abundant wildlife • Peaceful and secluded, yet easy to reach Reconnect with nature and experience the tranquil side of Queensland at Camel’s Rest.

6. Sundowners

24km from Cairns · 3 sites · Lodging · Mareeba, QLD

For all the sunset chasers, star gazers, vintage dreamers, soul seekers, and mindful wanderers – this one’s for you. Tucked away in the heart of Dinden State Forest, surrounded by the picturesque countryside of the Tablelands, this special spot transforms into a wonderland of natural beauty and warm community spirit. Slow down, relax, and explore: wander through the stunning landscapes, or take a peaceful stroll along the crystal-clear waters of beautiful Davies Creek. Please note this is a glamping style set up with an out door Hot Bath providing a unique experience under the stars and (one toilet and shower) Our Campsite offers a range of amenities , including a large fire pit for cosy evenings and an outdoor camp kitchen for preparing meals . Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with gum trees towering overhead and the sound of birds and wildlife in the background its the perfect place to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. + Romantic evening dates + Family scenic adventures + Photography enthusiasts + Reconnecting with Nature + Soak up something super special Sundowners is perfect for those wanting to explore the local area. Here are some of the attractions within a small Radius - Kuranda is only a 10min drive with lots of wild life parks / indigenous experiences / local markets /cafes / national parks and more . Davies creek national park ( world renowned bike tracks) , bush walks , waterfalls. Emerald creek a scenic drive 20mins beautiful walking trails and swimming . Mareeba is also close which host lots of historical features and there is hot air ballooning in the close proximity Granite Gorge Nature Park / Tinaroo Dam fishing water sports /hot springs /crater lakes your opportunities are endless . The international airport in only an hour away and the Great Barrier Reef also awaits . If you are heading to the tip this is also a great stopover for last min shopping for supplies in Mareeba or a rest stop on your return .

Stories from the community

M

Madi

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fnq blooms

Most incredible stay ever, the breakfast the view the waterfall absolutely amazing

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Cairns guide

When to go

April to November is the best time to visit Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north. Any other time, it’s hot and humid. It’s also the time of year when water visibility for snorkelling and diving is at its best. Summer is less popular, due to the heat, hence camping areas will be less crowded. May to September is the peak camping season.

Know before you go

Remember to pack sunscreen; the north Queensland sun can be fierce. Check out sunscreens that won’t damage the coral reefs (those that don’t contain oxybenzone or BP-3).
Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forest and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival.
Despite its name, Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island isn’t for those who want to bare all. In fact, nude beaches are banned in Queensland.
Boat transfers are available to the two free campsites on Russell Island in the Frankland Group National Park, just south of Cairns.