Waterside camping near Chinchilla with fishing

Hike through ancient forests and wonder at waterfalls while camping near Chinchilla.

96% (135 reviews)
96% (135 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Chinchilla

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Waterside camping near Chinchilla with fishing guide

Overview

A small rural town that’s bursting with vibrant culture and renowned Queensland scenery, Chinchilla offers first-class camping and adventure. Start the trip on horseback in Barakula State Forest, where tough terrain meets sweeping scenic views and solitude. Bunya Mountains National Park awaits to the east, ready to refresh the senses with waterfalls and a range of accommodations from basic tent pitches to opulent cabins. Craving a cool down? Head to the fresh water of Lake Broadwater Conservation Park for boating and swimming, then check out the campsites, which offer plenty of luxuries like heated showers and barbecue grills.

Where to go

Barakula State Forest

This dog-friendly forest is under an hour drive from Chinchilla. Covering over 280,000 hectares, with service roads twisting throughout, Barakula State Forest is the perfect place for biking, horseback riding, hiking, and camping. This area offers a rugged experience in the wild that isn’t suitable for caravans though. Instead, roll the motorhome into a nearby campground just outside Barakula State Forest, and find convenient amenities like pull-through sites, full hookups, wifi, and playgrounds for the kids.

Bunya Mountains National Park

Besides featuring the biggest group of ancient bunya pines in the world, Bunya Mountains Provincial Park also delivers mountain ranges, grasslands, waterfalls, and wonderful camping opportunities. The park is situated two hours from Chinchilla and hosts a variety of campsites, from walk-in tent pitches to drive-in caravan sites. Most on-site camping spots also offer toilets, shower facilities, and picnic tables. For a more luxurious stay, find timber chalets and charming cottages for larger groups wanting more amenities.

Lake Broadwater Conservation Park

The shallow waters in Lake Broadwater Conservation Park make it a hot spot for viewing local wildlife. Zip around the water on a motorboat, jump in for a swim, and climb into a shoreline bird hide to watch for migrating bird species. Campsites within the park feature pitches for tiny tents or large caravans and have amenities like heated showers, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and potable water. In case it's booked, the nearby town of Dalby hosts additional camping accommodations on private rural farm pastures or in canvas yurts.

When to go

November through April are generally the best months to camp in Chinchilla for lots of sunshine and warm temperatures. January is the hottest month and sees highs around 31°C—a perfect time to visit Lake Broadwater Conservation Park. If getting a taste of the local life is a must, visit in February for the biannual Melon Festival. Campers should bring an extra doona when visiting Chinchilla in winter, as temperatures can drop to near freezing. Pay a visit to Barakula State Forest in late winter and early spring, though, for colourful wildflowers in the grassy hills.

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