Camping near Emu Park with wildlife watching
This friendly coastal town on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast overlooks the Keppel Islands.
94% (1005 reviews)
- Emu Park
94% (1005 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Emu Park with wildlife watching
97%
(440)
Take-A-Break Bush Camp
14 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Nankin, QLD
Located between Rockhampton and Emu Park beach. 711 Thompson Point Road Nankin
Our campsites are located in a rural setting with plenty of shady trees, friendly cows and mountain views close to the Fitzroy River. Relax around a campfire on a peaceful dam and listen to the kookaburras. Dip your toes into the cool water whilst sipping watching the sunset.
It is 10km to the upgraded Fitzroy River/Thompson Point boat ramp and pontoon. Enjoy some excellent fishing and crabbing on the river, bird watching and bush walking up the many hills. Only 1/2 hr. drive to the beaches (Emu Park and Yeppoon), National Parks (Mt Etna Caves, Mt Archer Baga, Limestone Creek), and Rockhampton (Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Free Zoo).
Campfires in the firepits provided on each site. (Welcomed to BYO own firepit). Pre-cut fire wood for sale on site. Pets are welcome, however the must be kept within your allocated campsite area and supervised at all time. (Dogs are not allowed to chase livestock or native animals). Quiet genset are also allowed.
Definitely no boats to be backed into the dam for washing purposes. Fish cleaning and boat washing facilities at the solar bore near front entrance. Telstra mobile reception (3G & 4G). TV reception with antenna. We a setup for fully self contained camping, however there is a basic bush shower/toilet available for our campers.
The dam is a pristine eco area and no soap/detergents/chemicals to used in/around it. The dam is stocked with yabbies, silver perch and bass – catch and release.
Camp site caters for 2 Adults and up to 4 kids per site.
Come and Take-A-Break.
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AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(33)
"Akubra Downs" HipCamp
26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents600 acres · Mulara, QLD
A rare find. Conveniently located 12 mins to Yeppoon beaches, 15 mins to the Beef Capital City, Rockhampton. This property runs cattle, horses & it has its own airfield. Sky diving on weekends. Hedlow Creek runs through the 600 acre property. Great Keppel Island just off Yeppoon, daily trips. National Parks nearby.
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AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(131)
Ferns Hideaway Resort
25 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Byfield, QLD
Ferns Hideaway is a secluded unique family owned bush resort and camping/caravan park nestled beside the stunning Waterpark Creek on 42 acres of riparian rainforest in tropical Central Queensland. Ferns is located in Byfield which is an easy 30 minute drive (39 kilometres) north of Yeppoon and adjacent to the beautiful Byfield National Park and central to all the area has to offer.We have a variety of sites and accomodation options to suit all styles and budgets with more than 25 camp/van sites, 5 traditional rustic log cabins, and several onsite vans, set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning natural surrounds.If it's peace and relaxation you're after, or more fun and adventure Ferns has something for everyone and boasts an array of other activities that are complementary for our guests. Spend the days lazing away by the pool, have a hit of tennis or explore the magical wilderness of Waterpark Creek in one of our canoes. The choice is yours! Our activities / amenities include: Fleet of Canadian canoes, in-ground swimming pool and spa, tennis court, beach volleyball court, ball games, kids activities, bush walking tracks, open grassed picnic areas, central camp ground, secluded camp sites, camp kitchen, camp lounge, toilets, hot showers, drinking water, licensed restaurant serving the best fresh local ingredients.Featuring an abundance of fauna and flora throughout the property, including a profusion of rare Byfield Ferns, giant paperbarks, wallabies, bandicoots, monitor lizards, water dragons and amazing birdlife, Ferns offers the perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature, family and friends. With our licensed A La Carte restaurant open on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday lunch you can have your slice of paradise and eat your cake too!
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AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(287)
Milfarrago Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Bungundarra, QLD
Camp on our farm in the heart of the Capricorn Coast, close to the beautiful beach of Yeppoon and Farnborough. There is plenty to enjoy in the area, including bushwalks, 4WD tracks, water activities and National Parks.On the farm you can see the many animals, including horses, pigs, chickens and alpacas. Farm produce available depending on time of year. Campfires allowed (conditions pending). Just a short drive to beaches, bush walking and 4WD tracks. There are no facilities here, campers must be self contained and leave no trace.Powered Sites2 powered sites available with 10 amp connection. TV reception not available at this location.Unpowered SitesUnpowered sites available at our family farm, open areas available. Water available at a central location but not at each site. Located 15 minutes from Yeppoon Main Beach and Farnborough Beaches. Approximately 25 minutes to Byfield.
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AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(233)
Rockhampton Waterski Club
8 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Alton Downs, QLD
On the banks of the beautiful Fitzroy River is the Rockhampton Water Ski Club.
Only ten minutes drive from the Rockhampton CBD is the opportunity to access the only camping location along the fresh water side (upstream) of the Fitzroy River Barrage.
This site offers full amenities, including hot water showers, flushing toilets, built in bbq's, and a camp kitchen.
You can enjoy getting back to nature with the picturesque river views and enjoy the beautiful landscape or you can sit around the fire and tell some yarns with the family.
Other activities that the site provides is direct access to the Fitzroy River via the clubs boat ramp, and doc, water skiing, fishing and of course you're more than welcome to bring your own canoes or kayaks.
There are plenty of places for the kids to play and swim, so come for a day or a whole week.
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AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(304)
Forest Fields Campstay
10 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Byfield, QLD
A piece of paradise
Step back in time at Forest Fields Campstay (formally Byfield Campstay) to how camping used to be. Set up your camp on a peaceful and private bush location just minutes from the Byfield National Park and State Forest. This paid campground offers toilets, bucket showers and drinking water.
Yes, we’re dog friendly, we love pets but please ensure your furry friends are on lead and for the comfort of others please don’t leave your pet if you go touring ( we recommend a great boarding kennels that’s only about 20mins away)!!
Fires are allowed with fire wood available for purchase (or bring your own).
Generators are ok, daylight hours only.
The site is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans and tents.
A special place for tourists and locals a like.
Maximum stay two weeks - Bookings Essential
Forest Fields Campstay is a quiet natural bush site, a base to relax or explore local Forests and National parks and other unique attractions.
FLORA and FAUNA This area is home of the Great Imperial Fruit Dove [or Wompoo Pigeon] and the unique Byfield Fern [Bowenia Serralata]. Byfield Campstay is situated on the “migratory trail”, meaning that different birds are always passing through.
A wide variety of native wild life may be seen – wallabies, bandicoots, bush turkeys and reptiles.
THE FARM – “MIDDLE EARTH” Originally a citrus orchard, Beth and Chris (previous owners) decided to diversify. They planted Quandong and Byfield Pine trees for timber, and we now have many varieties of fruit trees including sapotes, sapodillas, grumachumas, jaboticabas, jackfruit, avocadoes and bananas.
Your hosts Shayne & Melissa Geddes look forward to welcoming you!!
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AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(114)
Casuarina Park
10 sites · RVs, Tents640 acres · Darts Creek, QLD
Casuarina Park is a 640 acre working property situated 10.3km off the Bruce Highway in Central Queensland between Gladstone and Rockhampton. Camping is a self-sufficient affair with 2 long drop toilets. For small groups of campers we have available a hot shower and septic toilets.There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen as well as a 7km walking/bicycle track available to stretch out weary muscles. For fishing/crabbing enthusiasts it is a 15km 4 wheel drive access to Sandfly boat ramp for fishing and crabbing or 26km for a 2 wheel drive and larger boat to Ramsey's boat ramp located at The Narrows. Excellent fishing!Campfires are permitted with wood included (when restrictions aren't in place). Dogs allowed and must be on leash at all times.SPECIAL EVENTS: During the weekends only of QLD school holidays, we are open for motorbike trail rides. You need to have an MQ license and be part of a motorcycle club (we have our insurance with Motorcycling Queensland). If unsure please ask. This means things are a bit noisier on the weekends of school holidays. :)
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AU$10
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(28)
Laurel Bank
5 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Alton Downs, QLD
50 acres - 12 km’s from Rockhampton. Quite secluded areas for 4 wheel drive vehicles towing caravans and camper trailers. Walking (bird watching, abundance of wildlife, kangaroo’s etc). Cycling around property for mountain bikes and gravel roads in area perfect for gravel bikes and leisure riding. Fitzroy river 2 kms.
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AU$17
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(7)
Mt. Wheeler Farm Stay
4 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Bondoola, QLD
On our 500 acre property we have a small area which is currently available for camping whilst our riding school horses enjoy their summer spell.
With scenic views of the mountain Gai-i, there is a hot shower, flushing toilet and camp fire area with a Brazilian style BBQ and a gas BBQ.
We are only a 15 minute drive from the beach town of Yeppoon, which is also the gateway to The southern Great Barrier Reef and fringing reefs of Great Keppel Island.
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AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(29)
Little Glenora Bush Camp
1 site · RV, Tent25 acres · Cawarral, QLD
At Little Glenora we have created a private space where you can get closer to nature. You can enjoy the natural sounds, beautiful wildlife, star filled night sky and the beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Cawarral is a unique and historic gold mining town and is situated 20 minutes from the coastal towns of Emu Park, Keppel Sands and Yeppoon where you can explore the beautiful beaches or enjoy one of the many cafes. The city of Rockhampton is within easy reach, where you can find everything you need to enjoy your stay with us.
We are just 20 minutes from Mount Archer National Park where you can enjoy a number of different hikes, including hiking to the summit for some spectacular views of the region. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a leash to protect our wildlife, we also have neighbouring dogs that may sense them. Campfires are permitted as long as there are no restrictions in place.
Campers must be self-contained with their own camping toilet and shower and take all waste and rubbish with them on departure.
Please note; firewood is NOT supplied.
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AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
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Tranquil View Camp
3 sites · RVs, Tents165 acres · Bungundarra, QLD
Come and enjoy this exclusive campsite for families and/or groups, set on a 165 acre property. Campers will enjoy access to spring fed dam for fishing and paddling. Or just sit back, relax and have a BBQ. There are breathtaking misty morning views with sunsets over Lake Mary Valley and unbelievable night time star gazing. There is hill climbs and bird watching around creeks and dam.There is plenty to do and see in the area. Take a 15 minute drive into Yeppoon, the gateway to Great Keppel Island and the wonders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.The Capricorn Coast also delivers with ease when it comes to sourcing a fine feed with specialty produce like premium, export quality beef, seafood, and tropical produce. There is a wide range of restaurants, cafés and clubs catering to all tastes and budgets.
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AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 1 time
Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
6 sites · Tents10 acres · The Keppels, QLD
After being on Great Keppel Island for over 20 years, our desire is to offer you a holiday with a difference in a down-to-earth and friendly environment. We are daring to be different. The emphasis is on quietness, bush walking, snorkelling and the art of doing nothing. I am choosing to offer you a peaceful, non-smoking, low alcohol environment.
Great Keppel Island Holiday Village is nestled in palm and gum trees less than a minute’s walk to two beautiful white sand beaches. Our accommodation is simple and basic; yet comfortable and cosy, giving you a feeling of being away from the fast pace and worries of the world.
The atmosphere of our eco-friendly Holiday Village is what you would expect on an island – going back to a simpler time of low-key, relaxing and lazy days either on the beach or in a hammock; a bushwalk on tracks to deserted beaches; swimming and snorkelling; or maybe a motorised canoe trip to surrounding areas. And then there are the sunsets. A true private “island in the sun” experience.
So come along – make some good friends while you play, relax, and appreciate the serenity and peacefulness of Great Keppel Island and our Holiday Village.
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AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Camping near Emu Park with wildlife watching guide
Overview
A small coastal community on the shores of Keppel Bay, Emu Park offers a year-round sunshine-laced climate typical of southern Queensland. Captain Cook named Keppel Bay after sighting it in 1870, with the town of Emu Park evolving as cattle station owners established holiday homes on the beach. It has retained much of its small-town charm and serves as a popular holiday spot, particularly along the waterfront where parklands and the famed Singing Ship sculpture capture the breeze.
Where to go
Benarkin State Forest
At Emu Creek Camp Site, a large open camping area for caravans and tents sits adjacent to Emu Creek. Clancy’s Camping Area is adjacent to the Bicentennial National Trail, popular among horse riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Wood-fired BBQs (bring your own wood) are available (except when fire bans apply) at both sites. Book your camping permit through the state’s Parks and Forest department.
Keppel Bay Islands
Camping is permissible on a number of islands within Keppel Bay Islands National Park. Book your camping permit through Queensland’s Parks and Forest department for campsites on North Keppel Island, Humpy Island, Miall Island, Conical Island, Divided Island, Pelican Island, Middle Island, and Hummocky Island—here, campsites are suitable for tent campers only and facilities are limited mostly to picnic tables and toilets.
Byfield National Park
Byfield National Park, Byfield State Forest, and Byfield Conservation Park all combine to form the Capricorn Coast’s park area. Here, massive sand dunes, rainforest-edged creeks, dramatic mountain ranges, and dense pine plantations are dotted with camping areas on the beach and in the forest. Park campsites are suitable for caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes along with tents and swags, although some are only accessible by 4WD vehicle.
When to go
Emu Park, Yeppoon, and the Capricorn Coast are a year-round holiday destination. Summer storms that roll in from the north may impact the area, but summers are generally warm and humid, and winters are mild. Southeast trade winds blow from around April to October.
Know before you go
- Swim for free at the waterfront Yeppoon Lagoon, an aquatic playground for all ages.
- 4WD vehicles can drive on 17 km of sand at Farnborough Beach, with entry access at Bangalee.
- Look for humpback whales passing through Keppel Bay on their annual migration between June and October.
- Almost 30 islands sit offshore from Emu Park, with boat trips departing from Keppel Bay Marina.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.