Camping in Gin Gin, QLD, AU: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

Gin Gin is a convenient stopover on the way to exploring Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, and K’Gari (formerly Fraser Island and pronounced “gurri”). Historic Maryborough and Childers are a short distance south, while Tannum Sands and Gladstone are to the north. Surrounded by sugar cane plantations, cattle stations, and agriculture fields, Gin GIn makes for a scenic and relaxing camping destination.

Where to go

Lake Monduran

Lake Monduran is less than an hour’s drive north of Gin Gin. The Fred Haigh Dam, above the Kolan River, is the lake’s most popular spot for day tripping visitors and overnight campers. This vast lake is stocked with bass and barramundi, making it popular among freshwater fishers. Launch a kayak or boat from one of the boat ramps, or book a fishing charter or houseboat with one of the area’s commercial operators. Picnic tables and BBQs are dotted around the waterfront parklands near Lake Monduran.

Cordalba State Forest

South of Gin Gin, Cordalba State Forest surrounds Cordalba National Park and is popular with mountain bikers thanks to a network of maintained hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding trails. Trails vary in difficulty—eastern trails are suitable for beginners or families with young children, while others are rated difficult and suited to experienced riders. Bush camping for self-sufficient campers is permissible but must be pre-booked with QLD Parks and Forests.

Goodnight Scrub National Park

Curiously-named Goodnight Scrub National Park purportedly takes its name from local folklore, which says the forest was once so dense that graziers walking their cattle through the scrub knew that if the cattle wandered off they could “kiss the cattle goodnight.” The park is popular with birdwatchers who look for king parrots, powerful owls, and bowerbirds. Camping is available at Paradise Dam—campsites can be booked through the North Burnett Regional Council.

Burrum Coast National Park

A coastal park bordered by the Isis River in the south and almost to the Elliot River in the north, the Burrum Coast National Park’s wetlands and tidal coastal flatlands are of national significance. The land hosts a diverse range of plants and animals, while mangrove-lined riverbanks, tea tree-dominated wetlands, and eucalypt forests cover much of the park. Camping is permitted at the Woodgate and Kimkuna sections; permits are available from QLD Parks and Forests.

When to go

Gin Gin is a year-round destination that’s particularly popular during winter months when travellers head north to chase the winter sun. School holidays are busy too, so it’s best to avoid these periods if you’re looking for quieter campgrounds. The annual Childers Festival is held in July to celebrate the region’s strong agricultural heritage. Turtle nesting and hatching season on the Burrum Coast is generally between November and March.

Know before you go

Bush camping permits must be booked in advance for state forests and national parks.
Some camping areas are only accessible to 4WD vehicles—check the QLD Parks and Forests website before leaving the bitumen.
Cane trains are active during cane crushing season, so look out for these slow-moving trains crossing main roads.
Gin Gin’s coastal shorelines are recognised turtle nesting areas, and beach goers should be aware of the strict regulations around turtles.