Camping near Gladstone

A coastal town in Central Queensland, Gladstone serves as an ideal base for diverse camping adventures. It’s also a gateway to the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef—about 80 kilometres off the coast—and invites campers to take trips to reef islands like Heron Island and Lady Musgrave Island. Back on shore, tranquil Lake Awoonga beckons anglers and wildlife lovers with its abundant barramundi, a wide array of birds and land animals, and convenient caravan and tent camping options. Deepwater National Park and Eurimbula National Park set the stage for beach activities in the area, as well as bushwalking and more wildlife viewing amid untouched natural beauty.

Particularly renowned for its world-class barramundi fishing, Lake Awoonga is a man-made reservoir that serves as a haven for kayaking, boating, and birdwatching. Redclaw crayfish and fork-tailed catfish are also popular catches here, from designated fishing platforms and boat ramps. Spend the night at powered caravan parks and tent pitches that are on-site with convenient amenities. Then, wake up and spot kangaroos, wallabies, and bandicoots, especially in the early morning when they are most active. Or, explore trails through native bushland while looking out for wedge-tailed eagles and blue-winged kookaburras.

With daytime highs in the mid-20s and overnight lows in the mid-teens, winter and spring are ideal times to go camping around Gladstone. There’s less rainfall, it’s less humid, and there are fewer insects, making outdoor activities like bushwalking and beachcombing more enjoyable. With the drier weather, local wildlife tends to converge on bodies of water, making viewing easier. For Hipcampers most interested in barramundi fishing at Lake Awoonga, camping in the earlier part of the year from March to May may be preferable.