The best safari tent rentals near Hervey Bay, Queensland

Hervey Bay (pronounced Harvey) is best known as the gateway to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K’gari), less than an hour’s ferry ride away. It’s also one of Australia’s most popular whale-watching destinations, for the passing parade of Humpback whales that visit annually. Campers can find all they need in equipment and supplies in the town, and then choose between big-name commercial camping and caravan parks and smaller, non-commercial camping grounds around the Fraser Coast. Some of the best are in Wongai State Forest, where you can camp near picturesque waterholes. Kayaking and canoeing is popular, and there are easy walking trails.The world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island (K’gari) is popular with campers, hikers and fishermen, but can only be accessed by 4WD vehicle or on foot. Sandy tracks criss-cross the island. As well as beach camping, there are protected camping sites behind fences to keep out wild dingos, recommended for families with children under 14. Don’t-miss spots include the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and the lush rainforest of Central Station.About 90 minutes’ drive north is the sugar milling town of Bundaberg, where nature lovers flock in summer to witness the turtle nesting season at the largest rookery in the Southern Hemisphere, on the beach at Mon Repos. Bush and coastal camping spots abound, a mix of commercial operations and council-run campgrounds. One of these is Norval Park Campground, close to the ocean but with no facilities, open to tents and trailers only (a permit is needed).Glamping is the only camping option on Lady Elliot, one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most remote inhabited islands. Access to the island is by air only, booked through Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, from Hervey Bay or Bundaberg. Tents are close to the lagoon and each has a deck where you can watch nesting seabirds and turtles (in season). Less expensive cabin accommodation is available. The highlights are snorkelling off the beach, 20 dive sites, and Manta Ray (best in winter).

96% (118)

Top-rated campgrounds

Hervey Bay (pronounced Harvey) is best known as the gateway to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K’gari), less than an hour’s ferry ride away. It’s also one of Australia’s most popular whale-watching destinations, for the passing parade of Humpback whales that visit annually. Campers can find all they need in equipment and supplies in the town, and then choose between big-name commercial camping and caravan parks and smaller, non-commercial camping grounds around the Fraser Coast. Some of the best are in Wongai State Forest, where you can camp near picturesque waterholes. Kayaking and canoeing is popular, and there are easy walking trails.The world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island (K’gari) is popular with campers, hikers and fishermen, but can only be accessed by 4WD vehicle or on foot. Sandy tracks criss-cross the island. As well as beach camping, there are protected camping sites behind fences to keep out wild dingos, recommended for families with children under 14. Don’t-miss spots include the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and the lush rainforest of Central Station.About 90 minutes’ drive north is the sugar milling town of Bundaberg, where nature lovers flock in summer to witness the turtle nesting season at the largest rookery in the Southern Hemisphere, on the beach at Mon Repos. Bush and coastal camping spots abound, a mix of commercial operations and council-run campgrounds. One of these is Norval Park Campground, close to the ocean but with no facilities, open to tents and trailers only (a permit is needed).Glamping is the only camping option on Lady Elliot, one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most remote inhabited islands. Access to the island is by air only, booked through Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, from Hervey Bay or Bundaberg. Tents are close to the lagoon and each has a deck where you can watch nesting seabirds and turtles (in season). Less expensive cabin accommodation is available. The highlights are snorkelling off the beach, 20 dive sites, and Manta Ray (best in winter).

96% (118)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Splitters Farm

99%

(136)

71km from Hervey Bay · 136 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sharon, QLD

Splitters Farm is a family-owned property just 10min drive north of Bundaberg's bustling central business district. Set amongst lush tropical bush-land, the 156 acre property is bordered by Splitters Creek, a freshwater reserve that feeds into the beautiful Burnett River. We offer Powered and unpowered campsites for guests, along with glamping tents and retro campers for those looking for a little extra comfort. The acreage is home to native animals such as wallabies, platypus, barramundi, and prehistoric lung fish, and boasts over 150 documented species of Australian bird life. Showers, toilets, and laundry facilities are available. This property is dog-friendly. Please enjoy the natural beauty that the Bundaberg region has to offer and drop us a line if you’re in ever in the area. *Please note that while HipCamp may allocate you a site no. it will not correspond with the site location you are allocated when you arrive as guests booking via this platform are unable to 'site select'. Specific site locations are not guaranteed especially during peak periods.

2. Cathedrals on Fraser

96%

(13)

50km from Hervey Bay · 109 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fraser Island, QLD

Centrally located on Fraser Island’s east coast, Cathedrals on Fraser is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed holiday. From the campground, you’re only a short walk to the beach with some of the Island’s best fishing spots and picturesque coloured sand dunes. You’re also just a short drive from the Island’s most popular tourist attractions including Eli Creek, the Maheno shipwreck, and Champagne Pools. Our campground is fully dingo-fenced, so you can relax and enjoy a true Fraser Island camping experience knowing the kids are safe. Unlike beach camping, you can enjoy a campfire in our designated fire rings. You will need a 4WD to get to Cathedrals on Fraser. If you don’t have one, you can always hire from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. We offer a wide variety of on-site services and facilities including a well-stocked general store with hot food and freshly ground coffee, a fuel station, hot showers, laundry facilities, and much more! We also offer a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget, including cabins, permanent tents, and powered or unpowered campsites.

3. NRMA Turtle Sands

94%

(8)

63km from Hervey Bay · 127 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mon Repos, QLD

Turtle Sands is a new nature resort, nestled behind the dunes of the globally significant Mon Repos turtle nesting beach near Bundaberg, Queensland. It’s the only place on Australia’s mainland where you can stay in a villa, glamp or camp metres from one of nature's most incredible experiences. With easy access to tours to see turtles nest and hatch from November to March, as well as a host of other sea and nature experiences year-round, you’ll find an adventure in every season. Designed with a way for everyone to stay, Turtle Sands offers contemporary villas, glamping, studios and caravan and campsites. Witness magnificent turtles nesting and hatching just metres from your accommodation. Nightly tours run from the Mon Repos Turtle Centre adjacent to Turtle Sands during the turtle season (November to March). IMPORTANT - As a requirement of booking, all guests must agree to and abide by our Turtle Policy - see Rules. Please ensure all guests in your group have read and agreed to the policy. You will also be sent a copy of the policy after booking.

4. NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park

100%

(2)

28km from Hervey Bay · 163 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Woodgate, QLD

Welcome to NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park, where a great atmosphere is just the beginning. Nestled between National Park bushland and calm subtropical waters, this is an unforgettable getaway with as much or as little to do as you like. From the moment you arrive, our friendly team goes the extra mile to make your stay special. We’ll give you a leg up onto a stand-up paddle board and show you the best tracks to take for a bushwalk. We’ll whisper locals-only fishing spots in your ear and connect you with the best Southern Great Barrier Reef tours. Your only job? Kick back, relax and spend quality time with the people who matter most. NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park is situated on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, in the quiet coastal town of Woodgate. It’s a four-hour drive from Brisbane and 40-minutes from Bundaberg, the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Our park is nestled between Burrum Coast National Park and a 16km-long beach, whose calm subtropical waters are protected from swell by nearby Fraser Island.

Stories from the community

t

tessa

August 2025

Group trip

1 night at NRMA Turtle Sands

beautiful place and a very comfortable stay in the glamping tent. the beach is nearby and it seems like a private one for guests only. many amenities available like a pool, laundry and even electric bikes! (although they are 15 aud per hour). however do note that theres a bbq grill but no stove in the house

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents near Hervey Bay guide

When to go

Book well ahead at any time of year, especially for camping on Fraser Island. During whale-watching season (August to October), the region is busy. The best weather is in Spring (September to November), when there is little rain and the summer humidity hasn’t kicked in yet.

Know before you go

Allow at least three days to explore Fraser Island.
On Fraser Island, it is illegal to feed or interact with dingos (wild dogs), which have been responsible for fatal attacks on visitors. Heavy fines apply.
Whale watching season in Hervey Bay runs from August to October.
Camping permits are required for all Queensland National Parks, forests and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival.