Camping near Mareeba
This far-northern town in the Atherton Tablelands offers access to tropical forests and waterways.
- Mareeba
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Camping near Mareeba guide
Overview
The far-northern Queensland town of Mareeba is just inland from the coastal city of Cairns, in the Atherton Tablelands region. It’s surrounded by coffee plantations and tropical fruit and nut farms (macadamia, avocado, and pineapples among them), and sugar cane fields. Nearby is Granite Gorge Nature Park, home to many rock wallabies, and a bit further from town, campers can visit the tropical mountains of Kuranda, wetlands, lakes, and even the coast, which is about an hour’s drive away. There are a few campsites and caravan parks in town, as well as in the surrounding tablelands region.
Where to go
Lake Tinaroo and Danbulla National Park
Just southeast of Mareeba, the scenic dammed Lake Tinaroo is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, sailing, picnicking, walking, and fishing (with a permit). Part of Lake Tinaroo borders the Danbulla National Park and State Forest, which is reachable by travelling down an unsealed road. There are five camping areas along this 28-kilometre road. Permits are required for camping.
Kuranda National Park
Mareeba is just south of the Kuranda National Park and broader Kuranda State Forest, a popular attraction partly due to its Kuranda Scenic Railway, which is easily accessible from Cairns. The small town of Kuranda sits between Kuranda National Park and Barron Gorge National Park, and offers various accommodation and camping options, including glamping, cabins, and interesting pod-style camping. Camping isn’t permitted in the national parks in this area, although there’s camping at the Speewah Conservation Area on the edge of Barron Gorge.
Hann Tableland National Park
The Hann Tableland National Park–a short distance northeast of Mareeba–is home to some endangered birds, and was formed to protect the forests of the Hann Tableland mountains. There are few real visitor facilities in this wilderness area, but the long-distance Bicentennial National Trail, a horse riding trail, passes through the park. Travellers who want to spot birds or venture into the wilderness of this park can camp in Mareeba and visit for the day.
When to go
Mareeba’s climate is tropical savannah, and it sits within a rainshadow so is somewhat drier and sunnier than some other nearby settlements. While nearby lower-lying coastal areas experience a tropical climate with wet/dry seasons, Mareeba sits at a relatively high altitude (417 metres), making it cooler year-round, and thus a pleasant escape from the coast when the weather’s hot. Note that floods in the wet summer season can cut off access to some towns and roads.