Waterside camping near Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise has it all—soaring skyscrapers, miles of golden sands, and nonstop entertainment. Hit the beach for a surf class, cruise out to Stradbroke or Wave Break islands, or try just about any water sport you can think of. Get your adrenaline pumping at the Gold Coast theme parks, take in the views from the SkyPoint Observation Deck, or paddle around the canals on a kayak excursion. Stick around after sundown to browse the markets, join a beach party, or sample the city’s legendary nightlife, before checking into one of the holiday parks along the coast.

Gold Coast Hinterlands

Lush rainforest, vineyards, and mountainous hinterlands lie inland from Surfers Paradise, and there are six national parks within easy reach of the Gold Coast. Visit glow-worm caves and hike to waterfalls in Mt. Tamborine National Park, or marvel at natural wonders like the Numinbah Valley and the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. Adventurous campers should head to Lamington National Park, where you can hike to remote backcountry campsites and pitch your tent amid the bushlands. 

NSW North Coast 

South of the Gold Coast, the hippie haven and surf mecca of Byron Bay lies just over the New South Wales border. Stop along the way to visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, swim and surf at Tweed Heads, or hike in the Mount Jerusalem or Nightcap national parks. For the ultimate road trip, follow the Legendary Pacific Coast route from Tweed Heads all the way to Sydney. 

Sunshine Coast

Sandy beaches are hemmed in by bands of rainforest along the Sunshine Coast to the north. Rainbow Beach, Caloundra, and Noosa Heads are among the most popular beach towns, where you can swim, surf, and tuck into seafood by the beachside. Don’t miss a visit to the famous Eumundi Markets, a stop at Australia Zoo, and a hike in the Glass House Mountains.

Dry, sunny days can be enjoyed year-round along the Gold Coast, and it’s possible to swim, surf, and camp right through winter. Summer (December through January) is peak season, and Surfers Paradise is a vacation hotspot—book your campsite at least three months in advance and expect big crowds, especially during events like the Gold Coast 500. Family campers should avoid Schoolies week (typically late November), when school leavers take over the town with their all-night celebrations. 

• The Gold Coast has an excellent public transport service, but having your own transport is useful for exploring the hinterlands and national parks.

• Surfers Paradise has a large selection of shops where you can purchase camping gear and stock up on supplies before heading out into the hinterlands.
• Fire bans are common in Queensland during summer and dry periods, so be sure to check local recommendations before lighting a campfire.
• A National Parks pass is required to camp within Queensland’s national parks.