Camping near Cairns

Leave your campsite to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the islands and rainforests around Cairns.

94% (1508 reviews)
94% (1508 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cairns

Under $50

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12 top campgrounds near Cairns

91%
(170)

The Billabong Kuranda

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents130 acres · Kuranda, QLD
The Billabong Kuranda is the perfect location for you to explore the surrounding tourism attractions of the Cairns, Kuranda and the Tablelands Region.Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. The Billabong is a campground and events venue sitting on 180 acres of pristine rainforest. We have two gorgeous self-contained tiny homes perched right above our namesake billabong, offering seclusion and comfort, 5 minutes away from the Rainforest village Kuranda.We have the perfect spot waiting for you when you return after a day of sight seeing! Our spacious campgrounds offer plenty of shady and sunny spots perfect for your next stay.The cabins feature a mezzanine level queen bedroom, a kitchenette with microwave, toaster and fridge, a completely open living space with fold out couch for additional guests and a private deck overlooking our beautiful billabong with outdoor shower/bathtub.Easily accessible through the campground entrance, once inside our cabin you will feel totally secluded from the rest of the world: it's just you, the trees and the birds.We have and impressive amount of fire pits around the property and you are welcome to use them throughout your entire stay!Relax and enjoy, we have plenty of space to accommodate your stay.See our friendly campground manager on arrival. See you soon at The Billabong Kuranda!
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(25)

Wallaby Nights

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Cairns, QLD
Our 4 acre property is located a convenient 10 minutes south of the Cairns CBD. The Cairns region has so much to offer. Head out to one of the eateries overlooking the water or chill out on the promenade with its free swimming pool. Take a scenic tour up the mountain to Kuranda and check out their iconic markets. Go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef or enjoy a boat cruise to an island. The campsite features a large flat grassy area with great access for 2WDs and all types of camping vehicles from caravans to campervans and motorhomes. Plenty of room to turn your vehicle around and a lockable gate means your campsite is secure. We welcome self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower and drinking water. Our front paddock is visited nightly by lots and lots as wallabies. We have fantastic sunrises and sunsets here. You’ll really love the great views we have towards the east and west. We only take one booking per day/night so you won't be staying in a crowded environment. No campfires or pets please.
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AU$39
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(16)

Ben-Ellinjaa

8 sites · RVs, Tents168 acres · QLD
Please note, our rates are per vehicle per night (we cannot adjust the Hipcamp person limits, so please do not add multiple people to avoid additional costs being incurred). A beautiful 160 acre paddock that you can enjoy. Cleared slashed areas beside the river. Enjoy a river swim to cool you down during summer and go for a cold dip during winter. River is also good for fishing during the right season. Access to river is 100 metres on graded walking track. Unless you have a ‘booster ’there is no mobile coverage or internet. {enjoy the peace and solitude} Access to the property is fourteen kilometres gravel, coming off the highway. Sites are private separated from each other. Site is 300 metres from road and provides privacy. Tents and small caravans are ideal. Not suitable for highway caravans or very large vans as the access will be too rough. There are walking areas at rear of property. Be aware tropical North Queensland has paralysis ticks and we have snakes at times and visiting pigs. Water can be supplied upon request. Power generators are permitted . There may be minimal mobile service with Telstra. Campfire will only be permitted within fire pit. All campers will need to be self contained and leave no trace behind. Checkout is generally when you feel like it. Dog friendly. Site may be closed in the wet season from December to April, once monsoonal events occur
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(6)

Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park

158 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Tinaroo, QLD
Sprawled across more than 17 acres and surrounded by lush, native bushland, Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park has a brand new all abilities Splash Pad and Accessible Pool. It is just a stone’s throw from stunning Lake Tinaroo – the heart of adventure on the Atherton Tableland.With a variety of cabins, accessible villas, caravan sites and camping grounds available there is accommodation to suit every style of holidaymaker, from the intrepid traveller to the modern family.Indulge in one of the park’s coveted Waterview Villas, opt for the convenience of a Pool-Side Unit, park the van up for a no-fuss stopover or revel in the simplicity of pitching a tent – you can do it all at Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park.
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AU$44
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(53)

Hectic Valley Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · QLD
100 acres on the beautiful Atherton Tablelands, North Queenslands food bowl. Campsites are beside or near a massive dam that attracts a great variety of bird life and enjoy amazing sunsets. Chat in the afternoons with the menagerie of animals we have on the farm such as Clydesdale horses, camels, sheep, cows, chickens, peafowl, ducks and friendly geese. Nearby tourist destinations include Chillagoe Caves, Mt Mulligan plus Mareeba those into wine, coffee and spirit tasting as well as the rich history of olden day farming. Two private spots are available a few short meters from the edge of a massive dam with another completely secluded site amongst the bushland. Bird watchers dream with the constant residents such as Pacific Black Ducks, Royal Spoon Bills, Egrets, Plumed Whistling-Ducks, Herons and Plain Turkeys plus seasonal birds flying in for a rest Black Swans, Pelicans, Jabirus, Black Cockatoos and so many more. Swim, kayak, catch and release fish, throw in a RedClaw pot or hunt for muscles clams. Do some hiking or 4 wheel driving around the hundred acres with our 4 wheel driving tracks. Please Note: Waterfront campsite is the only site accessible by 2WD with no trailer. The other campsites are 4WD access only and with off road campers/caravans only. These are self contained sites so please take your own shower and toilet facilities and take away all waste. Well behaved dogs are allowed but must be supervised at all times for the protection of the sheep, poultry, wildlife and not to be brought to the house yard. We have a wet season (December to March) and dry season (September to December) choose your ideal times to stay. For more info on us visit our website. www.hecticvalleyfarm.com.au
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AU$39
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(17)

Panoramic Trails

1 site · RV, Tent89 acres · Speewah, QLD
Ultimate privacy surrounded by nature, relax by the creek or walk the bush trails. Campervans/caravans and camper trailer preferred.We currently only have the one spot (2wd able to access) we like the idea of you having your privacy so we won't be booking any other groups on at the same time. More spots will open up in the future. We are open to larger (group) bookings/events etc with some extra planning before bookings (message me :))Limited phone reception.Pet friendly (well controlled).No amenities so must have own toilet and leave no trace.Fires allowed in a designated fire pit.Follow us on instagram :) #panoramictrails
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AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(405)

Mossman “Tati farm” stay.

10 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Miallo, QLD
Camping on a private cattle farm 7km north of Mossman at Miallo, between Daintree and Port Douglas. The property is located at the end of a road with no through traffic, its a quiet spot amongst exotic fruit trees and large lawns. A birdwatchers paradise! Plenty of flat grass areas to setup camp. A crystal clear creek runs through the property and there are stunning mountain views with waterfalls. Enjoy a campfire or sit back and enjoy the native wildlife and cattle grazing in the paddock. Firewood is available to purchase on request. There is a toilet and a shower on-site (only one shower though for all campers so get in quick), campers must be self contained and leave no trace. We are 10 min north of the famous Mossman gorge and Port Douglas is just 25 minutes South East, "where the rainforest meets the reef". There is a variety of restaurants and bars, not to mention fantastic boutique shopping. Just a short drive away you can explore the World Heritage-Listed Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation with an abundance of tours and day trips available. All sites accommodate 1 (one) vehicle and 1 (one) RV, motor home, caravan, campervan, camper trailer or tent per site.
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from 
AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Saved 5 times

Bessacarr Grange

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Cairns, QLD
I purchased this land at the end of last century. I lived in a caravan myself for 2 years while I owner built my home. At the time I was full time "flying" for Ansett and fitted the work in by late starts and week-ends away. I designed everything and had many items purpose made in Indonesia, including statues for the garden. It is the gardens themselves that take up my time, landscaping for me means a bobcat or excavator. I am currently subdividing the lower area into two one acre lots, so periodically, max 2 hours week these will arrive and provide some entertainment usually 3.30 to 6pm. Occasionally I will have materials dropped off, such as mulch or rocks, but this should not bother anyone staying on site, naturally I would ask you to move before I dumped a load where you are camping.... just joking ! It is a form of creation and if you spot the odd pile of large rocks in a picture this is the reason. I propagate most plants as I need thousands. There is a level that houses a very large swimming pool, uncompleted project, above the level where camping is possible. It has an island in the middle that is 8m x 6m. My plan is to have this as a natural pond type pool. We are a friendly lot and prefer to know you if that is against your own privacy needs. This is a lovely private acreage in a cleared rainforest setting with wonderful mountain views and directly opposite, across the road, a lovely swimming lagoon of Crystal Cascades, being 2km up the road. The photos show the view, the lagoon, a section of the river, the street, the house and a few potential level areas for parking your caravan. I sentimentally named it after my mothers birth home in Yorkshire, UK, given I don't plan to build anymore homes, having built or worked extensively on 12 others.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(289)

Wally's Roost

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Chewko, QLD
We are wildlife carers and have turned our property into a wildlife reserve for the animals. There is wildlife including wallabies (agile and betongs), brush tail possums and birds. A night viewing of possums and wallabies may be available. Please contact hosts to arrange this viewing.Enjoy the sunsets as you relax around the campfire. The property is surrounded by various nature reserves and attractions in the area within a 30 minute drive.(Granite Gorge Nature park, Davis creek national park and Emerald creek falls)We have three separate sites secluded from each other. One site accommodates large recreational vehicles, and is drive through, with farmland and hill views. The other two sites are situated by the creek. Please contact us before booking to discuss which site is best for your vehicle and camping set up. This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower, and drinking water supply.Your beloved pooch is most welcome to join you but required to remain within your campsite and must be restrained during the night due to the wildlife.If you would like to stay longer, we are happy to offer you a discount code (minimum 4 nights) - please contact us prior to booking.Children aged 13 years and under camp for free.Senior discounts available.
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(21)

Rainforest Retreat Hideaway

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Kuranda, QLD
A secluded and private getaway from the grind of daily responsibilities. Quiet and tranquil, we hope you feel recharged and relaxed. So close to Kuranda Heritage Markets, local waterfalls, swimming holes, Barron river and many tourist attractions. Nothing is too difficult to accommodate. You can borrow kayaks and bikes to explore our beautiful surrounds. We have edible gardens you are welcome to. A seasonal creek at the bottom of our property and protected rainforest to explore. If you want a stay that's quiet and away from other campers then our property is for you. We have an outdoor hot water bath/shower and composting toilet. As well as a caravan kitchen to utilise should you wish. Sorry No pets as we have native wildlife.
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AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(92)

Pamona Park, nr Gordonvale

10 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Aloomba, QLD
Our 20-acre exotic fruit farm backs onto World heritage rainforest and provides a relaxing base for which to explore the wet tropics south of Cairns. We have a beautiful freshwater swimming hole down the road, and also the Mulgrave River is very close if you want to do some fishing.The camping area is large, grassy and reasonably level, with space closer to the tree line, and space more out in the open. There is a firepit provided, and plenty of firewood around the place for you to help yourself to. We also welcome four-legged family members! We have had recent sightings of cassowary on our property so keep an eye out, you might just see one!We prefer self-contained campers, who have their own amenities, but we do have a toilet and shower up at the main house (about 50 metres away) you are welcome to use if needed. This is an unused bathroom downstairs so you will still have privacy. Access into the property is not suitable for large motorhomes. Entry will be too small for vehicles approx 8.5 metres long and 3.5 metres high.We grow exotic fruit on the property including limes, pomelos, mangosteens and more. When it's in season, you're welcome to sample some! Gordonvale is the nearest town, with a quiet historic charm, just 15 minutes drive away, while Cairns is around 25 minutes. 
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(17)

Mirimbi Eco Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Kamerunga, QLD
Welcome to Mirimbi Eco Retreat, a haven of natural beauty and cultural significance nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Barron Gorge National Park Walking Track Network. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our newly installed Tiny Home, a cozy sanctuary equipped with an ensuite and kitchenette, perfect for singles or couples seeking a serene escape. Take a leisurely stroll to the enchanting Stoney Creek and marvel at the cascading Stoney Creek Falls, a picturesque setting that defines the natural splendor of Mirimbi. Our retreat is strategically located near the world-renowned Kuranda Scenic Railway, offering you a chance to embark on a journey through one of the most extraordinary rail experiences on the planet. Adventure awaits with a plethora of activities at your fingertips, from the thrill of Barron River Rafting to the excitement of Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail. Delight in the breathtaking Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, providing a unique perspective of the lush rainforest canopy. Conveniently situated just 15-20 minutes from Cairns International Airport, Cairns CBD, Northern Beaches, and Skyrail, Mirimbi Eco Retreat serves as the perfect gateway to countless attractions. The possibilities for exploration are endless, making your stay with us an unforgettable adventure. Please note that Mirimbi Eco Retreat is an ongoing staged development project, destined to evolve into a high-end luxury haven. While we are in development mode, our facilities cater to basic camping needs. Be aware of building materials and ongoing construction activities on the property. Exercise caution, especially with unfenced drop-offs and cliffs. We kindly request campers to take utmost care and control of pets and young children during their stay. For a limited time, we're thrilled to offer an exclusive half-price opening special—experience the magic of Mirimbi for just $250 per night. Revel in the unique cultural essence of Mirimbi, where every corner tells a story and every view is a masterpiece. Come and experience Mirimbi Eco Retreat—an oasis where nature, culture, and luxury converge in perfect harmony. Book now to seize the opportunity to be among the first to bask in the wonders of Mirimbi at an irresistible half-price opening special rate. Your eco-friendly adventure awaits!
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AU$66
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Cairns

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Camping near Cairns guide

Overview

Cairns is the only place where two World Heritage-listed sites meet. Here, the Wet Tropics Rainforest meets the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and this tropical city is a great base for campers to see both. Join a day trip to the Outer Reef or laze beside the city’s man-made lagoon on the Cairns esplanade. There’s no beach in Cairns city, but the northern beaches begin just 15 minutes’ drive north of the city centre, one of the loveliest being Palm Cove. Don’t miss a visit to the Cairns Aquarium, a great introduction to the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is the closest island to Cairns, only 45 minutes by ferry, and camping sites are right next to the beach, a five-minute walk from the jetty. You can hire snorkelling and diving equipment, take glass-bottom boat rides, or hike the rainforest trails or to the old lighthouse. The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on the island is also well worth visiting.

Kuranda

is a rainforest village in the mountains near

. It has two campgrounds, perfect for hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Easy walking trails let you explore the Barron Falls and river and the rainforest. Other attractions will introduce you to koalas, butterflies and birds. A little further away is

, with granite boulders and swimming holes.

Ellis Beach

Beach camping with stunning views of the Coral Sea and islands is found at Ellis Beach, about half-way between Cairns and Port Douglas is an hour’s drive north of Cairns, on one of Queensland’s most spectacular coastal roads. Swaying palms surround you, and there are great facilities, including a restaurant across the street. No bookings are required; just turn up and pitch your tent.

Cape Tribulation

Cape Tribulation's only national park camping area is near beautiful Noah Beach, where you can pitch your tent in a sheltered site under shady trees. This park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and is closed January to Good Friday. Wildlife abounds: you’re likely to see giant lace monitors (goannas) and perhaps crocodiles as you cross the Daintree River on the ferry.

When to go

April to November is the best time to visit Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north. Any other time, it’s hot and humid. It’s also the time of year when water visibility for snorkelling and diving is at its best. Summer is less popular, due to the heat, hence camping areas will be less crowded. May to September is the peak camping season.

Know before you go

  • Remember to pack sunscreen; the north Queensland sun can be fierce. Check out sunscreens that won’t damage the coral reefs (those that don’t contain oxybenzone or BP-3).
  • Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forest and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival.
  • Despite its name, Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island isn’t for those who want to bare all. In fact, nude beaches are banned in Queensland.
  • Boat transfers are available to the two free campsites on Russell Island in the Frankland Group National Park, just south of Cairns.

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