Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
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Alan is a Star Host
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Private sites
100% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
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1 site
Chirpy Camp [4X4 ONLY]
98%
(30)Campfires allowed
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2 sites
Platypus Bend
100%
(104)Campfires allowed
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Platypus Lagoon.
100%
(17)Campfires allowed
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Reviews
100% Recommend152 Ratings · 128 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
5 m Class B ·
Platypus Bend
It’s a beautiful place to stay especially as it heats up in cairns it’s nice and cool under the trees near the creek
S
Sherilee L.
8 reviews
What an amazing little hidden gem, the three campsites are so private, all on the creek and surrounded by nature. Right in the heart of the beautiful rainforest of far North Qld tablelands. So many birds, the weather is so much cooler than the coast and the hosts Alan and Sue are super friendly and make you feel at home on their gorgeous property. Suitable for totally self contained campers. We will definitely be back.
S
Sherilee L.
8 reviews
Very relaxing campsite surrounded by rainforests on the edge of a running creek. With only 3 very private and demographically separate campsites you can enjoy the rainforest serenity in your own little private slice of paradise. The hosts Sue and Alan are very friendly and accommodating, we will be back 😊
S
Sherilee L.
8 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Platypus Lagoon.
Fantastic stay at Platypus Lagoon!
We had a great experience here — the site was quiet, private, and easy to find. The area is spacious, flat, and beautifully shaded, making it really comfortable for camping. Perfect spot if you’re after a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature. Would definitely stay again!
K
Kirsty L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Chirpy Camp [4X4 ONLY]
Amazing location so close to Cairns.
Very private individual campsites .
Sue and Alan are fantastic hosts .
This camp is an absolute hidden gem !
C
Chris B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Platypus Bend
Private, quiet and easy to access. Also very clean. We saw a little platypus and there was plenty of bird life. A very magical little hideaway.
V
Veronica L.
6 reviews
Highly recommended! Katecallan is serenity amplified! Platypus bend is a large flat and shady campsite. The small creek was flowing (late August) and the water is crystal clear. Although the weather is cool at this time of year, the days were warm and clear. We were blessed with seeing a busy platypus in its morning routine right beside our campsite.
Alan and Sue are the commensurate hosts with recommendations to local activities and Alan sells bags of firewood ($15) but generously gave us some extra firewood for our last nights stay.
Phone reception is limited to satellite which is an added bonus when wanting to unplug from the grid and connect with nature and the peaceful environment offered at Platypus Bend.
Campsites at Katecallan are separated giving each campsite its own privacy.
Pedro B.
9 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent ·
Chirpy Camp [4X4 ONLY]
Excellent camping spot nice and secluded. Alan and Sue are great hosts. Highly recommend if you like bush camping and wildlife.
C
Clive S.
8 months on Hipcamp
This is a great spot! We stayed for three nights at Platypus Bend. Completely tranquil; like staying in an enchanted forest. There is lots of room for larger groups, the access is easy and the hosts are exceptional people. (Flexible too, given ours plans kept changing regards our older kids being able to get there from Cairns or not). Loved the absence of any flies or mozzies, though that may be a seasonal thing? We did manage to get into the water each day, but in August it is obviously cold. At the end of the day, we could easily have stayed another three nights and we were very reluctant to leave - which I think speaks volumes about this locale. Nice too, for us, that another great reason to return is the wonderful hosts who, as it turns out, we have a lot in common with. We started calling the camp ‘Narcolepsy Bend’ in the end, because within a day you would find yourself simply nodding off - again, and again…
Must have needed it.
Loved the stay. We’ll definitely be back.
S
Sim A.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Be Transported into a Fairytale!
6 m pop-up camper · With kids ·
Platypus Bend
Set in the midst of a pine forest from fairytales, this spot is a quiet campers dream. Endless possibilities for make-believe games and exploration for kids, in a setting that is unbelievably tranquil, serene and otherworldly. Bring a camera, because no one will believe that such a place exists...and the pictures still won't do it justice. Susan and Alan are kind and considerate hosts. Don't hesitate to visit!
K
Karl D.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
Platypus Bend
Magical spot! Alan even had the fire going for our late arrival. Will definitely be back.
L
Leanne M.
2 reviews
It was like a secret hideaway forest from society. Quiet and secluded, with the sound of water flowing in the stream, wind in the trees and subtle sounds of birds. Definitely the best way to camp and relax. The owner was very lovely, had a quick visit then left for us to enjoy our visit.
N
Nathaniel G.
5 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
4 m pop-up camper ·
Platypus Lagoon.
Fantastic camp spot very private and lovely right by the river. Abundance of birdlife and got to see a Platypus a couple of mornings, we only wish we could stay there more often and longer. Sue is lovely and made sure everything was right for us.
J
Jen G.
8 reviews
Platypus Bend is a beautiful location and so peaceful you wouldn’t know there is anybody within a 100kms.
Quiet and cool nestled among huge trees with a small clear cool stream babbling along side you, close to the perfect campsite.
The added bonus of seeing the resident platypus was a happy memory to take away from this lovely place.
Thanks to Kate & Allen for sharing their gem with us it was really appreciated.
Steve R.
4 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
Chirpy Camp [4X4 ONLY]
Awesome spot, quite and very peaceful, highly recommend!
M
Mitch K.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
Tent ·
Platypus Lagoon.
Platypus Lagoon lived up to its name - we saw quite a few of them swimming in the lagoon right under our eyes. The tranquility at night is hard to match - only the fire flies and cicadas doing their thing. Great place to unwind for a few nights and get away from the heat on the coast. Alan is a great host and is keen to make sure that you are comfortable during our stay.
M
Mark P.
11 months on Hipcamp
Loved this spot- very private amongst the trees with a beautiful running creek. Nice and cool even in January! We loved the Fire Flies that came out every evening just after dark- an amazing experience! Hosts were lovely- highly recommend! Will definitely return!
M
Mathew G.
5 reviews
Recommends
· December 2024
Tent ·
Platypus Bend
My partner and I Camped here for my birthday to get out in nature just be with the land and just have some peace and quiet and it was absolutely beautiful! Even though it rained it was still just beautiful, the owners were lovely! made sure we had everything we needed and were okay, definitely will be back!
Linty W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Absolutely beautiful place. So peaceful, secluded. Nice flowing creek and small waterfall which sounded lovely to sleep to. Heaps of wildlife. No other people around. A cery special place for sure. 10/10
S
Sam B.
5 reviews
We stayed 2 nights in Platypus Bend and loved every minute!!
It was so tranquil!! The sounds of birds, the wind in the trees and the trickling stream were so relaxing.
We had several encounters with the local wildlife. A platypus and the highlight for me was seeing a mother possum carrying her baby on her back. Just beautiful!!!
Thank you Allan and Sue for hosting the break we needed! Hopefully, one day we will make it back to your peaceful paradise.
J
Janine H.
3 reviews
Such a beautiful, serene piece of paradise, completely surrounded by trees, and a quiet stream. Would go again in a heartbeat
L
Lyndell L.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2024
Loved our stay! One of the best campsites we’ve ever visited. Beautiful forest with a pretty stream winding its way around and a resident platypus family. Peaceful and you wouldn’t know anyone else exists
K
Kieren H.
15 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Platypus Lagoon.
Absolutely beautiful camp spot.
Easy to find and so private partner and two little girls loved every last minute
D
Dylan P.
4 years on Hipcamp
Really enjoyed our 2 nights camping in a ground tent. Peaceful and plenty of room and we’re lucky to see the platypus on 3 occasions. Communication with host Alan was easy and directions easy to follow.
Would definitely recommend
R
Russell D.
29 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Platypus Bend
Beautiful land to escape to, great area for little ones to run around as well. Falling to sleep with the sound of running water 👍🏼
B
Brie B.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Platypus Bend
If a platypus has chosen to live there, you know it’s going to be peaceful. Completely protected from wind & road noise & you’re surrounded by the creek on 3 sides. Couldn’t be happier! Will book again if back in the area.
Finn D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
Chirpy Camp [4X4 ONLY]
Amazing little quiet spot, will definitely be going back again and would recommend.
K
Kyle H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Perfect escape and such a relaxing weekend. It’s such a great camp and very private. Thanks so much for having us and hopefully we’ll see you again soon
T
Tanya R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Platypus Bend
Alan and Sue were very welcoming and helpful. They have a piece of paradise on their doorstep. The weather was perfect, great stop for a few days or even just a quick overnight!
R
Roishin M.
2 reviews
Alan and Sue were so friendly and welcoming, what a beautiful property and such a serene place to stay. Camped in April was a bit wet and had a few leeches around so definitely looking forward to coming back in winter to enjoy the spot again.
A
August S.
2 years on Hipcamp
Location
Ravenshoe, Queensland, AustraliaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Alan B.
Joined in December 2016Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour
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