The best camping near Conondale National Park

Dense rainforest, rugged mountains, and fast-flowing creeks make up the natural landscapes of Conondale National Park. The ultimate challenge for hikers is the four-day, 56-kilometre Conondale Range Great Walk, but there is also a range of short walks and day hikes to choose from. Explore scenic forest trails in a 4WD, explore an early 20th-century gold mine, or climb the Mount Allan Fire Tower for views over the range. Campers have a choice of campgrounds along Booloumba Creek—pitch your tent, then set out to explore the natural swimming holes and beauty spots such as Booloumba Falls.

• Best for a back-to-nature experience: Booloumba Creek 1 Camping Area has walk-in tent camping with various sized dirt and grass pitches (tent pads provided), and a tranquil location right by the creek.
• Best for hikers: Booloumba Creek 3 Camping Area is a walk-in campsite with shady tent-only pitches. Compacted granite tent pads are provided, and it’s a short distance from the Conondale Range Great Walk trail.
• Best for caravans and campervans: Booloumba Creek 4 Camping Area has open grass pitching for tents, high clearance caravans, and 4WD campervans.

1. Camping permits are required for all the park’s campsites, and campsites must be reserved in advance. A tag with your booking number must be displayed on your tent at all times.
2. Campsites can book up during popular periods such as Queensland school holidays—book at least six weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
3. Check access to campsites before booking—some are accessible on foot only, others may be reachable only by 4WD.

Hiking and camping is possible year-round in the Conondale National Park, but the most pleasant weather for hiking is from April through November. Summer (December through March) is the wet season, when daytime temperatures can exceed 30°C and heavy rainfall can render some roads inaccessible. Leeches can also be common around the creeks at this time of year, so wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Whenever you visit, bring something warm for the evening.

• The main entry point to the park is via the Booloumba Creek day-use area. All park roads are unsealed, and there are several creek crossings along Booloumba Creek—a high clearance 4WD vehicle is required.
• Conondale National Park is remote with limited facilities and self-sufficient camping, so you must bring everything you need. The closest towns where you can purchase fuel and groceries are Kenilworth to the north (a 50-minute drive) or Kilcoy to the south (a 45-minute drive).
• Cell phone reception is limited throughout the park, but a payphone is available at Booloumba Creek 1 camping area.
• Fire bans are common in Queensland in dry periods—if local regulations allow it, campfires are permitted, but you must use provided fire rings. Generators are prohibited at the park’s campsites.
• There are accessible restrooms at campsites 1 and 3. The campsites are accessible, but assistance may be required.