Queensland (QLD) is Australia’s second-largest state and affectionately known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests and beautiful beaches. The state also enjoys a subtropical climate, making it a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities like snorkelling, surfing and hiking.
We’ve teamed up with leading outdoor booking provider Hipcamp to bring you the must-see stays and destinations for your next Queensland road trip including camping at Hidden Camp Pie Creek, a getaway to Burrum Shores Beachfront Campground or an escape to Hold It Flats – the choice is yours.
Itinerary 1: Pie Creek
Hidden Camp Pie Creek
Location: Bainbridge Rd, Pie Creek QLD 4570
Embark on your Queensland adventure to Hidden Camp Pie Creek, a family-friendly campsite with scenic views and a relaxed, nature-rich environment. Sat on 6.5 acres, Hidden Camp Pie Creek offers unpowered sites, a camp kitchen, fire pits and amenities like showers and toilets. Close to Gympie and the Sunshine Coast, it’s ideal for a quiet getaway with activities like biking, hiking and wildlife watching. Nearby activities available include feeding dolphins at Tin Can Bay, horse riding at Mary Valley Adventure Trails and swimming at Mothar Mountain Rock Pools.
Do you have a family? This adventure is perfect for you. From historical sites and farm animals to fun on the water, kayaking or paddleboarding.
Hidden Camp Pie Creek attractions
1. Old Gympie Station
Location: Tozer St, Gympie QLD 4570
Just a short 15-minute drive from Hidden Camp Pie Creek, you can find the Mary Valley Rattler. This restored heritage train offers a nostalgic steam train experience through scenic Mary Valley landscapes. Enjoy a journey back in time, complete with picturesque views, historic carriages and special events like picnic trains and gourmet food services. The experience is supported by local volunteers and highlights Queensland’s rich rail history.
2. Ewen Maddock Dam
Location: Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough QLD 4550
Enjoy some outdoor activities like kayaking or paddleboarding with your family or friends on Ewen Maddock Dam. The scenic trails around the dam are great for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
3. Lake Alford
Location: 215 Bruce Hwy, Monkland QLD 4570
Enjoy a family picnic at the charming Lake Alford. The park surrounds a large, scenic pond filled with ducks and other wildlife. A winding path around the park is perfect for kids to ride their bikes and scooters. There’s also a BBQ area for those classic Aussie sausage sizzles! Plus, it’s only about a 14-minute drive from Hidden Camp at Pie Creek!
Itinerary 2: Burrum Heads
Burrum Shores Beachfront Campground
Location: Burrum Heads Rd, Burrum Heads QLD 4659
Burrum Shores Beachfront Campground in Burrum Heads is a peaceful coastal escape with direct beach access. It offers grassy, pet-friendly sites suitable for tents, caravans and campers, with amenities like showers, toilets and a communal campfire. Campers are often treated to sunrises over the ocean and have easy access to nearby attractions like Hervey Bay and Burrum Coast National Park. With its picturesque views, laid-back ambiance and proximity to nature, Burrum Shores Beachfront Campground is an ideal destination for those seeking an escape to the beautiful Australian coastline.
This road trip is full of adventure – from whale watching and horse riding to walking trails. Be sure to pack a water bottle!
Burrum Shores Beachfront Campground
Location Burrum Heads Rd, Burrum Heads
Walking and Hiking Trails at Burrum Coast National Park
Location Woodgate QLD 4660
Distance from campsite:
Burrum Shores Beachfront Campground attractions
1. Hervey Bay Whale Watching
Location: Hervey Bay Marina, Urangan QLD 4655
Hervey Bay, a beautiful coastal city in southern Queensland, is widely known as a site for observing humpback whales. If you’re visiting between June and November, be sure to add an early whale watching adventure to your camping trip. The perfect way to keep the family busy and see some of the best wildlife Australia has to offer.
2. Toogoom Beach Horse Riding
Location: 93 Esplanade, Toogoom QLD 4655
Experience a unique beachside horseback adventure with incredible ocean views. This family-friendly activity is suitable for all ages and riding abilities, allowing you to trot along scenic shorelines and take in the tranquil beauty of Toogoom Beach.
3. Walking and Hiking Trails at Burrum Coast National Park
Location: Woodgate QLD 4660
Explore the numerous walking trails in the park. Popular trails include:
- Burrum River Walk: A scenic trail that follows the river, offering opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the lush surroundings.
- Woodgate Beach Walk: A coastal track with stunning views of the ocean, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Itinerary 3: Yalboroo
Hold it Flats
Location: 142 Cathu O'Connell River Rd, Yalboroo QLD 4741
Hold It Flats is a scenic camping and recreational area nestled in the heart of Queensland’s rugged outback, stretching over 120 acres. Known for its expansive open spaces, this spot offers an off-the-beaten-path experience where campers can enjoy raw, natural beauty and breathtaking stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in Australia. The site borders the large O'Connell River, perfect for activities like biking, kayaking and hiking.
Crocodiles, ziplining and waterfalls – discover Queensland’s best-kept secrets with this unique itinerary.
Hold It Flats attractions
1. Finch Hatton Gorge
Location: Gorge Rd, Finch Hatton QLD 4756
Start the day with an adrenaline boost by canyoning through Finch Hatton Gorge’s waterfalls, scrambling over rocks and swimming in natural pools. Then, try a ziplining experience that takes you high over the rainforest canopy for amazing views.
2. Sandy Falls Nature Refuge
Location: Eungella QLD 4741
Sandy Falls Nature Refuge is a protected area in Queensland. It’s also a hidden gem that offers beautiful waterfall views and secluded walking trails. Enjoy a quiet hike and take in the natural beauty of the falls. This area is home to diverse flora and fauna, giving it a unique, untouched feel for nature lovers.
3. Proserpine River Eco Tour
Location: Proserpine River Main Channel (Mackay Whitsunday) QLD 4800 – book through provider for address details
The Proserpine River is in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland. If you’re looking to get amongst wildlife and get your adrenaline pumping, take a crocodile safari where you’ll cruise through mangroves and spot saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat.
