Best National Parks for Hammock Camping in QLD

Queensland is blessed with over 1,000 national parks and protected areas, and many of them are perfect for hammock camping. From tropical rainforests in the north to ancient volcanic landscapes in the south-east, we have compiled the definitive guide to the best QLD national parks for hanging your hammock and spending a night under the stars.

Before You Go: QLD National Park Camping Rules

A few important things to know before planning your hammock camping trip in Queensland:

• Booking: Most national park campgrounds require advance booking through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) website
• Fees: Camping fees are typically $6.85 per person per night for standard sites and $7.25 for popular sites
• Tree protection: Use wide straps (minimum 2.5cm) that do not damage bark. Never use ropes, wire, or nails
• Fires: Follow all fire regulations. Many parks have fire bans during summer months
• Generators: Not permitted in most national park campgrounds
• Pets: Not allowed in Queensland national parks

South East Queensland

1. Lamington National Park — Green Mountains

Lamington is the crown jewel of South East Queensland camping. The Green Mountains section sits at around 1,100 metres elevation, providing cool nights and crisp mornings that are a welcome relief from coastal humidity.

The campground is nestled among towering Antarctic beech trees and subtropical rainforest. These ancient trees provide exceptional anchor points, and the flat, well-maintained campsite makes it easy to find a perfect hang. The surrounding rainforest is home to an incredible diversity of birdlife — bower birds, king parrots, and crimson rosellas are regular visitors to camp.

Tree coverage: Excellent. Dense subtropical and temperate rainforest with abundant large trees.

Facilities: Composting toilets, picnic tables, barbecues, treated water. No showers.

Best for: Cool-climate hammocking, birdwatching, hiking. The extensive trail network includes the famous Treetop Walk.

2. Springbrook National Park — Settlement Campground

Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, Springbrook offers camping in ancient rainforest that dates back to when Australia was part of Gondwana. The Settlement campground is small and intimate, surrounded by massive trees and lush vegetation.

The altitude (around 900 metres) keeps temperatures pleasant, and the forest canopy provides natural shelter from rain and sun. At night, the forest comes alive with the sounds of owls, possums, and frogs. The nearby Natural Bridge glow-worm colony is a must-see after dark.

Tree coverage: Dense old-growth rainforest. Excellent for hammocks.

Facilities: Basic. Composting toilets and picnic tables. Bring your own water.

Best for: Nature immersion, glow-worm walks, and escaping the Gold Coast heat.

3. Main Range National Park — Cunninghams Gap

Main Range sits along the Great Dividing Range and offers spectacular mountain scenery. The campground at Cunninghams Gap is set among tall eucalyptus forest at around 700 metres elevation. The large eucalyptus trees are ideal for hammock hanging, and the mountain air is fresh and invigorating.

The park is less visited than Lamington or Springbrook, so you are more likely to have a quiet camping experience. The walks to Mount Mitchell and Bare Rock offer stunning panoramic views of the Main Range escarpment.

Tree coverage: Good. Mature eucalyptus forest with well-spaced trees.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, treated water. No showers.

Best for: Mountain scenery, solitude, and challenging day hikes.

Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast

4. Conondale National Park — Booloumba Creek

Conondale is a hidden gem about 90 minutes from Brisbane. The Booloumba Creek camping area sits beside a beautiful clear-water creek in a valley of eucalyptus and rainforest. Swimming holes within walking distance of camp make this a summer favourite.

The mixed forest provides excellent tree options for hammocking. Large flooded gums and ironbarks along the creek are particularly good anchor trees. The creek provides a peaceful soundtrack for your evening, and the swimming is outstanding.

Tree coverage: Excellent along the creek. A mix of eucalyptus and rainforest species.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables. Creek water available but should be treated.

Best for: Creek-side camping, swimming, and a relaxed bush experience close to Brisbane.

5. Great Sandy National Park — Cooloola Section

The Cooloola section of Great Sandy offers some of the most diverse landscapes in Queensland — from coloured sand cliffs to freshwater lakes, coastal heath to tall rainforest. Several camping areas have good tree coverage, particularly the inland sites like Freshwater and Harry Spring.

The coastal camping areas are more exposed, but the inland forest camps are perfect for hammocks. Tall blackbutt, scribbly gum, and satinay trees provide reliable anchor points.

Tree coverage: Variable. Inland sites are excellent; coastal sites are more open.

Facilities: Varies by campground. Some have toilets; others are walk-in bush camps.

Best for: Multi-day hiking with diverse scenery. The Cooloola Great Walk is outstanding.

Central Queensland

6. Carnarvon National Park — Carnarvon Gorge

Carnarvon Gorge is one of Australia best-kept natural secrets. The towering sandstone gorge, ancient Aboriginal art sites, and lush fern-filled side gorges create a landscape unlike anything else in Queensland. The main campground is set among massive river red gums along Carnarvon Creek.

These river red gums are hammock-hanging perfection — large, widely spaced, with smooth bark that is gentle on straps. The night sky at Carnarvon, far from any light pollution, is absolutely breathtaking. This is a bucket-list camping destination.

Tree coverage: Outstanding along the creek. Open country on the approach road.

Facilities: Good. Toilets, hot showers, picnic tables, barbecues.

Best for: Gorge exploration, Aboriginal cultural sites, stargazing, and photography.

7. Eungella National Park — Broken River

Famous for platypus sightings, Broken River campground is set in highland rainforest west of Mackay. The cool mountain climate (around 600 metres elevation) is a dramatic change from the coastal heat, and the ancient rainforest is stunning.

The campground has excellent tree coverage with mature rainforest species. The platypus viewing platform is a short walk from camp — dawn and dusk offer the best chances of spotting these incredible creatures. The Finch Hatton Gorge section, nearby, has swimming holes that rival anything in the tropics.

Tree coverage: Excellent. Dense highland rainforest.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables. Campground is well-maintained.

Best for: Platypus spotting, cool-climate camping, and rainforest immersion.

Tropical North Queensland

8. Daintree National Park — Noah Beach

Noah Beach is where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Coral Sea — one of the only places on Earth where two World Heritage areas side by side. The campground sits right on the beachfront among coconut palms and towering rainforest trees.

Hammocking between rainforest trees with the sound of waves in the background is an experience you will never forget. The campground is small and books out quickly, so plan well ahead. Be crocodile aware — this is saltwater crocodile territory.

Tree coverage: Excellent. Tropical rainforest with massive trees and palm groves.

Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, picnic tables.

Best for: The ultimate tropical hammock experience. Rainforest, reef, and beach in one location.

Hammock Camping Tips for QLD National Parks

• Book early: Popular parks fill up weeks or months in advance, especially during school holidays
• Bug protection: A hammock bug net is essential in tropical parks from October to April
• Water: Carry more water than you think you need. Dehydration is a real risk in Queensland
• Croc safety: In North Queensland, camp well back from waterways and never leave food out
• Tarp: Always bring a rain tarp. Queensland storms can arrive with little warning
• Check conditions: QPWS often closes parks during extreme weather. Check alerts before departing

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