Queensland has a reputation for being all sun, sand and surf. And while we have a few spectacular beach camping areas in our top five camping spots that will have beach bums running for their tents, you’ll find a couple of camping areas away from the coast that are just as fantastic.

Cania Gorge Tourist Retreat

If it’s the stunning Cania Gorge National Park that draws you to the area, it’s the fantastic tourist retreat that will have you staying for days on end.

Once you’ve chosen between a powered or unpowered site at Cania Gorge Tourist Retreat, you can take your pick from the tourist retreat’s almost overwhelming amount of facilities. There’s a pool, laundry, grocery shop, gas refills, a fish-cleaning area and more.

But don’t make the mistake of spending all your time at the campsite. Cania Gorge has a rich history, as Aboriginal people have lived here for over tens of thousands of years, and the rock paintings speak for themselves.

Darlington Park Camping Area

This family-friendly park has something to delight every member of your family – dogs included. And if you can’t nab a spot at this large campground, you can give its more low-key sister camping area, Burgess Park, a go.

Situated in the World Heritage–listed Scenic Rim, Darlington Park is also just over an hour away from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. But if you are after a low-key retreat, there’s enough to keep you occupied at the camping area, including a playground for the kids and a cricket oval. You can also enjoy the site’s proximity to Albert River, which is good for (supervised) swimming for the kids.

Platypus Bush Camp

There’s something that’s a bit hippie commune about Platypus Bush Camp. We don’t know whether it’s the laidback vibe, the bush setting or the fact that you’ll want to stay forever – but whatever they are selling, we’re buying.

Set in Finch Hatton Gorge and run by the friendly Wazza, this rainforest camping area has hot showers, fireplaces, a cooking shelter and is suitable for both camper trailers and caravans. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a platypus!

Whitehaven Beach Camping Area

It’s a resort-quality setting, but the only accommodation at Whitehaven Beach is a bush camping area.

This beach has a reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Whitsunday Islands, which means it’s crowded with visitors during the day. But at night, the only people allowed to stay are those booked into the 36 spots at 7 sites.

Set behind the beach in a shaded area, you need to be entirely self-sufficient to stay at Whitehaven. Basically the only amenities provided are a toilet block and picnic tables – and the views.

Seisia Holiday Park

If you make it up to the tip of Australia, make sure to spend a day or two (or three or four or five) at Seisia Holiday Park. This tourist park in the small Torres Strait Islander community is a haven of good facilities off the Development Road.

You can choose between beachfront or garden settings, powered or unpowered sites, or you can even splash out and rent a cabin. While it’s not all beachy keen here – you do have to watch out for crocodiles – this is a fantastic camping spot for everyone on a Cape York adventure.