11 sublime places to go camping on the Gold Coast

By Kristie Lau-Adams
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With an average of 300 sunny days a year, camping on the Gold Coast unleashes lucid exploration in a nature lover’s playground.

Campervan, caravan, trailer, cabin or tent. Whatever your weapon of choice, camping on the Gold Coast offers laidback unwinding amid natural splendour. Spanning kitted-out holiday parks perfect for tireless families, far-reaching campsites flanked by natural wonders and hidden hideaways opening to mountainous views, our pick of the best locations guarantees fun-filled adventure right across the Glitter Strip.

1. Binna Burra Campsite

an aerial view of the mountains surrounding Binna Burra Lodge

Escape to the mountains. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: Lamington National Park, 1040 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont
Distance from city centre: 1 hour
Price: $

Amenities: Full shower and toilet facilities that are cleaned every day, coin-operated washing machines, fire pits, electric barbeques, microwave and a communal fridge, plus you can grab milk and ice from the on-site Binna Burra Tea House.

Perks: This ECO-certified paradise is the perfect base camp for people of all ages to explore the Lamington National Park within the Gold Coast hinterland. Wake to the sounds of the rainforest, which encompasses this Gold Coast campground, before taking in breathtaking views from the hinterland to New South Wales’ Tweed. The campsite welcomes tent and swags while a handful of powered drive-on sites invite small campervans. Elsewhere onsite, there’s some of the best Gold Coast glamping, too.

2. The Settlement

The Settlement Camp, Gold Coast

Experience outback living at the Settlement Camp.

Where: Carricks Road, Springbrook National Park
Distance from city centre: 1 hour
Price: $

Amenities: Toilets (but be warned, they don’t flush), a cooking shelter, electric barbeques, and picnic tables. There are no showers or rubbish bins, with campers encouraged to take their rubbish home, or to the Carricks Road community waste and recycling centre. You’ll also need a camping permit, and you’ll need to pay a camping fee, which is $7.25 per night.

Perks: This popular spot offers the only accommodation in Springbrook National Park, hence why it’s often booked out weeks in advance. There are 11 sites for tents, camper trailers and campervans, while caravans are not allowed. Spend your days exploring one of the many hiking trails in the area and evenings getting acquainted with the local glow worm population that put on a show for visitors each night. Avoid the sites closest to the entry if you can because they’re sloped, but no matter where you set up, much-needed shade is readily secured.

3. Ocean Beach Tourist Park

Where: 22 Hythe St, Miami
Distance from city centre: 15 minutes
Price: $

Amenities: Showers and flushable toilets, parents’ bathroom, camp kitchen, accessible bathrooms, coin-operated laundry, kiosk, barbecues and a dump point.

Perks: Location, location, location. Ocean Beach Tourist Park sits on prime real estate in one of the Gold Coast’s most booming locales, within a few minutes’ drive from both Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach while offering its own gorgeous stretch of sand and surf. In terms of holiday park excess, this place is fairly stripped-back (no kids’ club and swimming pool, unfortunately) but its proximity to a patrolled beach makes it a hit all year round. Tents, trailers, campers and caravans are all welcome and you can choose from powered and unpowered sites.

4. Broadwater Tourist Park

kids playing in the pool at Broadwater Tourist Park, Gold Coast

Broadwater Tourist Park has two swimming pools with a shallow area for toddlers to safely play and swim.

Where: 169 Marine Parade, Southport
Distance from city centre: 10 minutes
Price: $

Amenities: Showers and flushable toilets, accessible bathrooms, barbeques, a boat ramp, bouncing pillow, dump point, Foxtel in the recreation room, kiosk, laundry, playground, two swimming pools, tennis court, gas exchange and a camp kitchen.

Perks: Broadwater Tourist Park offers those laid-back camping vibes the Gold Coast is famous for, all while providing endless entertainment options via Surfers Paradise which is just five kilometres away. There are self-contained air-conditioned cabins, as well as camping and caravan facilities on site, all located off the protected shores of the Gold Coast Broadwater. A stack of water sports is also on hand, plus there are waterfront paths to wander. The Rockpools at Broadwater Parklands is an awesome day out for the little ones, too — a splash park within walking distance from the campsite that’s dotted with fountains, a cascading water feature (even the big kids struggle to leave it), shallow wading area and grass made for picnic rugs and snoozing.

5. Woonoongoora Walkers’ Camp

Where: Numinbah Conservation Area, Springbrook
Distance from city centre: 45 minutes
Price: $

Amenities: Hybrid toilet system and nothing else. You’ll also need a camping permit, and you’ll need to pay a camping fee, which is $7.25 per night.

Perks: Have tent, keen to crash? The Woonoongoora Walkers’ Camp is a walk-in camping site on the Gold Coast that invites hikers tackling the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk (a 54-kilometre stretch that links Lamington and Springbrook National Parks) to stay the night. Just 10 sites are up for grabs, with a maximum of 24 campers on-site per night, and it’s just plain old grass to settle into — no concrete. The payoff is sensational views over the cliffs of the Lamington Plateau, a breathtaking corner of the Gold Coast hinterland.

6. Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park

the Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park, Gold Coast

Book your own camper trailer or 4WD caravan and stay in the middle of nature.

Where: 196 Bigriggan Road, Scenic Rim
Distance from city centre: 1.5 hours
Price: $

Amenities: Coin-operated hot showers, flushable toilets, dump point, tank water, open fire pits (BYO firewood) and ice for a fee.

Perks: If your perfect camping on the Gold Coast dream entails simply existing in nature with the background hum of wildlife, you’ll love Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park. Located in the Scenic Rim, between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, the grounds invite visitors to choose their own spot across 60 acres.

30 powered sites are on hand in addition to the tent space, and all will ensure you wake to views of the Logan River before exploring the serene river-hugging surrounds at your leisure.

7. Spring Gully Stays

camping in the Scenic Rim, Spring Gully Stays

Set up camp within the lush Scenic Rim. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: 334 Sarabah Road, Sarabah
Distance from city centre: 50 minutes
Price: $

Amenities: Toilets, showers and a barbeque area.

Perks: Another hidden secret of the Scenic Rim, Spring Gully Stays accommodates campervans, trailers, tents, and motorhomes, plus there’s a collection of safari tents — perfect for those who fatigue at the thought of setting up shop from scratch. Activities include fishing in the creek, dipping into a freshwater swimming hole, wildlife spotting and spacious grassy lazing.

8. Tamborine Mountain Glades

the Tamborine Mountain Glades retreat, Gold Coast

Invigorate your deep connection to nature at the Tamborine Mountain Glades retreat.

Where: Tamborine Mountain Rd and Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain
Distance from city centre: 50 minutes
Price: $

Amenities: Six private ensuites (unveiled in early 2025) with open-air rain showers and toilets, a traditional amenities block, camp kitchen with electric grill barbeques and a microwave, dining area, and laundry facilities.

Perks: Tamborine Mountain Glades sits on the same site as the Thunderbird Park adventure attraction, where zip-lining, horse riding, a sky-high Tree Top Challenge, mini excavator park and more beckon. The camping grounds are close enough for you to stroll to it all, making it a no-brainer for families looking to fill the morning before unwinding amid beautiful sub-tropical rainforest. The excellent shops and eateries of Tamborine Mountain are also within a short drive, while Cedar Creek Falls is ready to be explored three minutes around the corner. In even more exciting news, the forthcoming SOL Elements, a Japanese-inspired bathhouse that’s set to open in the second half of 2025, will be housed within walking distance from the campgrounds, on the other side of the property. Both powered and unpowered sites invite tents, caravans and everything in between.

9. BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

cabin exterior at BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

The family-friendly cabins are well-equipped.

Where: 66-86 Siganto Drive, Helensvale
Distance from city centre: 20 minutes
Price: $

Amenities: Where to begin? There’s a water park, waterslide, outdoor pool with shaded cabanas, table tennis, barbecues, kids’ club, basketball court, hireable go-karts, car track for remote control cars, bocce, amenities block, licensed restaurant and more. December 2024 also saw the addition of dog kennels and dog grooming facilities — so they’ve really covered it all.

Perks: It’s the closest caravan and camping spot to the southern cluster of Gold Coast theme parks (that’s Movie World and Wet’n’Wild), making it heavily booked out by families, aka, serious new-friend-making territory, all year round. The powered sites are set on expansive grasslands large enough to accommodate caravans, large rigs, motorhomes, and tents, plus there are creek-facing unpowered sites.

10. Nightfall

an aerial view of Nighfall camping grounds on the Gold Coast

A luxe glamping retreat at Nightfall in Lamington National Park. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Where: 3009 Christmas Creek Road, Lamington National Park
Distance from city centre: 1 hr 40 min
Price: $$$

Amenities: It’s glamping on steroids so expect twin bathtubs, a rotating fireplace, rain showers, timber floors, plush bedding, chef-prepared organic meals, hammocks, spa treatments, yoga sessions and more.

Perks: While many love a good old-fashioned campout amid the elements, some prefer going a little extra. Enter Nightfall, a camping experience on the Gold Coast perfected for couples looking to indulge while reconnecting to nature. In the ultimate overnight under the stars, the glamping experience is capped at just eight guests, set beside the crystal-clear tumbling headwaters of Christmas Creek and Queensland’s ancient Lamington National Park rainforest.

11. Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head

Where: 9 Prince Street, Fingal Head
Distance from city centre: 40 minutes
Price: $

Amenities: Direct beach access, barbeques, a children’s playground, laundry, toilets, showers, and Wi-Fi.

Perks: While it technically sits just outside the Queensland border in NSW, Tweed Holiday Parks Fingal Head is a popular choice for Gold Coast holidaymakers who skip back and forth across the ditch to make the most of their escape. Perhaps it’s the plain old proximity to perfect white sand and ocean waves, too.

You’re a stone’s throw from stunning Fingal Head beach and Cook Island (a great snorkelling spot), and just around the headland from Fingal Head Lighthouse. If you’re in the mood for retail therapy or non-barbecued food, Tweed Heads’ main shops are also just a 10-minute drive away.

Feeling fancy? Discover the best luxury accommodation on the Gold Coast

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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12 of the most dazzling Broadbeach accommodation picks

    By Kristie Lau-Adams
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    Unpack and unwind close – but not too close – to central Gold Coast action with the dreamiest Broadbeach accommodation.

    Surfers Paradise’s chilled-out neighbour has finessed its bookable digs in recent years, taking full advantage of its prime location beside the Gold Coast’s beating heart. The once sleepy suburb is now overflowing with a sophisticated edit of serviced apartments, high-shine hotels and slick Airbnbs, making it a well-trodden, well-rounded destination. Offering the finest of dining, epic things to do, and a superb cafe culture right on its doorstep and within walking distance, Broadbeach accommodation is one of the city’s hottest tickets.

    1. Dorsett Gold Coast

    an aerial view of the Dorsett Gold Coast, Broadbeach accommodation

    Check in to chill out at the dazzling Dorsett Gold Coast. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

    Price: $$-$$$

    The Star Gold Coast’s domination continues with Dorsett Gold Coast, a swish space offering glittering poolside R&R. The high-end Broadbeach accommodation oozes confidence, with glossy finishes and splashes of marble against rose gold and turquoise, totally illuminating your holiday.

    Soak up the sun at Isoletto Pool Club, an al fresco haven with a 12-metre infinity pool where drowning cocktails and looking dapper draped across four-post cabanas is the order of every day. Swap cushioned orange luxury for a sunken sun lounge, built right into the pool, when you’re keen to cool off.

    The rooms extend the fun as tropical printed carpet and curvy jewelled-toned furnishings pop with personality, while huge TVs, rain showerheads and balconies dial up the luxe. This place is a popular option for couples while still winning points among families as twin rooms offer ample beds.

    You’re moments away from The Star’s wide range of eateries, but there’s also Jin Cafe & Bar serving up a mix of drinks, coffee, light snacks and sharing platters, plus a gorgeous executive lounge on level 19 which offers buffet breakfast and a 90-minute complimentary canapes and drinks service from 5pm daily.

    Azure Spa & Fitness is within The Star, on hand to keep your workout and beauty regimens on track while on tour.

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    2. The Shores

    Price: $-$$

    Sucker for a Palm Springs-inspired stay? The Shores, located 15 minutes down the Gold Coast Highway from Broadbeach, is the city’s latest ode to the beloved mid-century trend, decked out with a Slim Aarons-inspired pool scene and retro van slinging drinks. An original 1970s motel, the accommodation has totally remodelled its rooms, which range from the Miami Mini for two guests to the Palm and Sunset Suites which both sleep four. Whatever you land on, the interior is beachy perfection with terrazzo-printed flooring, duck-egg blue walls and doors, SMEG bar fridges, pale timber and all the whites.

    In even better news, the team are working on a sibling location within Broadbeach itself, which will join their Surfers Paradise location and planned Kangaroo Point and New Farm builds in Brisbane. Watch this space.

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    3. Meriton Suites Broadbeach

    a cosy suite with balcony and beach views at Meriton Suites Broadbeach

    Meriton Suites Broadbeach is within walking distance to the beach.

    Price: $$-$$$

    One of the best things about staying in Broadbeach is its central Gold Coast location, and life is extra easy at Meriton Suites Broadbeach. Close enough to notorious Cavill Avenue without hearing its round-the-clock raging, and within walking distance to the beach and the retail heaven that is Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, this Broadbeach accommodation consists of elegant studios and one, two and three-bedroom suites inside two 32-level high-rises on the Gold Coast Highway.

    Featuring balconies with sensational views, king beds, Kevin Murphy toiletries and separate living areas, the rooms are luxurious while still providing much-needed kitchen and laundry facilities. To help families or business travellers really settle in, a fitness centre, two swimming pools, a sauna, an indoor spa, and on-site cafe are ready to be explored.

    Additionally, the views from this place are second to none. Blue-on-blue vistas, all elevated above ground level, are spied from multiple spots within each room, soothing your stay from every angle.

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    4. Peppers Broadbeach

    the pool at Peppers Broadbeach

    Relax by the resort pool. (Image: Peppers Broadbeach)

    Price: $$$-$$$$

    Fancy a stay above the clouds? Peppers Broadbeach’s magnificent three-bedroom Sky Homes feel as though you’re floating miles above sea level (you’re above level 30, in fact), offering panoramic views across the whole city including its rich hinterland.

    The lavish spaces feature three bathrooms, huge balconies, full kitchens with European appliances, marble bathrooms, soft bathrobes, minibars, and laundries. They’re monochrome masterpieces, and the magic continues throughout the Broadbeach accommodation’s smaller stays.

    One- and two-bedroom suites are situated across its lower floors. Elsewhere, there are communal Teppanyaki-style barbecues to enjoy, a gym, two swimming pools, an outdoor spa, a theatrette, a steam room and sauna. Plus, you’re right in the heart of the action with some of the suburb’s most popular cafes and restaurants just a walk away.

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    5. The Darling

    an elegant and cosy interior at The Darling, Broadbeach

    The Darling features fully furnished, elegant suites. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

    Price: $$$$

    Make it a getaway to remember with a stay at the exceptional The Darling, offering glamorous lodgings within The Star Gold Coast’s prime location. The extravagant penthouses (you better believe there are multiple versions) feature two bedrooms, making them a ridiculously special-occasion option for families, while the King and Twin suites are more couple-friendly with open-plan fit outs.

    Just like its renowned Sydney counterpart, The Darling is dramatically decorated with rich hues, a high-quality blend of velvet and silky textures, and European interiors. Expansive windows, the fluffiest of beds, Bose sound systems and state-of-the-art technology offer plenty more to get excited about.

    When it’s time to (further) indulge, there’s a dreamy rooftop swimming pool right next to the acclaimed Nineteen at the Star restaurant, plus you’re also welcome to visit The Star’s Azure Spa & Fitness for all your beautification needs.

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    6. Mel’s Place

    epic beach views from Mel’s Place, Broadbeach accommodation

    Immerse yourself in pure Pacific Ocean bliss. (Image: Mel’s Place)

    Price: $$$$

    If you prefer your privacy, Mel’s Place will propel your group getaway to all-new heights, offering three spacious bedrooms and three luxurious bathrooms to up to six guests. The two-level Broadbeach Airbnb is elegantly styled with warm hues and coastal-inspired furnishings but let’s be real about this place — it’s the views that get people booking. Sink into the living and dining to immerse yourself in pure Pacific Ocean bliss, with a wraparound balcony luring you even closer to mesmerising waves and blazing sunsets. The Broadbeach accommodation’s kitchen is also positioned with epic views, ensuring there’s no escaping downtime. Secure parking and Wi-Fi are also included.

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    7. Vue Broadbeach

    the top view of the pool at Vue Broadbeach

    Vue Broadbeach features a 12-metre pool with sun beds.

    Price: $$$

    Instagram-friendly living just 120 metres from the beach is on offer at Vue Broadbeach, a block of apartments frequented by families and couples craving stylish surroundings.

    Featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom stays, this Broadbeach accommodation is chic from start to finish as the jaw-dropping lobby (it’s like an immersive art space with texture upon texture enveloping you in drama) greets you with 360-degree monochrome marbled magic.

    Inside the rooms, coastal interiors and textures create calming spaces, while fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, balconies, flat-screen TVs, dining tables and plush lounges bring ample comfort. Two electrical barbecues, a 12-metre pool with sun beds, a spa bath and a sauna offer further picture-perfect backdrops.

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    8. Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

    sunlounges by the pool at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

    Recline on lounges by the pool. (Image: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach)

    Price: $$$

    A glittering outdoor pool with views stretching all the way to the Gold Coast hinterland is the headliner at this Broadbeach accommodation, located right between Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and the smaller Oasis retail mecca.

    Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, tailoring mainly to couples, boasts almost 300 rooms and suites, taking from the hotel chain’s French heritage and delivering stays dripping in luxury. Think toiletries crafted by French fashion house Balmain, carpeted floors, massive flat-screen TVs and in some, spa tubs and pillow menus so you can select your preferred squishiness.

    There are three on-site eateries including Bistro On3, offering daily buffet breakfast; Room81, a cocktail lounge with mostly antipasto; and TC’s Bar & Gaming Lounge, providing a more casual experience. There’s also a second open-air pool, gym and tennis court.

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    9. Key West

    Price: $$$$$

    Grab your nearest and dearest for a stay at one of the suburb’s most extravagant waterfront mansions, Key West, situated in Broadbeach Waters, just a 15-minute walk from all the shops and cafes.

    The two-level, six-bedroom property sleeps up to 12 guests and offers enough space for each individual family to holiday without stepping on everyone else’s toes thanks to several living spaces begging for you to collapse in.

    The rooms inside this Broadbeach accommodation are all beautifully appointed, complete with plush carpets and cosy interiors, and if you’re staying on the top floor, private balconies create the ultimate sunset setting.

    There’s also a gorgeous pool alongside an inbuilt barbecue and dining space, a private jetty to anchor your boat (as you do) and an open-plan kitchen with a butler’s pantry.

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    10. Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach

    a spacious suite with beach views at Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach

    Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach stands tall in the heart of the city.

    Price: $$$

    Providing luxe creature comforts like a theatre room, tennis court, heated swimming pools, a sauna, steam room and gym, this sky-high Broadbeach accommodation is a convenient choice for families hunting down a comfortable Gold Coast getaway.

    Home to a series of one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments, Mantra Sierra Grand Broadbeach is located within a short walk from Pacific Fair Shopping Centre as well as loads of cafes and bars.

    The rooms are stripped back of cluttered furnishings, providing simple, quality lodgings to let beautiful ocean views and salty beach air drift through spacious builds. The kitchens are fitted with dishwashers and large refrigerators, while washing machines and dryers feature throughout.

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    11. Lilet Airbnb

    an indoor pool with sunloungers at Lilet Airbnb, Broadbeach accommodation

    Get access to The Star Residences’ pool on Level 20.

    Price: $$

    Step inside the pages of an interiors magazine with a stay at Lilet Airbnb, a one-bedroom apartment within The Star Residences, styled to beachy-chic perfection. Located on level 34, the stay is decorated with a mix of rattan and timber, eclectic artworks, Italian appliances and hints of greenery. It’s cosy, and an ideal base camp for couples.

    The Broadbeach accommodation also features access to The Star’s level 20 facilities including a pool and spa, yoga room, gym, sauna and steam room, plus there’s an enclosed courtyard fitted with barbecues and cushy lounges to make mealtimes easy if you’re too chilled to head out.

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    12. Avani Broadbeach Residences

    beach and city views from the blacony of Avani Broadbeach Residences, Broadbeach accommodation

    Witness stunning views of the city skyline and ocean from your suite. (Image: Avani Broadbeach Residences)

    Price: $$$

    Leave the baby gear at home when you book a stay at Avani Broadbeach Residences, a Broadbeach accommodation standout with the littlest of holidaymakers in mind.

    Providing travel cots, highchairs, kids’ cutlery and dishes, the team have also fitted out their one- and two-bedroom stays with simple yet stylish furnishings (read: not too many breakables), making the spaces exceptionally kid-friendly.

    Wall-mounted TVs, separate lounge and dining areas, balconies offering water views, fully equipped kitchens with coffee machines and laundry facilities are all in the mix, as well as several ground-floor eateries.

    The Beach Hotel, which opened in November 2024, is a buzzing hot spot with live music and its Mediterranean-inspired Cora restaurant, while the pub itself is the place to go to keep the good times rolling into the wee hours. There’s also a swimming pool, gym and barbecue areas located on site.

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