Downfall Creek Campground

🏕️ Downfall Creek Camping Area — Tinaroo QLD

PAID CAMP

🚩 Description & Location

🌊 Spread along the western shoreline of Lake Tinaroo, Downfall Creek Camping Area sits just 7 km from the western entrance and about 21 km from the eastern gate via Danbulla Road. With uninterrupted water views, shaded grassy campsites framed by hoop pine and native forest, it’s a scenic and accessible destination for water-loving campers.

🪶 History

📜 Located on traditional Yidinji and Ngadjon‑Jii lands, this site became a designated camping area following the development of Danbulla Forest and Tinaroo Dam. Now managed by Queensland Parks, it preserves both ecological and cultural values.

🚻 Facilities and Amenities

• 🚻 Flush toilets and a cubicle-style shower room—campers should bring own portable/solar shower

• 🔥 Individual fire rings at each site—fires permitted when bans aren’t active (BYO firewood)

• ⚙️ Generators permitted between 8 am–7 pm, max 65 dB at 7 m

• 💧 Taps provide non‑potable water; bring your own drinking supply

• 📶 Mobile reception is generally available at campsite

• 🗑️ Rubbish bins near facilities—carry out waste if needed

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Accessible by conventional 2WD vehicles via Danbulla Road

• 🚐 Suitable for tents, camper trailers, and small to mid-size caravans—though signage warns larger caravans to exercise caution

• 🚣 Water access possible from lake edge

• ⚠️ Narrow forest road with logging traffic—drive thoughtfully

🏕️ Stay Information (as at August 2025)

• 💵 Camping fees apply—permit must be booked online and displayed

• 📅 Booking essential—self-registration kiosk removed

• 🏛️ Managed by: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

• 🏕️ Site type: Formal lakeside camp area within State Forest

• ⏳ Maximum stay: 21 nights

• 🐕 Dogs not permitted

• 🔐 Open access—no gate codes; access anytime after permit check-in

• 🕑 Check-in from 2 pm | Check‑out by 11 am

• 🚫 Not required to be self-contained

• 📞 Phone: 13 74 68

• 🌐 Web Address: parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/danbulla/camping/downfall‑creek

• 📧 Email: not known; contact managing authority

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• ☕ Tinaroo Township (~6 km): Café, general store, and fuel

• 🍽️ Atherton (~20 km): Licensed pubs and restaurants

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🌿 Kauri Creek Campground (~5 km): Shady inlet-side grass sites beneath hoop pines

• 🏞️ Fong-On Bay Campground (~6 km): Open lakeside space popular with watersport campers

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• 🚶 Regeneration Walk (~2.4 km): A rainforest trail linking Downfall Creek and Kauri Creek

• 🚣 Lake activities: boating, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, and swimming

• 🐦 Wildlife-rich area with frequent sightings of water birds, forest fauna, and butterflies

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• ⛽ Tinaroo (~6 km): Fuel, general store and lakeside café

• 🏬 Atherton (~20 km): Full supermarket, medical services, fuel, and hardware

📝 Reviews Summary

✅ Positives

• 🌄 Stunning lakefront pitches ideal for fishing and water play

• 🚿 Adequate facilities including flush toilets and fire rings

• ⚙️ Generator use permitted—rare among nearby camps

• 📶 Reliable mobile coverage for booking and messaging

• 🐦 Quiet forest ambience with birdlife and butterflies

⚠️ Cautions

• 💧 No potable water—essential to bring your own

• 🚐 Restrictions on larger caravans due to narrow road

• 📅 Camping fills up, especially on long weekends—book well in advance

• ⚠️ Forest rodents occasionally reported—lock away gear

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• 📻 UHF CB: Road Channel = 40 | Emergency Only = 5

• ⛽ Fuel available in Tinaroo (~6 km) and Atherton (~20 km)

• 🏥 Medical: Clinic and main hospital facilities in Atherton

• 📶 Mobile coverage at camp generally functional; forest may block service

• 🧭 Always leave travel plans with someone and carry offline maps

🔚 Final Note

🌿 Downfall Creek Camping Area is a well-managed, water-edge destination offering scenic recreation and comfort within Danbulla State Forest. With open shores, clean facilities, and group-friendly layout, it blends nature and amenity—best for campers arriving with permits, water supply, and a love for shoreline serenity.