Fong-On Bay Campground, Lake Tinaroo, Danbulla National Park and state forest

🏕️ Fong‑On Bay Campground — Tinaroo QLD

PAID CAMP

🚩 Description & Location

🌊 Set on a lakeside peninsula, Fong‑On Bay Campground offers expansive grassy camping within Danbulla National Park and State Forest. Its open layout is ideal for groups and water-based recreation, with convenient access to Lake Tinaroo. Located around 11.5 km from Danbulla’s eastern entrance and ~16.5 km from the west, it’s a well-frequented yet tranquil bush option.

🪶 History

📜 Fong-On Bay sits on the traditional lands of the Yidinji and Ngadjon-Jii peoples. The site has long served as a seasonal gathering place, now operating under Queensland Parks as a formal camping area preserving cultural and environmental significance.

🚻 Facilities and Amenities

• 🚻 Flush toilets and basic shower cubicle (BYO water or solar setup)

• 🔥 Fire rings available—campfires permitted unless bans in effect

• 💧 Non-potable water on site—bring all drinking water

• ⚙️ Generators allowed from 8 am–7 pm (≤65 dB)

• 📶 Patchy but generally reliable mobile coverage

• 🗑️ Rubbish bins located near amenities block

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Access via Danbulla Road—unsealed sections may be rough

• 🚐 Suitable for camper trailers, tents, and small to medium vans

• 🚣 Water access possible for paddlers and small boats

• ⚠️ Road signage discourages large caravans due to narrow turns

🏕️ Stay Information (as at August 2025)

• 💵 Fees apply—camping permit must be booked and displayed

• 📅 Booking essential

• 🏛️ Managed by: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

• 🏕️ Site type: Formal lakeside campground

• ⏳ Maximum stay: 21 nights

• 🐕 Dogs not permitted

• 🔐 No gate codes; 24-hour open access

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

• 🚫 Not required to be fully self-contained

• 📞 Phone: 13 74 68

• 🌐 Web Address: parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/danbulla/camping/fong-on-bay

• 📧 Email: not known, contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• ☕ Tinaroo (~5 km): Small café and general store

• 🍽️ Atherton (~20 km): Range of pubs, bistros, and bottle shops

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🌿 Downfall Creek Campground (~6 km): Shaded lakeside sites with similar facilities

• 🌳 Kauri Creek Campground (~5 km): Peaceful bush setting with inlet access

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• 🚣 Lake Tinaroo: Great for swimming, canoeing, and fishing

• 🚶 Walking trails in Danbulla Forest

• 🦋 Frequent wildlife sightings including parrots, wallabies, and waterbirds

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• ⛽ Tinaroo (~5 km): Fuel, general store, café

• 🏬 Atherton (~20 km): Supermarket, fuel, clinic, hardware

📝 Reviews Summary

✅ Positives

• 🌄 Large open space perfect for groups

• 🚿 Flush toilets and fire rings provided

• ⚙️ Generator use permitted

• 📶 Mobile signal generally workable

⚠️ Cautions

• 💧 No drinking water available

• 🚐 Large rigs discouraged

• 📅 Busy on school holidays—book ahead

• 🌧️ Some areas become boggy in heavy rain

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• 📻 UHF CB Channels: Road = 40 | Emergency = 5

• ⛽ Fuel: Available in Tinaroo and Atherton

• 🏥 Medical: Services in Atherton

• 📶 Signal available at campground edge; forest interior patchy

• 🧭 Use offline maps and notify others before arriving

🔚 Final Note

🌿 Fong‑On Bay is a versatile bush campsite offering lakefront access, spacious pitches, and the rare allowance of generator use. Perfect for families or paddlers who want a mix of nature and amenity—with just enough space to breathe and explore.