Goldsborough Valley Campground

🏕️ Goldsborough Valley Campground

PAID CAMP

🚩 Description & Location

Set within the lush rainforest of Wooroonooran National Park, this peaceful riverside campground offers grassy, semi-private sites near the Mulgrave River. Backed by mountains and surrounded by the sounds of tropical birds and rustling foliage, it’s a secluded spot for nature lovers. Sites are tucked into native vegetation and shaded by towering trees.

🪶 History

This region holds deep cultural significance for the Dulabed and Malanbarra Yidinji people, the Traditional Owners of the Goldsborough Valley. European activity began with the 1879 gold discovery, which brought prospectors and sawmillers into the valley. Old mining routes and saw pits are still part of the landscape.

🚻 Facilities and Amenities

• 🚻 Flush and composting toilets

• 🔥 Fire rings at each campsite (subject to fire conditions)

• 🍖 Free gas BBQs and wood BBQs (BYO firewood)

• 🪑 Picnic tables at most sites

• ❌ No rubbish bins—campers must take all waste out

• 🚫 Generators not permitted

• 💧 No potable water available

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Access via a maintained unsealed road beyond the day-use area and causeway

• 🚐 Suitable for tents and camper trailers only

• 🚙 2WD vehicles generally sufficient in dry conditions

• 🌧️ Road can be slippery or closed during the wet season

🏕️ Stay Information (as at August 2025)

• 💰 Fees apply (camping permit required and must be booked in advance)

• 📆 Booking: Essential—no self-registration available

• 🏞️ Managing authority: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

• 🏕️ Site type: Designated national park campground

• ⏳ Maximum stay: Not stated

• 🐾 Pet policy: No pet policy found (national park restrictions likely apply)

• 🔐 Access notes: Entry by causeway; allocated site must be used

• 📞 Contact: QPWS bookings via 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

• 🌐 Website: qld.gov.au/camping

• ✉️ Email: qpws@des.qld.gov.au

• 🚫 Not required to be self-contained

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• 🍺 Gordonvale Hotel (~10 km): Country pub offering meals and drinks

• 🥪 Riverstone Café, Gordonvale: Light meals, coffee, and traveller-friendly atmosphere

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🏕️ Henrietta Creek Campground (~20 km): Rainforest setting near creek, walking track access

• 🏕️ Josephine Falls Campground (~25 km): Small site near swimming hole and viewing platform

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• 🏞️ Kearneys Falls: Short rainforest trail leading to a scenic cascade

• 🥾 Goldfield Trail: Historic 19 km hiking and mountain-biking route

• 🐟 Mulgrave River: Kayaking, fishing, and seasonal swimming (check conditions)

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• 🛍️ Gordonvale (~10 km): Grocery store, pharmacy, café, pub

• ⛽ BP Gordonvale: Fuel and general supplies

• 💧 Bring all drinking water with you—none provided on site

• 🧾 Bookings via QPWS online or by phone (required)

📝 Reviews Summary

• ✅ Spectacular rainforest location with river ambience

• ✅ Good privacy and space between sites

• ✅ BBQ and fire pit amenities well maintained

• ⚠️ No drinking water—must be self-sufficient

• ⚠️ No phone reception on site

• ⚠️ Road may become inaccessible during heavy rain

• ⚠️ Unsuitable for caravans or large vehicles

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

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

• 📶 No mobile signal at campground—reception available in Gordonvale

• 🔧 Vehicle repairs and service available in Gordonvale

• 🏥 Nearest emergency health service: Gordonvale Clinic; Cairns Hospital (~45 km)

• ☎️ Emergency: Dial 000

• ⚠️ Follow signage regarding water safety and crocodile zones

🔚 Final Note

Goldsborough Valley Campground offers a lush, secluded base for exploring the Wet Tropics. Book early, bring all essentials including water, and prepare to unplug completely—there’s no signal here, but the serenity is unbeatable. Best for tent campers and off-grid adventurers seeking peace in a World Heritage rainforest.