Kauri Creek Campground

🏕️ Kauri Creek Campground — Tinaroo QLD

PAID CAMP

🚩 Description & Location

🌿 Nestled on an inlet of Lake Tinaroo within Danbulla National Park and State Forest, Kauri Creek Campground offers grassy lakeside campsites under hoop pines and shady forest canopy. Located ~9 km from the western park entrance off Danbulla Road, it supports both road access and watercraft entry.

🪶 History

📜 Situated on the traditional lands of the Yidinji and Ngadjon‑Jii peoples, this area became part of conservation lands following the construction of Tinaroo Dam in the 1960s. It now preserves both local ecosystems and cultural connection to the lake region.

🚻 Facilities and Amenities

• 🚻 Flush toilets and shared shower cubicle (campers bring own solar/portable showers)

• 🔥 Individual fire rings at each site; fires allowed unless prohibited (BYO firewood)

• 💧 Non-potable taps available; bring drinking water

• 🚫 Generators not permitted

• 📶 Mobile reception generally available

• 🗑️ Rubbish bins near amenity block; pack‑in/pack‑out encouraged

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Accessible by 2WD via unsealed Danbulla Road

• 🚐 Suitable for tents, camper trailers, and small campervans; large caravans discouraged

• 🛶 Entry possible via canoe or kayak to lakeside sites

• ⚠️ Road is narrow and shared with forestry vehicles; drive carefully

🏕️ Stay Information (as at August 2025)

• 💵 Fees apply—camping permit required and displayed at site

• 📅 Booking essential—must reserve via Queensland Parks online booking service

• 🏛️ Managed by: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

• 🏕️ Formal lakeside campground

• ⏳ Maximum stay: 21 nights

• 🐕 Dogs not permitted

• 🔐 Open 24-hour entry; no gate codes required

• 🕑 Check-in after 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/kauri-creek

• 📧 Email: not known, contact the managing authority

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• ☕ Tinaroo Township (~6 km): Lakeside café and general store

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

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🌿 Downfall Creek Camping Area (~5 km): Larger lakeside camp with shaded facilities

• 🌊 Fong-On Bay (~6 km): Group camping and water access area

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• 🚶 Jungaljungal Walk: 8.2 km shaded rainforest loop starting at the campground

• 🚣 Lake Tinaroo: Canoeing, fishing, swimming, and boating access

• 🐦 Excellent opportunities for birdwatching—species include riflebirds and curlews

• 🌳 Access to crater lakes, rainforest drives, and forested trails

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• ⛽ Tinaroo Township (~6 km): Fuel, café, small convenience shop

• 🏬 Atherton (~20 km): Full-service grocery, medical centre, fuel, and more

📝 Reviews Summary

✅ Positives

• 🌄 Spacious lakeside terrain with water access and forest outlook

• 🏗️ Clean basic facilities and peaceful environment

• 🛶 Easy canoe or kayak access to calm inlet waters

• 🔥 Designated fire pits and communal water taps available

• 📶 Good mobile connectivity and manageable access

⚠️ Cautions

• 🚐 Road signage discourages large caravans—check before driving in

• 💧 Taps provide non-drinkable water—must bring potable supply

• 📅 Popular spot—booking ahead is highly recommended

• 🐀 Occasional wildlife (e.g. rodents) reported—secure food and gear

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

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

• ⛽ Fuel: Tinaroo (~6 km) or Atherton (~20 km)

• 🏥 Medical: Clinic in Atherton; full hospital service there

• 🗺️ Reliable mobile at campground; deeper forest may have patchy coverage

• 🧭 Advise someone of your travel plans; local navigation required

🔚 Final Note

🌿 Kauri Creek Campground is a scenic lakeside haven for campers seeking peaceful forest-edge views, easy water access, and simple campground infrastructure. Perfect for smaller rigs or paddlers, it combines nature trails, canoe launching, and cool night air. Book early, pack for self-sufficiency, and enjoy the quiet rhythm of Tinaroo’s natural settings.