Kauri Creek camping area, Danbulla National Park and State Forest

🏕️ Kauri Creek Campground — Danbulla QLD

PAID CAMP

🚩 Description & Location

🌿 Set beside a tranquil inlet of Lake Tinaroo, Kauri Creek Campground lies within Danbulla National Park and State Forest. Surrounded by hoop pine and native bush, it features grassy lakeside pitches ideal for paddling in, wildlife watching, or just a peaceful bush base. Located roughly 9 km from the western Danbulla entry point, it’s a scenic and accessible site.

🪶 History

📜 This land belongs to the Yidinji and Ngadjon-Jii peoples, whose cultural ties to the lake and surrounding forests remain strong. The campground was formalised following the development of Tinaroo Dam in the 1960s, offering ongoing protection of both landscape and heritage in the region.

🚻 Facilities and Amenities

• 🚻 Flush toilets and cubicle-style shower block (BYO portable/solar shower)

• 🔥 Fire rings at each campsite—BYO firewood; seasonal bans apply

• 💧 Taps supply non-potable water—bring your own drinking water

• 🚫 Generators not permitted

• 📶 Mobile reception is generally available

• 🗑️ Rubbish bins provided but pack-in/pack-out is recommended

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Unsealed road access via Danbulla Road (2WD accessible with care)

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

• 🚣 Paddle-in access available via lake inlet

• ⚠️ Road is narrow and shared with forestry vehicles—drive cautiously

🏕️ Stay Information (as at August 2025)

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

• 📅 Booking essential via Queensland Parks Booking Service

• 🏛️ Managed by: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

• 🏕️ Site type: Formal campground within State Forest

• ⏳ Maximum stay: 21 nights

• 🐕 Dogs not permitted

• 🔐 No gate codes; open access at all hours

• 🕑 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/kauri-creek

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

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

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

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

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🌿 Downfall Creek Camping Area (~5 km): Larger site with more formal layout

• 🌊 Fong-On Bay (~6 km): Group camping with lake access and space for trailers

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• 🚶 Jungaljungal Walk and Regeneration Loop starting from Kauri Creek

• 🚣 Lake Tinaroo: Ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming

• 🐦 High birdlife activity including riflebirds, curlews, and honeyeaters

• 🌳 Forest trails and crater lake drives throughout the Tablelands

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• ⛽ Tinaroo (~6 km): Fuel, general store, boat ramp access

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

📝 Reviews Summary

✅ Positives

• 🌄 Peaceful bush location with direct lake access

• 🛶 Excellent paddling and wildlife opportunities

• 🔥 Campfires allowed in designated spots

• 🚿 Clean basic amenities with flush toilets

• 📶 Good mobile reception

⚠️ Cautions

• 💧 No drinking water—must bring your own

• 🚐 Large caravans discouraged due to narrow road

• 📅 High demand on weekends—book early

• 🐀 Occasional rodent activity reported—secure food supplies

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

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

• ⛽ Fuel: Tinaroo (~6 km), full services at Atherton

• 🏥 Medical: Clinic and hospital in Atherton

• 📶 Reception generally strong at campground

• 🧭 Bring offline maps and notify someone of your itinerary

🔚 Final Note

🌿 Kauri Creek is a beautifully set bush camp, ideal for those wanting nature close to the lake without straying far from town comforts. Bring all essentials including water and booking permit, and prepare for relaxing lake breezes and open skies.