Princess Hills camping area, Girringun National Park

🏕️ Princess Hills Camping Area — Wairuna QLD

PAID CAMP

🚩 Description & Location

🌿 Nestled beside the Herbert River in Girringun National Park, Princess Hills Camping Area features two small campsites shaded by open woodland. Located around 4 km upstream from Herbert River Falls via 4WD‑only Wairuna Road, it offers riverbank views and tranquil bush surroundings about 124 km southeast of Mount Garnet.

🪶 History

📜 Situated on traditional Jirrbal country, Princess Hills serves as a wilderness camping area maintained under Queensland Parks, preserving both cultural significance and riparian forest habitat. Operating as part of the national park’s protected recreation zones since the 1990s.

🚻 Facilities and Amenities

• 🔥 Campfires permitted in designated fire rings (conditions apply)

• ⚙️ Generator use allowed between 9 am–12 pm (≤ 55 dB limit)

• 💧 No toilets or potable water—campers must be fully self-sufficient

• 🚫 No rubbish, showers, or infrastructure; pack‑in/pack‑out essential

• 📶 Mobile coverage very limited—prepare for minimal signal

• 🚤 Informal canoe or kayak access from riverbank noted, but no formal facilities

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Only accessible by high-clearance 4WD via Wairuna Road

• 🚐 Ideal for tents or off-road camper trailers—not suited to caravans

• ⚠️ Campsites are approx. 15 m clearings spaced ~1 km apart along river edge

🏕️ Stay Information (as at August 2025)

• 💵 Fees apply—camping permit required, must be displayed on arrival

• 📅 Booking essential through Queensland National Parks Booking Service

• 🏛️ Managed by: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

• 🏕️ Site type: Formal riverbank camping within national park

• ⏳ Maximum stay: 7 nights

• 🐕 No pets permitted

• 🔐 Open 24 hours after permit check‑in; no gate codes

• 🕑 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/girringun-princess-hills

• 📧 Email: not known—direct contact via park authority

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• ☕ Wairuna Station (~5 km): Informal café and station refreshments

• 🍺 Mount Garnet (~124 km): Classic outback pub and small-town dining

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🌿 Blencoe Falls Campground: Larger group camping site within Girringun NP

• 🏞️ Wallaman Falls Campground: Base for visiting Australia’s highest single‑drop waterfall (~50 km away)

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• 🚶 Herbert River Falls: Scenic waterfall ~4 km downstream

• 🐾 Wildlife-rich forest habitat with possible sightings of emus, turtles, bandicoots, honeyeaters

• 🌅 Solitude and riverside ambience help visitors reconnect with remote wilderness

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• ⛽ Wairuna Station (~5 km): Refreshments only

• 🏬 Mount Garnet (~124 km): Fuel, small supermarket, café, local services

📝 Reviews Summary

✅ Positives

• 🌲 Quiet and natural riverside camping with minimal crowding

• 🔥 Designated fire rings support safe campfires

• 🎒 Perfect for experienced campers seeking tranquillity and remote nature

⚠️ Cautions

• 💧 No facilities—complete self-sufficiency required

• 🚐 Limitations for large vehicles due to the rough access

• 📅 Very limited capacity with only two designated sites

• 📶 Mobile signal virtually non-existent—preparation vital for safety

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

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

• ⛽ Fuel: Mount Garnet (~124 km) or Ingham further east

• 🏥 Medical: Local clinic in Mount Garnet; hospital services in Ingham

• 🧭 Notify someone of route and return time; carry GPS, maps, and emergency kit

🔚 Final Note

🌿 Princess Hills Camping Area is ideal for hardy bush campers seeking quiet riverside solitude and open forest settings. With only two small riverfront sites, no amenities, and remote access, it’s a true wilderness option best suited to well-prepared travelers looking to escape into nature’s calm. Closed December through March (wet season) — plan accordingly and book early.