15 free things to do in Southern Queensland Country
From exploring local street art to stepping it out through ancient national parks – our region will keep you busy without the need to tap the debit card.
Swap the same motels and hotels that you’re used to for a scenic camping adventure, pitching your holiday at one of these campsites with firepits in Southern Queensland Country.
Did you even go camping if you didn’t get to sit around a fire? In Southern Queensland Country, we think not.
Any camper worth their site-cred knows the secret to being a happy camper involves a scenic campground, ample beer, wine and cheese and a firepit to spend the night huddled around.
You’re in luck in our region on all fronts – we’re home to Queensland’s own wine country – the Granite Belt and South Burnett – a number of cheese producers (including Awassi sheep cheese) and plenty of campgrounds, which allow you to spark the perfect evening ambience.
Swap the same motels and hotels that you’re used to for a scenic camping adventure, pitching your holiday at one of these campsites with firepits in Southern Queensland Country.
1. Barambah Bush Caravan & Camping, South Burnett
Pitch your adventure in Murgon in the South Burnett region, checking into the full-of-foliage Barambah Bush Caravan & Camping.
Set on 200 acres of natural bushland, you can expect a true country camping experience where the native birdlife takes care of the wake-up calls and the sun and moon signal when it’s time for bed.
Set up camp beside one of the onsite dams and create your own evening ambience around a campfire this country escape.
You’ll be happy to know the park sits on the Barambah Wine Trail so you can easily top up with supplies from any of the region’s four wineries.
Psst – for more information about the South Burnett Wine Trail, walk your fingers over to this blog.
2. Main Range Conservation Park, Lockyer Valley
If you’re short on commute time from Brisbane but long for big country adventure, start packing the camping gear for a night or two of camping-action at Main Range Conservation Park, just outside Gatton.
Named after a prominent volcanic rock outcrop within the park, this State Forest joins the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park and has the big nature experiences of its more famous neighbour.
You can set up in the designated campground, Casuarina, a flat, grassy area that runs down to Backfellow Creek.
With toilets, showers and BBQ facilities provided, there’s very little incentive to leave once you’re set up – especially with campfires allowed.
While domestic animals are not welcome at this camp site, horses are, with horse yards for your steed to enjoy their own camping adventure too.
3. Foxbar Falls, Stanthorpe
Image: @foxbarfalls
When you want to experience a proper Queensland winter, pitch your next holiday in cold country aka the Granite Belt.
Wearing the title of Queensland’s coldest town, you’ll have need for the firepits at Fox Bar Falls when temperatures drop to as low as minus ten degrees.
This campground which has been carved into pockets of their 200 acres of working crop-country, have been set up with absolute comfort in mind, with hot showers, loos, laundry and a fire facility at each site.
Choose from one of the five camping areas each designed to suit different needs – shaded, sunny, powered and unpowered – each with its own firepit and communal firewood.
If you like to camp with your furry friend, you’ll be happy to know, Foxbar Falls is four-legged friendly.
Psst - for more places to camp with pooch, we’ve rounded up where to camp with pets across our country.
4. Murphy's Creek Escape, Lockyer Valley
You don’t need to be an experienced camper to check into Murphy’s Creek Escape bush camp. In fact, you don’t even need to own a tent or any of the camping collateral to get in on the Murphy’s Creek Escape action.
This Lockyer Valley camping mecca has sites that range from pre-set-up walk-in sites or camper trailer hire for the new-to-camping-crowd to off-the-grid remote sites for experienced campers.
Whether you’re starting at level zero or your family has already nailed Bear Grylls-style camping, all sites are scenic and scattered across the property so you can choose between creek-side locations, grassy flat campgrounds, bushland camping, canyon top sites or remote scenic camping accessible by 4WD only.
No matter which way you go, you can hire a fire drum (and wood) from reception or equally bring your own to create your own night-time atmosphere.
5. Top of the Town Tourist Park, Stanthorpe
If you’re looking for a jumping point to these top 10 attractions in Stanthorpe without the price tag of a motel or B&B, pitch your weekend away at Top of the Town Holiday Park in Stanthorpe.
Set across 22 acres of natural bush land and landscaped gardens, you’ll have the benefit of access to amenities provided by the holiday park (think: pool, BBQ and camp kitchens) with the ambience of camping out under a blanket of stars.
Given its location in the coldest corner of Queensland, for those camping unpowered, you’ll be happy to know there are three outdoor firepits available for hire along with free firewood.
For more camping ideas across Southern Queensland Country, check out:
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