Winter is no excuse for not getting out to see and explore your natural surroundings, especially if you're a Queenslander.
We are a couple from Melbourne who has been touring South Queensland in a tent since early July. We have visited and swum at glorious beaches, stayed in bushland and rainforest retreats, enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine on our skin and woken to the sounds of the ocean and kookaburras. All the while listening to complaints from locals about how cold it is! We can barely believe our ears. We understand though, that when you live here, it is easy take for granted just how special your backyard is. So we challenge you, Brisbane residents, to leave your houses this winter and camp with the Victorians at one of the below recommended sites in southern Queensland, listen to the adventures of your neighbours, reconnect with nature and then try complaining about what you refer to as winter.
Perfect for: surfers, beach bums, nature lovers.
Only 800m out of the town centre of Agnes Waters lies the popular and peaceful Workmans Beach Camping Area. Sheltered from both the noise of the road and winds from the ocean by a thick forest of trees, this camping wonderland is sure to steal your heart. Bring your surfboard as it's an easy walk to the small and safe waves of the patrolled Agnes Water main beach. Heading away from the town, you are a medium length walk (but very short drive) away from thee secluded beaches of Springs Beach and the inlets accessible from the Red Rock Hiking Traill. Imagine miles after miles of pristine, deserted beaches, white sand and crystal clear water. All for you. Bliss!
Costs: $7 per person, per night - pay the ranger, he visits daily.
What you need to know: Campsites have no access to power, but there are clean flushing toilets and drinking water available. Free BBQs are dotted around the day use area at Workmans Beach and are clean and usable. There is only an outdoor cold shower available, however most campers use a solar shower to negate this issue.
Situated where the Burrrum River meets the ocean, this quiet town consists of one supermarket, a bakery and a fish add chips shop pls two caravan parks. This cruisy coastal town has such a relaxed vibe that it is almost impossible to not lay out your picnic blanket, have a wine with lunch then spend thee afternoon with a good book, or a hook in the water. We saw fishermen cast in their rod, drop in a crab net, then pull up the road and nets 30 seconds later with catches on both. Then toddle off home to cook dinner. The rivers are jumping with fish! I know I certainly enjoyed strolling up and down the foreshore and ocean front for hours, just lost in my own thoughts. There is a certain serene energy to Burrum Heads that has to be experienced to be understood.
Costs: $27 per night for 2 people (for an unpowered site)
If camping is not really your thing, or you are new to this new and fantastic sport, then Noosa River is for you. The caravan park is well designed, located and makes camping as easy as humanly possible. There are even power plugs in the kitchen specifically for powering up phones and computers! The park is located in Noosaville, an easy walk to Hastings Street - the main tourist sector of Noosa - and Noosa main beach for all your surfing and sunbathing needs. In the other direction is the river system and Noosaville foreshore. You can hire a boat, kayak or stand up paddle and explore this beautiful town from the water. Noosa is famous for its cosmopolitain beach vibe, there are no shortages of great coffee spots or boutiques to wander through. Be sure to spend a day in the National Park also for dolphin and koala spotting, as well as for some great views and photo opportunities.
Costs: $38 per night for 2 people (for an unpowered site)
What you need to know: This caravan park has everything that you could possibly need. How showers, free BBQs and cooktops. A fridge, kettle and toaster for guest use and an onsite shop stocking a few food items, magazines and newspapers.
