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Forest Tops Campground - Border Ranges National Park

Home > Gold Coast > Escape the City | Long Weekend | Outdoor | Picnic Spots | Walks
by Meg Forbes (subscribe)
Meg Forbes is a mum, freelance writer, and photographer living in the Redlands, South of Brisbane. https://www.instagram.com/megforbesphotography/
Published May 21st 2020
The perfect New South Wales campsite for social distancing
Camping will once again be permitted in New South Wales from 1 June 2020, and Forest Tops Campground in the Border Ranges National Park is a perfect spot to camp while social distancing, especially at this time of year. As well as being a campground, day visitors are also permitted to use the picnic facilities here as they travel through the national park.

Forest Tops Campground in the Border Ranges National Park
Forest Tops Campground in the Border Ranges National Park


Many people avoid camping in the mountains during the winter, but our experience at this campground was cosy, especially thanks to the campfire BBQ right next to our tent's site, and the rustic kitchen shelter with a fireplace. We did bring our own firewood in as collecting firewood from the rainforest is prohibited.

Cooking at Forest Tops Campground in the Border Ranges National Park
Cooking over a log fire at Forest Tops Campground in the Border Ranges National Park


In addition to providing warmth, these facilities meant we were able to serve up hot meals to our kids before bedtime.

The best part of any campfire - marshmallows
The best part of any campfire - marshmallows!


Forest Tops Campground is set deep within World Heritage-listed rainforest, and a hiking trail, the 18Km return Booyong Walking Track runs directly from the campsite. With kids, we only walked the first few kilometres before turning around, but the track does go as far as Sheepstation Creek Campground for those who are feeling energetic.

The Booyong Hiking Trail leaves directly from the campground
The Booyong Hiking Trail leaves directly from the campground


The Border Ranges National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife including birds, frogs, reptiles, koalas, and wallabies. At the campsite, it is worth keeping any food locked away or the large goannas are likely to make a dash to grab some!

There is an abundance of wildlife here - be careful on the roads
There is an abundance of wildlife here - be careful on the roads


Additional facilities at Forest Tops Campground include picnic tables and toilets. However, visitors should bring their own drinking and cooking water.

Forest Tops Campground in the Border Ranges National Park
Forest Tops Campground includes rustic facilities such as woodfire BBQs and picnic tables


The Border Ranges span both Queensland and New South Wales, and the drive to the campsite from either side provides beautiful views of the rainforest. At present the border between the two states is closed, however, so anyone camping at Forest Tops Campground will not be able to enter (or re-enter) Queensland without a permit.

Entrance to the Border Ranges National Park
Entrance to the Border Ranges National Park


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Why? Beautiful campsite in World Heritage listed rainforest
When: Anytime
Phone: 1300 072 757
Where: Border Ranges National Park
Cost: Daily rate: $24 per night, includes 2 people. $12 per additional adult (16 years) per night, $6 per additional child (5-15 years) per night, infants free (0-4 years).
Your Comment
The Border Ranges truly is a stunning place.
by Kerenza Korostovetz (score: 2|232) 1099 days ago
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