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A woman in a checkered shirt and cowboy hat stands in front of sugarcane plants, speaking to a small group of people.

FAQs

Accessibility

You can find accessible accommodation at various parks across Queensland. Many offer accessible cabins and facilities designed for guests with mobility needs. With thanks to our partner Caravanning Queensland, here is a list to parks with accessibility cabins.

Caravans

Yes, off-road caravans and camper trailers are permitted on the ferry. We recommend Sealink for your transfers—you can book directly via this link.

Yes, off-road caravans and camper trailers are permitted but be sure to carry your recovery gear! The roads can be unpredictable so make sure you drive to the road conditions. Great stories rarely start with ‘everything went to plan’.

Some caravan parks offer temporary storage, subject to availability and a fee. It’s best to contact each park directly for details. Additionally, there are local storage facilities available throughout Queensland.

Caravan Parks

Mobile apps like WikiCamps Australia and Hipcamp are great for finding free and low cost camping spots. While free camping suits budget conscious travellers, we encourage supporting small locally owned parks where possible. They play a vital role in regional communities and often offer a more personal and enriching experience.

Over 245 caravan parks in Queensland are now pet friendly, so your furry co-pilot doesn’t have to miss out on the adventure! With thanks to our partner Caravanning Queensland, here is a list to pet friendly parks.

Yes, we highly recommend booking a park in advance, especially during peak seasons like school holidays, long weekends and local events.

Electric Vehicles

Charging stations are becoming increasingly common across Queensland, especially along major highways and in larger towns and cities. However, they are not yet available everywhere, particularly in more remote or regional areas. If you’re planning to travel with an electric vehicle, it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance and check charging point availability using apps like PlugShare and Chargefox.

Events

Right here.

Some events roll out the red carpet for furry friends, but it’s always best to check with the event organiser first. Some venues welcome pets on leads, while others prefer you leave the four-legged plus-ones at home, especially if there’s food, crowds, or a chance of chaos!

Experiences

Queensland offers unique artisan spa experiences featuring natural artesian waters. Highlights include the Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell, Julia Creek Artesian Baths, Eulo Artesian Mud Baths, and Cunnamulla Hot Springs. These locations are part of the Wellness Way Hot Springs Trail, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the healing properties of mineral-rich waters across the outback.

Queensland offers numerous lawn bowls clubs across cities and regional towns, welcoming players of all levels. Whether you’re in a major city or a regional town, you’ll find friendly clubs ready to host you. Visit Bowls Queensland’s website to locate a club near you.

The best place to see dinosaurs in Queensland is along Australia’s Dinosaur Trail, a unique route through Outback Queensland that links the towns of Winton, Hughenden, and Richmond. This trail offers access to some of the world’s most significant dinosaur discoveries, including fossil sites, museums, and preserved footprints.

You can fossick at designated sites across Queensland, with popular spots in the Gemfields, Mount Surprise, Chinchilla, and the Southern Downs. Sapphires, topaz, gold, and petrified wood are commonly found. A fossicking licence is required and can be purchased online through the Queensland Government.

You can find a list of farm stays and outback stations here.

Yes, you can travel to Outback Queensland by train with Queensland Rail Travel. The Spirit of the Outback runs from Brisbane to Longreach, while the Inlander (Townsville to Mount Isa) and Westlander (Brisbane to Charleville) offer other scenic outback routes. It’s a relaxed and comfortable way to explore Queensland’s heartland.

Yes, you can fly to Outback Queensland with regular services from Brisbane, Cairns, and Townsville to key regional centres such as Longreach, Mount Isa, Roma, Charleville, and Blackall. Airlines including QantasLink and Rex operate these routes, making it easy to access the outback by air. Many towns also offer car hire, allowing you to explore further upon arrival.

Great Barrier Reef

The best places to see the Great Barrier Reef include Cairns and Port Douglas, offering easy access to vibrant reef sites. Other great spots include Airlie Beach for the Whitsundays, Townsville for reef and wreck dives, and Lady Elliot or Heron Island for stunning southern reef experiences.

Yes, you can swim in the water in Queensland, but it’s important to be aware of local conditions. In coastal areas, always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. In northern Queensland, particularly between November and May, marine stingers (like box jellyfish) may be present, so swimming in stinger nets or wearing protective suits is recommended. In inland areas, such as waterholes or rivers, always check signage and local advice, some areas may have crocodiles or strong currents. When in doubt, ask a local or check with the nearest visitor information centre.

National Parks

You generally don’t need a permit to enter Queensland national parks for day visits. However, permits are required for camping, vehicle access in certain areas, special activities, and organised events. Permits can be booked online through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service.

Pets are generally not allowed in Queensland national parks to protect wildlife. Certified assistance animals are permitted with proper identification. For pet-friendly options, consider state forests or designated recreational areas where dogs may be allowed on a leash. Always check specific park rules before visiting.

Entry to Queensland national parks is generally free. However, permits with fees are required for camping, vehicle access in certain areas, special activities, and organised events. Permits can be booked online through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service.

Pets

Over 245 caravan parks in Queensland are now pet friendly, so your furry co-pilot doesn’t have to miss out on the adventure! With thanks to our partner Caravanning Queensland, here is a list to pet friendly parks.

Pets are generally not allowed in Queensland national parks to protect wildlife. Certified assistance animals are permitted with proper identification. For pet-friendly options, consider state forests or designated recreational areas where dogs may be allowed on a leash. Always check specific park rules before visiting.

Some events roll out the red carpet for furry friends, but it’s always best to check with the event organiser first. Some venues welcome pets on leads, while others prefer you leave the four-legged plus-ones at home, especially if there’s food, crowds, or a chance of chaos!

Roads

A 4WD or off-road vehicle is recommended for some remote and rugged areas of Queensland, especially in the outback, national parks, and beach access tracks. However, many popular destinations and main highways are accessible with a standard vehicle.

Local visitor information centres and councils offer the most up-to-date information, especially for regional and remote areas. Checking with them before you travel is a smart way to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Queensland is great to visit all year round. During the dry season (May to October), you can enjoy sunny, mild weather perfect for beaches, hiking, and exploring the outback. In the wet season (November to April), the rains bring waterfalls to life and lush landscapes, offering a different kind of adventure with fewer crowds.

Yes, you can drive on many Queensland beaches, but it depends on local regulations and conditions. Popular spots like K’gari (Fraser Island) and Moreton Island allow 4WD beach driving with permits. Always check local rules, obtain any necessary permits, and be mindful of tides, wildlife, and safety guidelines before driving on the sand.

The Tip

The best time to visit Cape York is between May and October when roads are more accessible, temperatures are milder, and humidity is lower.

The Jardine River Ferry operates year-round and is the only safe crossing to the tip of Cape York. It runs from 7 AM–6 PM (May–October) and 8 AM–5 PM (November–April), with a lunch break from 12 PM–1 PM. Check with the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for updates, especially during the wet season or scheduled maintenance. Aim to arrive by 4 PM to avoid delays.

Yes, there are some costs involved in visiting the Tip of Cape York. The Jardine River Ferry crossing starts from around $130 and includes camping in council-managed areas north of the river. There’s also a $10 per person access fee to Pajinka (the Tip). Check locally for the most up-to-date info and any additional permits.

You can drive quite far up Cape York in an AWD, especially during the dry season when road conditions are more favourable. Most AWDs can comfortably reach towns like Laura, Cooktown, and sometimes as far as Weipa or Archer River, depending on conditions. However, beyond that, especially north of the Jardine River and on the Old Telegraph Track, roads become rough, sandy, and river crossings are common, making a high-clearance 4WD essential. Always check current road conditions and seek advice from local visitor centres before heading further north in an AWD.

In a 2WD vehicle, you can typically travel as far as Cooktown or Laura via sealed or well-maintained gravel roads during the dry season. Some travellers make it a little further to places like Archer River, but it depends heavily on weather and road conditions. North of these points, roads become rougher with creek crossings, corrugations, and sandy tracks—making a high-clearance 4WD essential. Always check with local visitor centres or councils for up-to-date road advice before attempting travel beyond key regional towns in a 2WD.

Wildlife

To avoid crocodiles in Queensland, always stay away from warning signs and fenced-off areas near rivers, creeks, and coastal waters. Avoid swimming or wading in these areas, especially at dawn, dusk, or night when crocodiles are most active. Keep a safe distance from the water’s edge, don’t clean fish nearby, and secure food and rubbish to avoid attracting them. When in doubt, ask locals or park rangers for safety advice.

Jellyfish stings can cause intense pain, burning, redness and swelling. While most are not life-threatening, immediate treatment is essential, especially in tropical regions where some species can cause serious or even fatal reactions. If stung, leave the water straight away and rinse the area with sea water. Carefully remove any tentacles without rubbing the skin, then immerse the affected area in hot (but not scalding) water for at least 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for any severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, confusion or intense pain. If these occur, call emergency services (000) immediately. Stings from tropical species like Box Jellyfish or Irukandji require urgent medical attention – dial 000 right away and begin first aid. Always swim in stinger nets during jellyfish season (November to May) and wear a stinger suit where possible.

If you see a dingo, stay calm, keep your distance, and don’t run or feed it. Back away slowly while facing the animal, and keep food and rubbish secure. Always supervise children and report any aggressive behaviour to a ranger or local authority.

Weather

The wet season in Queensland typically occurs between November and April, with the heaviest rainfall usually falling between December and March. Perfect for exploring lush rainforests, chasing waterfalls, and soaking up the tropical atmosphere.

Yes, it can get cold in parts of Queensland, particularly in the southern inland and higher altitude regions during winter (June to August). Places like Stanthorpe, Toowoomba, and parts of the Scenic Rim can experience chilly mornings, with temperatures occasionally dropping below zero. Absolutely perfect for relaxing by the fire with a red in hand.