Queensland country

4WD, Wildlife & Camping: Explore the Southern Downs & Granite Belt.

We all need a little country - a chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with what truly matters. And few things bring that feeling to life quite like camping under the stars, waking up to the sounds of nature, and spending your days exploring the great outdoors.

Whether you’re looking to unplug and unwind by a tranquil creek, fish for your dinner at a pristine dam, tackle rugged 4WD trails or wake up to a mob of kangaroos outside your tent, the Southern Downs & Granite Belt has the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your van.

1. Unplug & Unwind

Step away from the daily grind and switch off from the noise at these peaceful, off-the-grid camping spots. Whether you prefer bushland seclusion, creekside relaxation, or a quiet farm stay, these sites offer the perfect escape.

  • Gordon Country, Goomburra – A private camping paradise with sprawling bushland, crystal-clear creeks, and 4WD tracks for those keen on adventure.
  • Goomburra Valley Campground, Goomburra – A tranquil retreat along Dalrymple Creek, perfect for swimming and campfire nights.
  • Wynola Country Cousins Camping, Killarney – Secluded and family-friendly, with rolling hills and farm animals to meet. Choose a spot next to the tranquil riverside where you may even meet a platypus. 
  • Stanthorpe Holiday Park, Stanthorpe – A convenient basecamp for wine lovers, with easy access to the region’s famous wineries and national parks.

Perfect for: Campers looking to relax, explore, and disconnect from the modern world.

Queensland country
Gordon Country, Goomburra, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

2. Reel ‘Em In

Cast a line and enjoy camping by the water at these prime fishing destinations where the catch's thrill meets nature's beauty. But don’t forget—many of these locations require a fishing permit, so be sure to check the requirements and get your permit before you cast off.

  • Washpool Reserve, Leslie Dam, Warwick – A free camping spot where golden perch and Murray Cod are ready for the taking.
  • Lake Leslie Tourist Park, Warwick – Stay close to the action with waterfront cabins, powered sites, and plenty of fish to catch.
  • Connolly Dam, Warwick – Quiet and less crowded, making it a great spot for those who like fishing in peace.
  • Sommerville Valley Tourist Park, Stanthorpe – Enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing in a stunning lakeside setting.
  • Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park, Stanthorpe – Known for its massive Murray cod and yellowbelly, this spot is a fisherman’s dream.

Perfect for: Anglers looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Queensland country
Leslie Dam, Warwick, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

3. Animals & Wildlife 

Looking for a farm stay experience or the chance to spot native wildlife? These camping spots offer a mix of hands-on farm life and bushland encounters, perfect for families and nature lovers.

  • Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay, Tregony – A true farm stay experience where you can ride horses (led horse rides in the yards only), feed the farm animals, and get your hands dirty with country life.
  • Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park, Killarney – Wake up to the sounds of birds and waterfalls, and keep an eye out for wallabies and koalas.
  • Foxbar Falls, Amiens – A unique blend of bush camping and farm stay. Spend your day kayaking and spotting countless different colourful birdlife.

Perfect for: Families and nature lovers who want to combine camping with wildlife encounters.

Queensland country
Bestbrook Farmstay, Tregony, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

4. 4WD Adventures

If your idea of camping includes mud, hills, and heart-racing off-road tracks, these 4WD-friendly campgrounds are the perfect base for an adventure. From creek crossings and rugged hill climbs to technical tracks designed for serious off-roaders, the Southern Downs & Granite Belt has a spot for every level of 4WD-enthusiasts.

  • Gordon Country, Goomburra – Huge off-road tracks, creek crossings, and hill climbs, all with a stunning camping backdrop.
  • Janowen Hills, Goomburra – A dedicated 4WD park with a variety of trails for both beginners and experienced drivers.
  • Springs 4x4 Adventure Park, The Glen – Over 1,000 acres of rugged terrain, camping, and plenty of challenges for serious off-roaders.
  • Glendon Campgrounds, Karara – Combine four-wheel driving with a bit of fossicking for gems in this adventure-packed spot.
  • Sundown National Park, Sundown – The ultimate remote 4WD camping experience, with river crossings and rugged landscapes.

Perfect for: Off-roaders and adventurers looking for thrills.

Birdseye view of mountains and valleys covered in trees
Gordon Country, Goomburra, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

5. Campsites Close to Town

Love camping but still want to be close to a great coffee, a local pub, or a morning stroll through town? These camping spots offer the best of both worlds—the tranquillity of nature with the convenience of nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions. Perfect for those who want to wake up in the fresh country air but still be just minutes away from a hot barista-made coffee or a cosy pub meal.

  • Top of the Town Tourist Park, Stanthorpe – A prime basecamp for exploring wineries, breweries, and foodie hotspots.
  • Stanthorpe Showgrounds, Stanthorpe – Budget-friendly camping with all the basic amenities, just minutes from town.
  • Warwick Freedom Lifestyle Park, Warwick – Stay close to Warwick’s historic precinct, great for those wanting a mix of nature and town life.
  • Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park, Killarney – Enjoy stunning countryside views while still being near Killarney’s cosy cafés and waterfalls.

Perfect for: Campers who want both nature and easy access to town comforts.

Queensland country
Killarney View Cabins and Caravan Park, Killarney, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

6. National Parks 

Camping in a national park means waking up to breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and endless adventure. It’s about falling asleep to the sound of rustling trees, waking up to misty mountain views, and spending your days exploring rugged trails, swimming in crystal-clear creeks, and spotting native wildlife right outside your tent.

  • Main Range National Park – Camp in the Goomburra or Spicers Gap sections, surrounded by lush rainforests and epic lookouts.
  • Sundown National Park – A remote, off-grid experience for those who love rugged, untouched landscapes.
  • Girraween National Park – Famous for its granite boulders, wildflower displays, and scenic hiking trails. Check out our “Everything you need to know about Girraween National Park” guide for all the info.

Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts and campers looking for a true wilderness escape.

Queensland country
Girraween National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Ready to Pitch Your Tent? 
Whether you’re after peaceful lakeside camping, heart-racing 4WD tracks, or a farm stay experience, the Southern Downs & Granite Belt has the perfect spot for you.

So pack your gear, hit the road, and let the adventure begin. Because we all need a little country.