Picturesque swimming holes, rivers to kayak, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, summit trails, waterfalls, lush rainforest and wildlife – Wooroonooran National Park has it all.

At the northern end of Wooroonooran National Park there are two riverside campgrounds – Goldsborough Valley ($6 per person) and Babinda Boulders (free!). At the southern end of Wooroonooran are another two riverside campgrounds –   Henrietta Creek ($6 per person), and South Johnston ($6 per person). All but South Johnston are camper van friendly.

The easiest way to book is by phone on 13 QGOV (that’s 13 74 68). Online booking requires you to set up an account and wait for an email to activate it. I’m still waiting for my email.

Goldsborough Valley Campground

Located at the foot of Mount Bartle Frere (Queensland’s tallest mountain) by a bend in the Mulgrave River, this is a small grassy campground skirted by world-heritage listed rainforest. It is close to the popular swimming hole of Ross and Locke further downstream, but has great swimming right there beside the campground. You can wake up, take a few steps, and plunge in.  There are 12 campsites spread generously apart to give privacy. No pets.

• Locate campground on Google
• Map of campground (pdf)

Facilities

• Toilets
• BBQs
• Fire rings
• picnic tables

Things to do

• Kayaking and liloing
• Mountain biking the Goldfield trail
• Walking the 1.6 km Wajil walk to Kearny Falls
• Swimming campside or further downstream at Ross and Locke
• Climb Walshs Pyramid. (Google map. Directions.)

Rates: $6 per person per night. Book by calling 13 QGOV (that’s 13 74 68).

Tip: Never swim where there are crocodile signs. It means there has been a crocodile sighting. Ross and Locke is as far down stream as you should swim.

Henrietta Creek Campground

This small campground is nestled in the world-heritage listed rainforest by the banks of Henrietta Creek on a grassy clearing. It’s just off the Palmerston Highway and is withing easy reach of the Mamu Skywalk, at least three waterfalls, walking trails, look outs, and Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy Farm. (Biodynamic is organic, but better!) The ten sites are spread generously across the campground, some tucked away into forest nooks, giving you privacy. An 800 metre track across Henrietta Creek leads to Gooligans Picnic Area.

• Locate campground on Google
• Map of campground (pdf)

Facilities

• Compost toilets
• Picnic tables (sheltered and unsheltered)
• BBQs

Things to do

• Visit Mamu Tropical Skywalk
• Walk to Wallicher Falls and Tchupala Falls (1.2 – 3 km. Grade: Easy)
• Walk the Nandroya Falls circuit (2.2 km. Grade: Moderate)
• Walk the Johnston River Lookout Walk (4 km return. Grade: Difficult)
• Picnic at Gooligans picnic area
• Swim in pretty Henrietta Creek
• Explore 130 kms of Misty Mountains Wilderness Tracks to the south.
• Taste the cheeses and enjoy awesome scones with rainforest jam and clotted cream at Mungalli Creek Dairy.

Rates: $6 per person per night. Book by calling 13 QGOV (that’s 13 74 68).

Nandroya Falls

 Tchupala Falls

View from Mamu Tropical Skywalk

All photographers have been credited with their Instagram names.

Campervan Hire in Australia

If you are planning a road trip of Australia, I recommend Camperman because their prices are all inclusive – extra drivers, insurance, and road tolls are all included in the quote.