Bartle Frere trail camping
The Bartle Frere trail camping areas include rainforest, camping beside creeks and fabulous views over Innisfail and the undulating Atherton Tableland.
Accessible by
- Walk-in
Camping area facilities
- Tent camping
- Walking
The Bartle Frere trail is rugged and remote, with isolated camping areas. Only experienced and extremely fit bushwalkers should attempt the trail. Prepare thoroughly to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable walking and camping experience. Eastern access to the trail is from Josephine Falls car park, where camping areas are walk-in only. Western access starts from Junction camp (accessible via vehicle), then camping areas are walk-in only.
There are 4 camping areas along the trail: from west to east they are, Junction camping area, Western Summit camping area, Eastern Summit camping area and Big Rock camping area. The Bartle Frere trail camping areas each have a maximum of 8 people per night per camping area with a maximum group size of 4 people. No facilities are provided.
Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.
Park-specific conditions
All camping along the Bartle Frere trail must be pre-booked—self-registration at camping areas is not possible. Camping bookings are only available at each of the 4 designated camping areas The Bartle Frere trail camping areas each have a maximum of 8 people per night per camping area with a maximum group size of 4 people.
Read more about staying safe and looking after the park.
Junction camping area
Camp features: bush camp surrounded by rainforest.
Location: at the western end of the walking trail, 2km by gravel road from the park entrance on the Atherton Tableland. See Getting there.
Access: the camping area can usually be reached by conventional vehicles. In the wet season, check Park alerts.
Number of sites: open area without separately defined sites.
Camping area suitable for: tent camping beside your car and walk-in camping.
Camping area surface: dirt and grass.
Facilities: none.
Open fires: prohibited. Bring a fuel stove.
Generators: not permitted.
Essentials to bring: drinking water, food, rubbish bags, insect repellent and fuel stove. Read more about before you visit.
Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options. Note: camping bookings are only available at each of the 4 designated camping areas. The Bartle Frere trail camping areas each have a maximum of 8 people per night per camping area with a maximum group size of 4 people.
Mobile phone coverage: poor. Satellite phone or Personal Location Beacon (PLB) recommended.
Western Summit camping area
Camp features: bush camping opportunities in a small clearing beside a creek.
Location: 8km walk from the Junction camping area and the Atherton Tableland (west) end of the walking trail. The Bartle Frere summit is 750m from this camp.
Access: the camping area can be reached on foot only.
Number of sites: a small open area without separately defined sites.
Camping area suitable for: walk-in camping.
Camping area surface: dirt and grass.
Facilities: none.
Open fires: prohibited. Bring a fuel stove.
Generators: not permitted.
Essentials to bring: drinking water, food, rubbish bags, insect repellent and fuel stove. Read more about before you visit.
Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options. Note: camping bookings are only available at each of the 4 designated camping areas. The Bartle Frere trail camping areas each have a maximum of 8 people per night per camping area with a maximum group size of 4 people.
Mobile phone coverage: poor. Satellite phone or Personal Location Beacon (PLB) recommended.
Eastern Summit camping area
Camp features: bush camp with fabulous views over Innisfail and the undulating Atherton Tableland.
Location: 7km walk from the Josephine Falls carpark and the east end of the walking trail. This camping area is about one hour’s walk from the Bartle Frere summit.
Access: the camping area can be reached only on foot.
Number of sites: an open area without separately defined sites.
Camping areas suitable for: walk-in camping.
Camping area surface: dirt and grass.
Facilities: none.
Open fires: prohibited. Bring a fuel stove.
Generators: not permitted.
Essentials to bring: drinking water, food, rubbish bags, insect repellent and fuel stove. Read more about before you visit.
Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options. Note: camping bookings are only available at each of the 4 designated camping areas. The Bartle Frere trail camping areas each have a maximum of 8 people per night per camping area with a maximum group size of 4 people.
Mobile phone coverage: poor. Satellite phone or Personal Location Beacon (PLB) recommended.
Big Rock camping area
Camp features: bush camping opportunities in the rugged wilderness of the Bellenden Ker Range.
Location: 3km walk from Josephine Falls car park area (east) approach.
Access: camping area can be reached on foot only.
Number of sites: an open area without separately defined sites.
Camping area suitable for: walk-in camping.
Camping area surface: dirt and grass.
Facilities: none.
Open fires: prohibited. Bring a fuel stove.
Generators: not permitted.
Essentials to bring: drinking water, food, rubbish bags, insect repellent and fuel stove. Read more about before you visit.
Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options. Note: camping bookings are only available at each of the 4 designated camping areas. The Bartle Frere trail camping areas each have a maximum of 8 people per night per camping area with a maximum group size of 4 people.
Mobile phone coverage: poor. Satellite phone or Personal Location Beacon (PLB) recommended.
Upcoming camping area availability
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Bartle Frere safely and camp with care.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.