Danbulla National Park and State Forest Tropical North Queensland

Fong-On Bay camping area is popular with waterskiers and boaties. Photo credit: Julie Swartz © Queensland Government

Lake Tinaroo is the heart of Danbulla National Park and State Forest. Photo credit: Karl Seelig © Tourism and Events Queensland

Fong-On Bay camping area

Explore the park from your camp in this large, open area against a backdrop of rolling hills, forests and pine plantations.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Bicycle
  • Boat
  • Canoe or kayak

Camping area facilities

  • Anchoring allowed
  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Scenic drive
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating
  • Swimming
  • Fishing

The self-service kiosk at this park has been decommissioned.

Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

On the waterfront.

On the waterfront.

Shady camp sites.

Shady camp sites.

This large camping area is favoured by waterskiers and most of the camp sites along this peninsula have water access and views. Beyond the lake, rolling hills, forests and pine plantations form a picturesque backdrop.

The camping area is divided into two sections—Bulmba and Gungul—and seasonal closures apply to the Gungul section. Refer to the camping area map (PDF, 264.1KB) for more information on the 2 sections.

Take to the lake’s cool waters. Swim, canoe, fish and waterski right from your camp site.

Jump in the car and head along Danbulla Road, exploring World Heritage listed-rainforest, fascinating historical sites, amazing natural features and quaint picnic areas.

After a big day on the water or deep in the surrounding forest, spend the night with family or friends swapping stories around the campfire.

Getting there and getting around

Fong-On Bay camping area is in Danbulla State Forest, on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hr) from Cairns.

  • The camping area is 4.7km from Danbulla Road, 16.5km from the western entrance and 11.5km from the eastern entrance, on Fong-On Bay access road off Danbulla Road.
  • Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles. The Tablelands Regional Council has erected signs indicating this road is unsuitable for caravans. For any road access problems, please contact the Tablelands Regional Council.
  • You can also get to the camping area by boat. See visiting Danbulla safely for directions to boat ramps.

For more information see visiting safely—getting there and getting around.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Fong-On Bay camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Camping area features

  • Location: turn off Danbulla Road 16.5km from the western entrance, or 11.5km from the eastern entrance and follow the road 4.7km to the camping area.
  • Map: Fong-On Bay camping area map (PDF, 264.1KB)
  • Access: the camping area can be reached by conventional vehicle or boat.
  • Number of sites: open area without separately defined sites.
  • Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car, camper trailers and large groups.
  • Camp site surface: grass.
  • Facilities: flushing toilets, shower room (bring own shower), taps and individual and communal fire rings. A small shelter is available to facilitate organised events. Camping is not permitted in the organised event facility.
  • Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply) in fire rings only.
  • Generators: Fong-On Bay and Downfall Creek are the only camping areas in Danbulla State Forest where generators are permitted. Generators are only to be used between 8am and 7pm and only if the noise level is less than 65dB(A) measured at a distance of 7m from the generator.
  • Essentials to bring: drinking water and insect repellent. Bring your own or buy firewood before entering the park. Read more about before you visit.
  • Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.
  • Mobile phone coverage: generally available at the eastern end of the camping area only.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Danbulla safely and camp with care.