Danbulla National Park and State Forest Tropical North Queensland

Kauri Creek camping area is on the edge of an inlet, which is great for a swim or exploration by canoe. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

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

Kauri Creek camping area

From this centrally-located lakeside camping area you can spend the day on the water or explore the featured-packed surrounding landscape.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Bicycle
  • Boat
  • Canoe or kayak

Camping area facilities

  • Anchoring allowed
  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Campervan camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Walking
  • 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.

This small camping area, on the edge of one of Lake Tinaroo’s quiet inlets, is a perfect place to set up your ‘home away from home’. The inlet is well suited to swimming or exploration by canoe.

Once you’re settled in, head off on the first 600m section of the Jungaljunal walk to the Kauri Creek day-use area. Stop here for a picnic or swim in the sandy-bottomed creek before returning to your camp. If you’re feeling energetic, you can continue along the rest of the Jungaljungal walk.

Another option is to take the Regeneration walk to the Downfall Creek camping area. Remember to bring your binoculars because the area is rich in birdlife.

Getting there and getting around

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

  • The camping area is 9km from the western entrance and 19km from the eastern entrance, on 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

Kauri Creek 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.

Kauri Creek camping area.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Paul Curtis, North Queensland Wildscapes.

Camping area features

  • Location: 9km from the western entrance and 19km from the eastern entrance of Danbulla Road.
  • Map: Kauri Creek camping area (PDF, 213.5KB)
  • 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 fire rings.
  • Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply) in fire rings only.
  • Generators: not permitted.
  • Essentials to bring: drinking water and insect repellent. Bring your own or buy firewood before entering the park. Read more about things to know before you go.
  • Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.
  • Mobile phone coverage: generally available.

Visiting safely

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