6 Top QLD Boaties Holiday Spots
Summer in Queensland (or any time for that matter) is great for camping trips with the family, days of boating either on some of our large lakes and dams, exploring the riverways or heading out on the open seas. So why not combine them?
There are plenty of places where you can pack your tent, hitch the boat and head off on holiday enjoying the best of both worlds.
Whitsunday Islands
One of the world’s greatest natural phenomenon and a World Heritage-listed Marine Park the Whitsundays is a must to explore.
The Whitsunday Islands National Park is readily accessible by private boat from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour and there are countless beautiful spots to camp, with rugged natural beauty, stunning views and an abundance of wildlife.
The dazzling white, pure silica sands of Whitehaven Beach are one of the best-known Whitsunday drawcards. Camp sites are nestled behind the beach among lowland vine forest and eucalypt woodland. Located on South-east Whitsunday Island; approximately 30km east of Shute Harbour, this camping area can be reached by boat at all tides.
Steens Beach – Hook Island campsite is a hidden gem. Set in rainforest behind a sandy beach and overlooking Hayman Island, a small reef flat provides good snorkelling from this small camping area. This secluded camping area can be only be reached by boat at mid to high tide.
The Whitsundays offer the ultimate camping experience, sleeping out under the stars on a tropical, Great Barrier Reef island, making memories to last a lifetime.
Fraser Island
With miles of pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and an abundance of marine life and fishing options, Fraser Island truly is paradise.
The western side of Fraser Island holds many treasures, especially for boaties and one of the best places to visit is Wathumba Creek.
You can access Wathumba Creek via boat, launching from the Urangan marina. Wathumba Creek is approximately 26 nautical miles or 48 kilometres away, it can take about an hour to reach Wathumba Creek depending on tides, weather and cargo.
A camping permit will only cost you few dollars and if you’re lucky enough, and you visit at the right time, you may even see Whales play, breach and lounge around just outside of Wathumba creek as you sit at your beach camp site.
Moreton Island
Situated abut 40km from Brisbane, Moreton island is a boaties paradise. A stunning wide expanse of sheltered blue waters, Moreton Bay is an aquatic playground and marine sanctuary.
Moreton Bay Marine Park can be reached from many coastal towns, including Sandstone Point, Redcliffe and Cleveland. As easy 90-minute cruise from the shores of Brisbane, Moreton Island provides a variety of coastal camping experiences.
There are a few campsites along the Western side of the island, along the beach, suitable for walkers, boaties and campers without vehicles.
All campgrounds and camping zones within the national park and recreation area require a camping permit which must be obtained before you arrive on the island.
Spend the days snorkelling amongst the coral, and the tropical fish around the sunken boats at Tangalooma Wrecks. And then enjoy the spectacular sunset as it falls behind the Glasshouse Mountains. Once the sun goes down the stars come out for a magical light show in the night sky.
Lake Somerset Holiday Park, Somerset Dam
Lake Somerset Holiday Park is situated just over 1.5 hours’ drive from Brisbane and is a great camping and boating holiday for the whole family. The calm flat waters of Somerset Dam offer the perfect conditions for waterskiing, wakeboarding and some of the best Bass fishing in Australia.
At Lake Somerset you have the choice to spread out and enjoy back to basic free form camping under the stars or set up base in a cabin, villa or more glamourous safari tent while enjoying the water activities during the day.
Bribie Island
Bribie Island offers beautiful coastal scenery, low-key bush camping spots, popular boating and fishing areas in Pumicestone Passage
Mission Point camping area is a beautiful spot accessible by boat only and has relatively protected boat anchorage near the camp sites. It is on the western side of Bribie Island overlooking the Pumicestone Passage, with views to the Glass House Mountains. The camping area can be reached by boat only with the boat ramp and vehicle parking at Donnybrook.
Couran Cove Resort
For something a little different, cruise along the Coomera River across the beautiful Gold Coast Broadwater to Couran Cove Resort.
Couran Cove provides the perfect Island getaway where you can cruise on in and play for the day or stay a little longer. There are many exciting spaces to explore and fun activities to enjoy at the Resort.
If you choose to stay on your boat the berthing fee includes, power, water and access to all Resort facilities and activities or if you’re looking for something a little bit fancier you can book a resort room and maybe a massage or some pampering.
Remember to think about securing your camping gear, boat and other equipment while you’re out for the day exploring.
Use a Kovix Alarmed Trailer U Lock to secure your boat and trailer. For bikes and loose items around your site use the Kovix Alarmed Padlock and 2.5 braided steel cable.
For tent zippers, use the Kovix Alarmed Disk Lock – The 6mm locking pin fits perfectly though most zippers to provide you with peace of mind security and the added benefit of a motion sensor alarm.