10 things to do in the Central Queensland Highlands
From fossicking for Sapphires to exploring Queensland’s green canyon or frying up an iconic outback redclaw there is plenty to explore in Central Queensland Highlands.
If a quiet escape is on the cards for your next family getaway, we’d suggest packing up the car or caravan and setting your GPS for Queensland Country. After just a couple of hours on the open road from Brisbane, you’ll reach this special slice of our sunburnt country, which is home to unmatched natural beauty, laid-back lifestyle and unique experiences.
Whether your family is up for outdoor or bush camping, or you prefer the creature comforts that glamping and fully equipped cabins provide, you don’t have to choose. Plan a scenic road trip to uncover some of the region's hidden gems and discover the allure of country living along the way.
In this second blog of the series, we’ll plot a path to the most charming camping and caravan parks in Queensland Country.
126km (1 hour 40 minutes) from Brisbane
Just one day at the idyllic Murphy’s Creek Escape is all it takes to forget about your busy life in the city. Tucked away in the lush Lockyer Valley, Murphy’s Creek Escape is a picture-perfect campground that offers more than a space to park your caravan.
Murphy’s Creek is a pure nature escape where you can breathe fresh air, experience country life, and cool off in the creek. And when you’re done relaxing? There’s a full schedule of high-octane activities to try.
Dive into hiking, abseiling, swimming, archery, high ropes, ninja playgrounds and mountain bike riding, before enjoying a well-deserved sleep under the stars.
255km (3 hours 10 minutes) from Brisbane
Trust us: mark this one down for your next extended family get-together. As the name suggests, Greenup Meeting Place is perfect for just that; a picturesque 10-acre property that acts as a haven for relaxation, and very good times. Nestled alongside Bracker Creek and Coolmunda Dam near Inglewood, you can keep it cosy with a tent or caravan, or book a dorm-style room for the whole clan.
The property is a tranquil backdrop for your overdue catch-ups, but if a full itinerary is what you’re after, Greenup has you covered with birdwatching, fishing, boating or canoeing. If you’d prefer to immerse yourself in food, shopping and culture, plan a day in the surrounding area where you’ll uncover everything from olive groves and fashion boutiques, to museums and lavender farms.
180km (2 hours 20 minutes) from Brisbane
Desperate for a night or two in nature, but not quite ready to leave your city comforts at home? The award-winning Killarney View Cabins & Caravan Park near Brisbane is the ultimate blend of modern comfort meets country escape charm, tucked away near the beautiful Queen Mary Falls.
Aside from the many walking trails to the falls, abundant birdlife abounds. You can enjoy a scenic forest walk, follow a fragrant eucalypt-topped ridge to a cool rainforest gorge and experience feeding time with King Parrots and other rainforest birds at the falls.
And when it’s time to hit the hay? All you need to do is decide between fully equipped cabins, the scenic vistas of the caravan sites or an enchanting night under the stars by an open fire. We know which one we’d choose!
163km (2 hours 10 minutes) from Brisbane
Gordon Country is the kind of place that comes to mind when you’re dreaming up your country escape: cosy wooden cabins, crackling fires and green everywhere you turn.
Here you can discover an enchanting rustic weekend, peppered with relaxation and adventure — think bird-watching in the morning, and four-wheel driving in the afternoon.
Situated in the Goomburra Valley, it’s a private ecotourism property with all sorts of (pet-friendly!) accommodation options. But with this view, you won’t be spending too much time indoors. From the moment you arrive, you’ll want to soak in the authentic country charm and unwind in the open air…we guarantee you’ll be plotting your tree-change before you head home.
Now that you’ve uncovered some of the best solo, group and family-friendly caravan parks in Queensland Country, explore more destinations in the region with our three-part caravan series.
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Southern Queensland Country Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways that run through these regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
Subscribe now to receive a free downloadable Country Drive Bingo template, and let us share our specially curated holiday tips, news and deals.