How to Pack for a Camping Trip in the Gold Coast Hinterland
Despite being the (literal) backyard of the Gold Coast, the Hinterland is still an underrated place to visit. Which is strange, given what’s on offer. Ancient (and World Heritage-listed) rainforests filled with bird call echoes, hiking trails extending in every direction, and divinely pure waterfalls; there’s so much to love, especially if you love camping.
Packing the right stuff is vital to the enjoyment (and length) of any camping trip; here are our tips for packing right for a camping trip in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Know Your Gold Coast Hinterland Camping Conditions
Weather Variability & Microclimates
Weather in the Hinterland can change quickly, from hot afternoons to chilly, damp nights. Unexpected rainstorms are common, which means it’s not only important to pack rain jackets and waterproof bags, but also to think about how you protect gear stored outside. If you’re using a trailer for extra camping equipment, investing in waterproof trailer covers helps keep everything dry and clean, ready for use.
Wildlife Considerations
Expect insects, especially mosquitoes and ticks, so pack repellent and wear long sleeves when you can. Snakes are shy but present, so always watch where you step and shake out your shoes in the morning.
Most importantly, keep your food sealed and stored properly. Curious possums and even the occasional goanna won’t hesitate to rummage through bags left out overnight. Securing your food means fewer unwelcome visitors and keeps local wildlife from becoming too accustomed to human snacks.
Your Essential Gold Coast Hinterland Camping Packing List
Camping Gear
Bring a good quality tent (your travel shelter for the trip), preferably one that hasn’t disintegrated after a single outing from the hardware store. A fly is also useful for those surprise Hinterland downpours that can sneak up on you. Put a ground sheet or tarp down, too; mornings can be a bit dewy, and no one likes a wet floor on a frosty morning.
Take a sleeping bag appropriate for the season. Even if it’s a scorcher in the Gold Coast sun, nights in the bush are usually cooler once you’re away from the coast.
As for cooking equipment, the basics are all you really need: a small stove, a single pot, a well-used kettle that has seen many a great adventure. Essentials everyone always forgets: matches (keep them in a ziplock bag), a decent knife and a tea towel for washing up.
And when night falls, believe me: your phone torch just won’t cut it. A headlamp is a life-changer, and one with a red light option is best for when you want to preserve your night vision. The stars are incredible out here, but it’s a little harder to find your tent again by starlight.
Clothing
Days can be hot enough for shorts and singlets, but in the morning you may want an extra jumper or two. Layers are the way to go: things you can pile on or take off as the weather dictates.
Take a waterproof jacket, too. Even if it looks like a cloudless day, a thunderstorm might just surprise you in the Hinterland.
Footwear-wise, good hiking boots will be well worth it if you’re doing any bushwalking, and a pair of thongs are perfect for kicking around the campsite or wandering to the shower block. No need to be fancy: just practical, comfortable, and prepared to get muddy.
Food & Water
Water is something to consider, too. Campsites in the Hinterland often have no water supply, so you’ll need to pack enough for drinking, cooking and washing up (add it all up, it works out a lot of water). As a rule, at least three litres per person per day, plus a bit extra for emergencies. A couple of good water containers or a hydration bladder will make it easier to carry.
In terms of food, keep it simple. Meals that don’t require much prep, that travel well and won’t go off in the heat (pasta, wraps, microwave rice packs, tuna or bean cans). Bring extra snacks for your walks: nuts, trail mix, muesli bars, a sneaky block of chocolate.
Pack all this in ways that are easy to carry. Pack in soft bags rather than hard suitcases. If you’ve got children, invest in good-quality backpacks: they make it so much easier for little ones to carry their own gear.
Toiletries & Hygiene
Leave it better than you found it: this is bush camping after all. Pack a small bottle of environmentally friendly soap so you’re not washing detergents directly into the environment. Toilet paper? Pack extra (amazing how quickly it disappears in the bush) and keep it in a ziplock bag to keep it dry.
If there are no toilets, you’ll need a small trowel for digging a cat hole to do your business in. A fact of life when bush camping in the Hinterland (or just about anywhere, really). Dig it at least 15cm deep and well away from the campsite and any watercourses. It’s not much of a conversation starter, but it’s the right thing to do to respect the bush and the campers who follow you.
You could even pack a little bottle of hand sanitiser.
Safety & Navigation
You might know the trails like the back of your hand, but it never hurts to have a map in your hands. And when we say a map, we mean a proper one, not your phone. You can download offline maps in advance of your trip because mobile phone reception in the Gold Coast Hinterland is pretty patchy. A paper map will be your saviour if your tech decides not to play ball.
A well-stocked first aid kit will come in handy (plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister pads, painkillers, any personal medications). It’s not that you’re going to need it, but it’s good to have, just in case.
A whistle. No, really. A little, lightweight whistle can be a godsend if you’re ever in trouble and need to call for help. It’s also good for staying in touch with your group in the bush if you get separated.
Extras Worth Bringing
Got the above covered? Here are a few things to make your bush camping trip even better.
A camera is a must for capturing the views, waterfalls and wildlife. Bring extra memory cards so you don’t have to go mad deleting old photos to make space for new ones.
Binoculars are a handy addition if you’re keen on birdlife or just want to spot wildlife at a distance without trampling through the bush. And you’d be amazed how much of it you can see when you have a good pair of binoculars.
A daypack for those short hikes or exploring other nearby tracks without carting your whole kit around with you. Great for carrying snacks, water, your camera, and anything else you want to have at hand.
Hinterland Heaven: 3 Camping Spots Worth Visiting
Alright, your gear’s sorted. Now, let’s focus on the map. If you’ve already set your coordinates for a favourite camping spot, don’t let us hold you up. If not, here are three places worth your time:
Advancetown Caravan Park
Nestled in a lush bush setting and surrounded by native birds, Advancetown Caravan Park offers the perfect balance of serene nature and convenient access. You can explore nearby rainforests and walking routes during the day, then retreat to a peaceful spot just a short 15–20 minute drive from the region’s major attractions.
Mt. Barney Lodge
More World Heritage stuff here, this time with a little more solitude. Mt. Barney Lodge rests at the base of Mt. Barney, near the Queensland/New South Wales border. While it caters to hikers and climbers of all abilities, its most challenging trails and climbs are not for the inexperienced, so check with the staff at the lodge before setting out. The landscape is beautiful, yes, but it’s also dangerous if you don’t respect it.
The Settlement
Again, this spot is more on the quiet side. And it’s the only camping spot in the Springbrook National Park, so if you want to visit places like Purling Brook Falls, this is the place to stay. Of our three choices, The Settlement is the closest to the Gold Coast, so it’s a brilliant choice if you fancy an impromptu weekend away from the grind.
Ready to Explore the Gold Coast Hinterland?
Camping’s greatest strength is that it exists outside the routine of daily life. There are no rules; you can do what you like, critics be damned. That said, being prepared matters, regardless of whether you’re someone who plans every step of a camping trip or someone who prefers to let your mood dictate each move. The right gear will enhance either approach.
So will an open mind. Camping’s not about perfection; it’s about having the best adventure possible. Some trips will go to plan, some won’t. Remember to learn from every experience, and the next camping trip will be unforgettable, trust us.
