Booloumba Creek Camping: Site Breakdown & All you need to know!

Are you researching a camping trip to Booloumba Creek in Conondale National Park? Nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this stunning spot is known for its clear water creek, surrounding rainforest, and off-grid campgrounds.

But if you’re a first-time visitor, it can be tricky to figure out which campsite to book (between the four different sites) and what to expect when you arrive. On top of that, you’ll need to know about 4WD access, permits, and what to bring so your trip goes smoothly.

Having camped here ourselves, we’ve learned the differences and gathered all the practical tips we wish we knew beforehand. So, todays post is everything you need to know to make your first Booloumba Creek camping trip, an unforgettable one.

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Our Review on the Booloumba Creek Camping

Camping at Booloumba Creek is a real back-to-nature experience and perfect if you’re looking to disconnect. With no mobile service at the campsite, you can truly switch off and enjoy the peace and quiet of the rainforest surroundings.

We stayed in Area 3, which had a great balance of space and privacy. The sites here didn’t feel like you were camping right on top of each other, which made it much more enjoyable.

That said, I’d avoid the sites closest to the creek itself as there was a steady flow of people walking back and forth, which took away from the sense of isolation.

One thing to keep in mind is that while the remoteness is part of the charm, you will hear the sounds of nature constantly throughout the night. The calls of frogs, insects, and other wildlife create a natural soundtrack that’s both relaxing and, at times, surprisingly loud.

You can also hear some noise drift over from Camping Area 4, though it wasn’t too disruptive. Overall, Booloumba Creek is a beautiful, quiet place to camp if you’re after isolation and don’t mind trading phone reception for the sounds of the forest.

Which Camping Area Should you to choose?

The three Booloumba Creek Campgrounds can be accessed in the Conondale National Park, near Kenilworth or Maleny.

• You will travel along the Maleny Kenilworth road
• and turn into the Booloumba Creek Road.

There is only one road into the Conondale Range, creek crossings, three camping areas, and one day-use area. 

The three areas are basic bush camping (Quick reference Table below on each), however, your camping setup will determine which site you can book. All of them are along the creek, although the popular, and best creek swimming will be around Camping Area 3.

Note: There is no phone reception in this campground

Bookings can be made through the QLD Parks website HERE and currently less than AUD $10 Per Adult/Per Night. They collect basic personal information, take payment for the Fees and send you an email confirmation.

There is only one camping area that will allow Caravans and Campers, which is Camping Area 4. All the other areas have a separate section for the car parking to the camp site, using Bollards to stop you driving in.

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Camping Area 1

• Toilets: Yes
• Wheelchair Access: Yes
• Camping Setup: Tents/Roof tops, Swags ( No Caravans or trailer Campers)
• Camp Fires: Yes and areas provided ( Please purchase firewood before entering the Park)
• Drinking Water: Yes ( Please boil before drinking)
• Phone Service: Yes (Limited)
• Showers: Yes ( based on sign when entering but I did not see it and isn’t confirmed by QLD Parks website)

Camping Area 3 ( Most popular spot)

• Toilets: Yes ( 2 sets – One flushing toilet and one drop toilet)
• Wheelchair Access: No
• Camping Setup: Individual Sites for Tents/Roof tops, Swags ( No Caravans or trailer campers)
• Camp Fires: Yes and areas provided ( Please purchase firewood before entering the Park)
• Drinking Water: Yes ( Please boil before drinking)
• Phone Service: No
• Showers: No 

On this occasion in the National Park, we stayed on site 22, further away from the creek. There are only 24 sites all up, and the first 10 are located along the creek, with the rest in behind.

Obviously bush camping, but if you’re heavily reliant on using solar for power, keep in mind that there’s a lot of trees, shade and you will need a backup battery for power.

The Sites have room for a tent set up, plus trees to hang towels and clothes on to dry.

Right beside site 1 is the entrance to the creek swimming area and can get a lot of walking traffic. Therefore, it wouldn’t be my first choice to pick Site 1 or 2 for my spot. You can view the  Area 3 Site Allocation Map Here

It’s not that far to walk to the creek from the second layer of sites, maybe a hundred metres. The Sites and the Car Parks are separated by wood bollards, and therefore why they don’t allow caravans.

Sleep was very rough due to noise and would vary each night. The noise carries a long way through the National Park, and I gathered I was hearing laughing & kids, etc. from Camping area 4.

Earplugs come in handy for sure…lol!

Camping Area 4

• Toilets: Yes 
• Wheelchair Access: No
• Camping Setup: Caravans & Camper trailers allowed – or tents if you wish for a more open plan area. 
• Camp Fires: Yes ( Please purchase firewood before entering the Park)
• Drinking Water: Yes ( Please boil before drinking)
• Phone Service: No
• Showers: No 

Area 4 is the OPEN PLAN area with trees and obviously the only area that allows Caravans (or anything like it).

It’s also the place you go when you have a big group of friends traveling together, hiring the sites beside each other.

It’s only a short walk to Camping area 3 and going for a swim in the creek. And I did see plenty of family’s coming from over there, for a quick dip in this spot. 

Day Use Area 2

• Toilets: Yes
• Camping Setup: No Camping Allowed
• Camp Fires: Yes and areas provided ( Please purchase firewood before entering the Park)
• Drinking Water: Yes ( Please boil before drinking)
• Phone Service: No (Limited)
• Picnic Tables: Yes

There is a small secondary creek crossing to get to the Day use area, and we only stopped for a short time. The creek was nice and clean, but not very deep, and consists of plants & weeds.

Therefore, I didn’t see it as the best for swimming and more likely that you would be walking around in the water. It’s a quiet area though, with car park, and a couple of cement picnic tables.

Do you need a 4WD?

Yes, the Booloumba Creek camping sites is recommended using a four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle. There is at least one creek crossing with a rocky creek bed and depending on the rain, it could be hard to get through without a 4WD.

With that said, you will often see two-wheel-drive vehicles parked outside the gate of the Conondale National Park. These are the people who have walked in for the day, or got a ride with friends for the Creek Swimming, or visiting the waterfall further in.

However, please note that in the dry season and low water level, this creek crossing might be fine for a 2WD (and I have heard of people doing so), but obviously, driven at your own risk. 

Is the Creek Swimming good?

Swimming is one of the biggest drawcards to this location and staying in Area 3. Keep in mind that this was once a very low-key place, but we had to book 3 weeks in advance to get a spot on a Saturday Night.

Generally, March in South East Queensland (when we camped) is normally a good time for a refreshing swim, and to escape the heat. However, I think this area is maybe too shaded, and the water is FREEZING, or at least it was at this time.

Don’t get me wrong, I still jumped in, but every adult I saw didn’t stay in for long.

The creek was as crystal clear as you see in the photos. However, after 20 people jump in for a swim, it soon stirs up and becomes very cloudy. But, for the best photo’s, get up early and visit the creek before everyone jumps in – you’ll definitely see it clear then!

FAQ’s – Common Questions?

Is there much Wildlife?

This is a Queensland National Park, and yes, there will be plenty of wildlife around.

We saw Kookaburra’s (trying to get to our food) and many other birds, very large goanna walking past our swag, and a baby snake swimming from one side of the creek to the other.

I don’t think It’s too much to be concerned about! But, if you don’t know if it’s dangerous or not, it’s best to leave them alone and they should go away on their own.

Can you have Camp fires?

Short answer is Yes, you can have fires, but there are restrictions.

This is a Queensland National Park and there are laws against using any of your surroundings as fire wood. This includes trees, fallen branches or twigs on the ground.

There will be enforced fines in place if caught, so please ensure you bring in your own milled firewood, purchased outside the park.

Know that fires must ONLY be set alight in the provided fire pit and put out with water.

Is it Dog-Friendly?

There are NO dogs allowed in any Queensland National Park, this includes the Conondale National Park & Booloumba Creek.

If your interested in beach camping that allows dogs, then you might like to see our experience from Flinders Beach on North Stradbroke Island.

Other Things to do in the Area?

Here’s a quick bullet-point list of things to do around Booloumba Creek camping and nearby towns like Maleny and the Hinterland. This can be completed when staying at the campsite, or day tripping from the Sunshine Coast, or exploring all the activities on the Sunshine Coast Coastal areas.

• Hikes & Walks near Booloumba Creek – Explore the Booloumba Falls Walk (short hike with stunning waterfalls and swimming holes). Take the Great Walks of Queensland trails that pass through Conondale National Park.
• Climb to Mount Ngungun’s summit (intermediate hike with incredible 360° views of the Glass House Mountains). Or, Take the shorter, but VERY steep walk up Mount Beerburrum for a quick climb and lookout views.
• Maleny has many attractions – Stroll through Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World, spectacular gardens with aviaries and views of the Glass House Mountains. Visit Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for rainforest boardwalks and panoramic lookouts.
• Montville & Hinterland Attractions – Wander through Montville, a charming mountain village with boutique shops, art, and great coffee spots. Take in the views from Mapleton Falls Lookout and explore short nearby rainforest walks.
• Waterfalls & Scenic Spots – Discover Gardners Falls, a popular swimming spot just outside Maleny. Visit Kondalilla Falls in Kondalilla National Park (hike and swimming options).
• Food & Drink Experiences – Sample wines at local Sunshine Coast Hinterland wineries. Enjoy cheese tasting at Maleny Cheese Factory.
• Wildlife & Family Fun – Spend a full day at Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin’s world-famous wildlife park.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading this blog today on Booloumba Creek Camping in the Conondale National Park. I hope you found what you were looking for, but if you’re still researching, please find more Sunshine Coast Articles HERE for planning and inspiration.

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