Review: Noosa North Shore Beach Camping: What’s it like?
Hey there, Campers! Are you looking for a campsite that’s close to the beach but still able to access with a 2 wheel drive vehicle? Then, you might want to consider the Noosa North Shore beach campgrounds!
The challenge for first-timers is understanding the logistics. Questions like: Is it really beachside? Are there facilities? Can I swim safely? all come up often, and can leave people feeling unsure or anxious about making the trip.
Having spent time camping at Noosa North Shore myself, this review is written for travellers who want honest, practical insight before they book. Whether you’re a seasoned camper, or a family planning your first beachside trip, I’ll walk you through what the site is really like, the facilities, and my personal tips for making the most of your stay.
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Overall Noosa North Shore Beach Camping Review
Overall, we had a really pleasant experience staying at the Noosa North Shore Campgrounds with the standout features is the 2WD access! It’s so rare to find a beachside camping spot that doesn’t require a 4WD, so this alone makes it a winner for many.
The sites themselves are a decent size, but depending on how full the campground is, it can feel a little crowded. At times, it felt like we were almost camping on top of our neighbours, which took away from that relaxing, open-space vibe.
It probably didn’t help that when we arrived, someone else was setup on our site and had to wait around for another hour for them to move. Not really their fault though, as the signage wasn’t completely clear, where their site ended.
That said, the staff were fantastic! Friendly, helpful, and always around if you had questions or needed assistance.
The facilities were clean and well-maintained, which I really appreciated. However, there just weren’t quite enough of them in the powered site area, especially during peak times.
It wasn’t unusual to have to wait in line for toilets.
Despite those few downsides, the location makes it all worthwhile. Waking up right near the beach, with easy access, it’s hard to beat.
I’d definitely return, especially for a quick and easy coastal getaway that doesn’t require off-road gear.
About the Campgrounds?
The North Shore Campgrounds are located in a beautiful part of Australia. Just a short distance (45 minutes) away from the attractions at Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast, and about 2 hours north of Brisbane city.
While I don’t think the campgrounds are in the National Park itself, they are right on the bottom tip of the Great Sandy National Park. If you didn’t know, this is a UNESCO area linking Rainbow Beach, the Cooloola Coast and Fraser Island.
Its also home to many different types of wildlife, including kangaroos, and birdlife, and you’ll often find them hanging around your site throughout your stay.
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Checking in
Obviously to check into the Campground, you need to park out the front and walk into reception. Bookings can be maybe online, or you can rock up on the day if it’s not too busy!
Once you’ve done that, they’ll give you a security tag which you carry around to activate the entry boom gate. After you drive in, the boom gate will close automatically. Just make sure you have your security tag with you when you leave, or you won’t be able to get back in!
After that, you can locate your allocated site.
Types of Camping Sites
Noosa North Shore Campgrounds offers a variety of camping options to suit all tastes and budgets. Although, for clarification you can access the Park MAP here.
- Powered Sites are available in the southern section,
- while Unpowered Sites are located at the northern end of the campground among the trees.
- However, know that we camped “unpowered” this time, but managed to get one of the few unpowered sites in the Powered section. (not to confuse things at all)
If you’re travelling in a group, I did see some larger unpowered areas. But powered has allocated sites and I guess you’ll just book ones together.
What are the facilities like?
The campgrounds have showers and toilets available for everyone staying at the park. However, these are located at the park entrance and a small walk away from the powered sites we were staying at.
Conveniently, there were two public toilets in our section, but these were extremely busy servicing anything between 50 to 120 people. As you can imagine, several times I saw line up and sometimes 5 people deep waiting around.
If anything, know it’s probably quicker to walk around to the shower section and use the toilets there.
The camp kitchen is fully equipped with a, fridge and microwave, perfect for whipping up a meal after a long day of exploring.
Plus, there is a laundry room for those longer stays and Ice in the fridge to keep those drink cold.
Reception is open from 8am to 5/6pm daily, or 9pm on Fridays. They hold some basic supplies if you run out like soft drinks, water, ice-creams, or maybe even bait for fishing.
Rules for staying at the Park?
Ultimately, the rules and regulations that are in place at Noosa North Shore Campgrounds help to protect the environment and ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.
- There is a 5kph Maximum vehicle speed limit while driving around.
- Unless your checking in, don’t tow trailers or boats around at night.
- Only one vehicle is permitted per site, and must be parked on your allocated site.
- Sites are to be kept tidy and rubbish contained or removed to the provided bins. This is so you don’t attract the wildlife
- Visitors are allowed, but must check in to reception and park their vehicle out the front.
- Fires may be used for cooking and the fire pits are provided in the park. It must be kept small, under control and always supervised.
- If you use the camp kitchen, ensure you clean up after yourself. Label and date all the food left in the fridge.
- All noises distraction like radios, TV and social gatherings must be at a minimum between 10:00 pm and 7:00am.
- There are no generators allowed to be used on site.
- All rubbish is to be removed when you leave and placed in the provided bins.
- There is no dogs or pets allowed.
- Visitors are not allowed to feed the wildlife or leaving scraps around for them to eat.
- You must leave your Site by 10am on the day of your departure
How to get there?
This Beach Campground site is located at Noosa North shore and will require a small ferry crossing coming from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.
To get to the ferry, you’ll need to drive to the North Shore Ferry Terminal, right at the end of Moorindle Street.
A standard vehicle will cost $15 each way and you just pay when you board. It can be paid with Cash or Card, but, if you’re bringing cash, then it’s handy to have the right money.
The Ferry carry’s passengers across in their vehicle from 5:30 am to 10:00pm (or midnight on weekends). It can’t be booked in advance and you simply wait in line until it’s your turn.
But, this means at busy times, you could be waiting there for a while.
For us, we visited in a slow period and only waited about 10 minutes. Once boarded, the actual ferry crossing only takes about 5 minutes and you’ll stay in your car for the journey.
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The North Shore Shops
After getting off the ferry, you’ll drive about 5 minutes and pass by the North Shore Convenience Store. You don’t have to stop in, but they are a great place to stock up on supplies before heading to the campgrounds.
In addition to the alcohol and snacks, you also have souvenirs, a Bar and Grill and a sports bar. The shop is just a 5 minutes drive from the campgrounds. So, it’s also a great spot to stop in throughout your stay for lunch or dinner or extra supplies.
Handy Tip: There is also a car wash here, if you have a 4WD and intend to take it on the beach.
Things to do while staying there?
Hanging out at the beach?
The Sunshine Coast beaches are just one of the reasons why this area is amazing to see. From your campsite, you only have less than 100 metres to walk and the sand will be squeezing between your toes and it’s the perfect place to have fun in the sun.
I mean, this is what you came here for isn’t it?
I think the beach is beautiful, and the water is perfect for swimming, body boarding, or just sitting back and catching some rays. Plus, you can bring an umbrella, gazebo or anything to set up, that you and the family need to chill out on the beach.
But, know this is NOT lifeguarded, so please keep an eye on your children at all times.
Watching the Sunrise
Something I never miss when camping!
I think an early morning sunrise is what makes Noosa North Shore one of the most gorgeous places (at least for me as a photographer). Waking up to a sunrise over the water is easy from the east coast of Australia, but it’s getting away from the polluted cites that brings more colour out!
This is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. And the proof is in the pudding – the colours below are so brilliant and the atmosphere is calm and peaceful.
The perfect way to start the day!
Day trip to Double Island Point
I have explained more in my Noosa to Double Island post, but, if you have a 4 wheel drive (high clearance vehicle) and your looking for a secluded spot to relax. Then, look no further than Teewah Beach or driving down to Double Island Point.
First up, you will need to purchase a Beach Driving Permit for the Cooloola Recreation area. Then, just up the road from the campgrounds you have the beach access point and where everyone puts their tyres down.
You do need to keep an eye on the tides for this one and only access the beach coming into a Low Tide. Ultimately, just make sure you have enough time to get out and back out of high tide.
On our visit, we accessed the beach 1.5 hours after high tide and were back about 3 hours later.
This stretch of coastline (Teewah Beach) is only accessible by 4×4, making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
And if you’re a fan of fishing, there are plenty of spots along the beach where you can cast a line.
If you have plenty of time on your hands, then cut around the coast on the Leisha track and over to Double Island Point.
This will give you access to the Lagoon waters for swimming, or see some people fishing and kayaking, or maybe even surfing.
The coloured sand cliffs in the distance lead all the way to gorgeous township of Rainbow Beach, which has plenty of attractions in it’s own.
The access along the beach is a little temperamental, but you can check out my post travelling between Double Island & Rainbow Beach to help navigate that section.
Note: If you’re looking for an alternative camping option to Noosa North Shore, why not try camping at Teewah Beach? With beach views direct from your campsite, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. But, this is off grid camping and you’ll need your own facilities.
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach isn’t just a gateway to Fraser Island, it’s a destination packed with activities that can easily fill a day trip. Explore the Carlo Sand Blow, a massive dune system offering sunrise and sunset views that rival any in Queensland.
You can also go horse riding along the beach, cast a line on a fishing charter, or take time to relax and enjoy the laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Wrap Up!
Just to wrap up my review, I think the Noosa North Shore Campgrounds offers a brilliant and laid-back coastal escape. I have several friends that frequent here and it’s a lovely option for a half-way point between off-grid beach camping and a Caravan park.
With that said, If you’re planning on staying around the area for a few days or more, be sure to check out my other Sunshine Coast travel articles. This covers hidden gems, scenic drives, and must-do activities in the region.
