Girraween National Park | Family Friendly Camping THE REVIEW

Girraween National Park is approximately 260 km west of Brisbane. It is a lovely drive to get there (approximately 3 hours in duration) through Cunningham’s Gap, with a scenic view of Main Range National Park along the way. You may like to take your time to travel there so you can stop and enjoy a bushwalk and soak up the breathtaking views on the way. The township of Warwick is also a good spot to stop for a meal or snack and a stretch of the legs.

Camping in Girraween National Park

Girraween National Park is relatively easy to find, although you should be aware that there is no phone reception. The road into the park (off the New England Highway) is partially dirt but is very well maintained and suitable for 2WD, caravans, camper trailers, etc.

At the park, there’s plenty to do –  relaxing at the campsite, wildlife spotting and bushwalking. There is also a swimming hole if you’re game for a swim (it’s icy cold!). Kids can bring bikes to ride around on the dirt ring-road as it is a fairly quiet campground with no through traffic. In the evening, you can warm up around a QWPS provided wood BBQ (but check with a ranger first regarding temporary fire bans).

There are two campgrounds within the national park – Castle Rock and Bald Rock Creek – both located within a pleasant open forest setting. Camping permits are required and can be booked online for a fee.

Castle Rock Camping Area will be closed for redevelopment from November 2021 – June 2022 (weather pending)

Facilities at Girraween National Park

Of the two campgrounds, Castle Rock is the closest to the walks. Each campsite offers:

• A grassy field for group style camping (tents only)
• Adjacent camper trailer sites
• Rows of more private sites (three to a row) for camper trailers & motorhomes/caravans, with lots of trees & foliage between rows
• All sites within easy walking distance of the amenities
• Amenities including flushing toilets and hot showers, with disabled access
• Picnic tables & barbeques throughout
• Water is available but must be treated before drinking
• No power (and no generators allowed) so ensure you’re camping set up is self-sufficient.
• No rubbish bins – so be prepared to take all rubbish home with you
• No pets allowed but an abundance of wildlife 

Activities to enjoy at Girraween National Park

Girraween National Park is an area that is fun to explore, with a good number of walks that are easy enough for children. There is a beautiful exposed granite rock area with rivers running through it which is great for the kids who want to have a play and cool off. In Spring, Girraween is covered in a carpet of colourful wildflowers.

The “Pyramid” is the most challenging climb – there are a lot of steps, and there is a sloped section to cross, so you need to keep your young ones within arms reach and don’t attempt during or just after rainfall.

One of the most popular and achievable bush walks for families is the Granite Arch track, where there is a cave with two very close granite rocks that kids will love to explore.  Underground Creek is also a highlight! You can crawl down between rocks and see the river flowing underneath the granite. 

There is also an Information Centre at Girraween National Park, which is useful for historical information and learning more about the area. There is abundant wildlife to view— look out for satin bower birds, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and much more.

How to make the most of your stay at Girraween National Park

• Book well in advance (it books out in busy times like school holidays).
• Arrive earl – it’s first in, best dressed when it comes to choosing a campsite.
• It gets VERY COLD during Autumn and Winter, so bring lots of layers.
• Bring your own water, or be prepared to boil the water supplied.
• There are no local shops, so bring everything you need.
• Bring plenty of rubbish bags, as it all must be taken out of the park with you.
• No open fires allowed, but there are communal wood barbeques so BYO firewood.
• There is disabled access to the amenities and information centre.

Girraween National Park is located 26km south of Stanthorpe and 30km north of Tenterfield, just off the New England Highway. The winding bitumen road continues a further nine km east through the Wyberba Valley to the park’s information centre. You can find more information on Girraween National Park here – http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween/.

Take a look at the Brisbane Kids list of Your Favourite Camping Spots for lots more recommended family camp locations to explore, like Sandy Creek Campin’ in Kilcoy.