Kauri Creek Campground is one of 9 campgrounds surrounding the popular Tinaroo Dam in Far North Queensland’s Tablelands region. This part of the dam has strict speed limits on boats making it an ideal location for those wanting to enjoy a quieter campground with a safe place to swim.
Registered as a national park campground, the area boasts spacious and open, grass terrains featuring fire pits, flushing toilets, a shower room and rubbish bins.
For those wanting to explore the area, there are two scenic walking tracks; great for spotting birds native to the Danbulla National Park.
For more information, scroll down to view the Kauri Creek Campground frequently asked questions.
OUR OVERALL RATING OF KAURI CREEK CAMPGROUND
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CAMPING AT Kauri Creek Campground
Campground & Bookings
The Kauri Creek Campground is a national park campground. National park campgrounds are allocated sites within a landscape protected by the government to preserve the natural environment.
The national parks in Queensland are protected by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service otherwise known as QPWS. As these areas are protected, there can be many different restrictions and rules in place to ensure that campers are able to experience the beautiful landscapes while exposing minimum risk to the environment.
The Kauri Creek Campground is an open site with no allocated site numbers. For those unfamiliar with camping, an open site means you do not have to book a specific location.
Booking fees are the same for everyone and popular areas within the campground cannot be reserved. Once you arrive at the campground, you get to choose where you’ll set up (within the allocated camping areas only). Our advice is to arrive early as it’s “first in best dressed” – especially during holidays!
Kauri Creek Campground does not have any restrictions on how many people are allowed at each campsite. This makes it suitable for large groups to enjoy camping together.
The campground has a total capacity of 132 people. Click here to view upcoming availability.
The majority of Kauri Creek campground is exposed to the elements. This means that there are no trees or structures providing shade to the majority of the campground. However, there are a few areas available with tress for shade. These areas are located toward the entrance of the campground on the elevated area closest to the bathrooms.
The Kauri Creek campground terrain is predominately grass. However, the upper levels of the campground where the road leads into the campground consists of a dirt/gravel type surface.
The Kauri Creek Campground consists of mainly grass. We’ve found that this terrain makes it easier when pegging your tents in the ground. In the upper areas of the campground where there is a gravel/dirt terrain, you may find it more difficult when pegging your tent.
The type of camping allowed at Kauri Creek Campground include: tent, camper van and camper trailer
Yes, booking are required at Kauri Creek Campground.
You will need to book your camping permit through the State Government’s Parks and Forests website (click here to book). All bookings need to be made online so we strongly recommend organising your camping permit at home or somewhere where you’ll have guaranteed internet access. A copy of your tags are emailed to you once confirmation of your booking has been made.
Your booking permit needs to be displayed at your campsite at all times as park rangers conduct spot checks to ensure campers are not camping for free.
You are permitted to book at the Kauri Creek Campground for up to 21nights consecutively.
To camp at Kauri Creek Campground you will need to purchase your permit through the Queensland national parks and forests website.
The fees are as follows:
$6.85 per person per night, or $27.40 per family per night
$3.75 per person per night for students and accompanying adults on approved educational excursions
Family rate
A family group is defined as one or two adults and accompanying children under 18, up to a total of eight people. Children under five years of age camp for free.
*These fees have been sourced by the Queensland National Parks and Forests website. We list the prices as a guide for our customers when booking their desired campground. However, these prices can be subject to change so we advise visiting the website or calling the campground to ensure you have up to date fee prices.
You can check-in to the Kauri Creek Campground between 2:00pm – 11:59pm. There is no admin or office building for you to visit during check-in. All you need to do is display your booking permit on the dash of your car or your campsite, then you’re good to go.
Tags to display the details of your booking permit are usually provided at the information notice board located at the entrance of the campground. These can run-out though so we recommend printing your tag or writing down all your details to display before arriving at the campground.
The check-out time listed for the campground is 11:00am.
We believe the Kauri Creek Campground is perfect for visiting any time of the year. However, we do caution campers to stay on alert during the wet season as there can be severe storms.
Yes! You’ve come to the right place. Kickback Camping services are available at the Kauri Creek Campground.
Here at Kickback Camping, we provide custom campsite set-ups for those travelling and exploring within Far North Queensland. Our packages provide you with all the equipment you’ll need for a comfortable and stress-free camping experience. Plus, we set-up your entire campsite ready for your arrival, AND pack it all down once you’re finished.
For more details on our services, click here.
For a customised and obligation free quote, click here.
Bookings can be made at the Kauri Creek Campground 12 months in advance. We recommend booking any campground as early as possible as some campgrounds can book out months in advance.
To book your camping permit for the Kauri Creek Campground, click here.
vehicles & Getting there
2WDs can access the Kauri Creek Campground however we recommend taking caution on any unsealed roads as there are sharp rocks and potholes.
Our personal advise is that you arrange for a 4WD to use when camping at this location as the majority of the campground requires you to drive on the grass which can be slippery in the wet. There are also some relatively steep access points to reach the lake front camping areas. Again, we recommend 4WDs for this terrain.
Yes. The Kauri Creek Campground is an open site allowing you to drive to your preferred location to set-up your campsite.
Danbulla road is the only road available to access Kauri Creek Camground. This road is unsealed , narrow and has plenty of rough surfaces with sharp rocks. This road is also shared with logging trucks and local wildlife so we caution you to please slow down and take care on this road.
Amenities
There is no drinking water available at the Kauri Creek Campground. We can assure you that any taps you may see at this campground do not supply drinking water.
For this reason we recommend ensuring you pack plenty of large containers and bottles of drinking water that will last you for the entirety of your camping trip.
As a rule of thumb you should pack 3L per person per day. However, keep in mind that you may need more depending on if the weather is hot or if you’ll need water to cook and clean with.
Yes. There a couple of large industrial bins located at the entrance of the campground.
We recommend bringing rubbish bags with you to keep your campsite clean as there are no smaller rubbish bins scattered around the campsite.
Yes. The Kauri Creek Campground features one toilets block with flushing toilets near the entrance of the campground.
Kauri Creek Campground does not provide any showers. There is one shower room available for use near the toilets however this is for you to use your own showering equipment.
The Kauri Creek Campground does not cater to the needs of disabled persons such as by having no wheelchair friendly bathrooms. We do not consider this campground to be disabled friendly.
Yes. Campfires are permitted at the Kauri Creek Campground. There are several fire rings scattered around the campground for camper’s to use or you’re welcome to make your own.
Please note that campfires are not permitted during fire bans. To stay updated on park alerts, click here.
No. The Kauri Creek Campground does not have any bbqs. We recommend bringing with you all the kitchen equipment you need to cook and prepare your camp meals.
No. The Kauri Creek Campground does not have any camp kitchens. We recommend bringing with you all the kitchen equipment you need to cook and prepare your camp meals.
Phones, Internet & Power
It is advertised that there generally is phone reception at the Kauri Creek Campground however in our experience that is not the case. We use the Telstra service and have found phone reception to be very poor if any at all.
You don’t have to take our word for it. Try your luck. However, we just want to warn you that you should expect to be camping with no phone service at this campground.
There is no wi-fi available at the Kauri Creek Campground.
There are no powered sites at the Kauri Creek Campground. We recommend bringing solar power and batteries to charge your electronics and appliances. Please note that generators are also not permitted at this campground.
Generators are not permitted for use at the Kauri Creek Campground at any time. We recommend using solar panels and blankets with deep cycle batteries to charge your electronics and appliances.
Water Landscape
Kauri Creek Campground is located on one of the banks of the Tinaroo Dam. Tinaroo Dam is a very popular spot for swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and other water sports.
There is also a fresh water creek (Kauri Creek) which can be found off the Jungaljungal walking trail from the campground. You can also gain access to this creek via car on Danbulla road. Kauri Creek is a small, running, sand based creek that is safe for swimming. However, this creek is very shallow so you may just use it to let the kids have a splash in.
Unfortunately there are no noteworthy waterfalls near the Kauri Creek Campground.
Tinaroo dam is very large holding 223 thousand cubic metres of water sourced by the Barron River. It’s safe to say that you will not have to worry about water levels and can enjoy the dam all year round.
The Kauri Creek Campground is located on one of the large banks of the Tinaroo Dam. Tinaroo Dam is safe to swim and a very popular place for kayaking, fishing, boating and other water sports.
The Kauri Creek Campground is located on the bank of the Tinaroo Dam. Therefore you can set-up your campsite directly in front of the water or further away; it’s completely up to you and how many other campers are present.
Yes. The Kauri Creek Campground is located on one of the many banks along the Tinaroo Dam. The Dam is very large and has calm waters which makes it perfect for setting out on your kayak or paddle board to explore the area.
Yes. The Kauri Creek Campground is located on one of the many banks along the Tinaroo Dam. This is a very popular dam for fishing, boating and various water sports.
The campground itself does not have a boat ramp however there are two boat ramps available on the dam which you can drive to. The two boat ramps are named the Black Gully Road Boat Ramp (approximately 3.8km away) and the Church Street Boat Ramp (approximately 7kms away).
The Kauri Creek Campground does not feature a boat ramp however, there are two boat ramps available on the dam which you can drive to. The two boat ramps are named the Black Gully Road Boat Ramp (approximately 3.8km away) and the Church Street Boat Ramp (approximately 7kms away).
The Kauri Creek Campground is great for freshwater fishing in the Tinaroo Dam. The biggest attraction for anglers here, is catching that milestone metre long Barramundi. In fact, there have been 19 world record Barra catches here plus the dam plays host to a popular catch and release Barramundi fishing tournament (Tinaroo Barra Bash).
Below is a full list of fish that inhabit the Tinaroo Dam provided by the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science (DES)
tank goby
false celebes goby
empire gudgeon
southern purplespotted gudgeon
sleepy cod
Mozambique mouthbrooder
spotted tilapia
sevenspot archerfish
mangrove jack
mouth almighty
barred grunter
sooty grunter
spangled perch
barramundi
freshwater longtom
flyspecked hardyhead
Lake Eacham rainbowfish
eastern rainbowfish
rainbow trout
brown trout
Hyrtl’s catfish
freshwater catfish
highfin catfish
bony bream
The Tinaroo Dam is not only great for catching fish but it is also popular for catching red-claw.
Please note that fishing permits are required at the Tinaroo Dam. To purchase a permit, click here
When camping at the Kauri Creek Campground, if you plan on fishing on the Tinaroo Dam , you will need a permit. The permit required to fish the Tinaroo Dam is a Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP). To purchase your permit, click here.
Permit prices are as follows:
$12.00 per week
$57.00 per year
$41.00 per year if you are entitled to a discount
Proceeds from these permits provide funding to the The Tableland Fish Stocking Society Inc who ensure the Tinaroo Dam fish stock levels are maintained.
Yes! Tinaroo Dam off the bank of the Kauri Creek Campground is a great spot for catching Red-Claw.
Please be mindful of the following guidelines:
– Underwater breathing apparatuses are not permitted
– Total catch limit is 40 red-claw
– There is a limit of 4 traps per person. This includes what is stored on your boat
– Identification tags need to be on all traps including the surname and address of the person using that trap
– Females carrying babies and/ or young must be returned
For more information on fishing equipment guidelines in the Tinaroo Dam, click here
Dogs
Unfortunately, due to the grounds being located on a protected national park, the Kauri Creek Campground does not permit any dogs.
Trails
The Kauri Creek Campground features two walking trails. Firstly the Jungaljungal trail which leads you to the Kauri Creek day area and secondly the Regeneration Walk which leads you to the neighbouring Downfall Creek Campground.
It is recommended that you take your binoculars when embarking on the Regeneration Walk as the area has plenty of birds to spot.
No. The Kauri Creek Campground does not feature and bicycle trails.
Kauri Creek Campground itself is very open with trees and vegetation mainly around the perimeter of the campground. The lack of trees around your campsite make it not ideal for bird watching however the two walking trails are rich in birdlife and would be worth checking out.
The two walking trails available at the campground are the Jungaljungal trail and the Regeneration Walk.
Click here to browse the list of birds and other wildlife that can be spotted in the Danbulla National Park (which is where Kauri Creek Campground is located).
Dangers
Sightings of a fresh water crocodile have been reported in the Tinaroo Dam however these claims are rare and often disputed. Even though fresh water crocodiles are considered relatively safe to humans due to their timid nature, we still encourage everyone to be croc-wise. There is signage at the Kauri Creek Campground listing wildlife found in Tinaroo Dam which they have included the fresh water crocodiles.
If you ask our opinion, we believe the Tinaroo Dam is safe for swimming and you will find many other locals swimming, boating, kayaking and fishing in this dam.
For more information on how to be croc wise click here
For up to date croc sightings click here
There are no sharks in the Tinaroo Dam which is the main swimming area for the Kauri Creek Campground. This Dam is completely isolated from any oceans or waterways that could introduce sharks into the catchment.
There are no stingers in the Tinaroo Dam which is the main swimming area off Kauri Creek Campground. Stingers are only found in our oceans not in our freshwater dams.
Yes, it is not uncommon to find snakes at the Kauri Creek Campground. In saying that, most encounters are of the snakes keeping to themselves and not posing a threat to campers. As always we recommend steering clear of them when you see them and ensure you have first aid equipment with you that is suitable for snake bites.
Snakes that inhabit the Danbulla National park (where Kauri Creek Campground is located) include:
northern dwarf crowned snake
eastern small-eyed snake
black-striped snake
yellow-faced whipsnake
red-bellied black snake
eastern brown snake
brown tree snake
green tree snake
freshwater snake
spotted python
black-headed python
carpet python
amethystine python (Australian form)
north-eastern blind snake
No. Tinaroo Dam is considered a safe place for swimming so there are no life guards or safety personnel patrolling these waters. However it is said that you enter Tinaroo Dam at your own risk.
With that being said, we encourage campers to do the following:
– If you cannot swim, stay out of the water
– Be careful of those boating and enjoying various watersports
– Be careful of children near the edges of the bank to avoid falling in
– Do not go swimming at night or in low lighting
Insects
Depending what time of the year you visit, the insects can become a nuisance. March flies especially can be a problem at the Kauri Creek Campground. We definitely recommend bringing bug sprays and bug repellents. Whichever products you feel more comfortable with and/or you believe will be most effective for you.