Crows Nest Falls Camping Area – Granite Belt Beauty

Discover a landscape sculpted by nature at the Crows Nest Falls camping area, a serene bush retreat located in the heart of Crows Nest National Park. This picturesque campground offers the perfect escape for families, hikers, and anyone seeking to reconnect with the Australian bush. Set amongst a forest of eucalypts and stringybark, the campground provides a tranquil base from which to explore the park’s dramatic gorge, tumbling waterfalls, and the rugged beauty of the Great Dividing Range. The star attraction, Crows Nest Falls, cascades 20 metres into a deep pool, a spectacular sight, especially after rainfall.

The camping area itself is well-equipped for a comfortable stay, with spacious sites suitable for tents, camper trailers, and caravans. It’s an ideal spot to set up camp and immerse yourself in the sounds of the wilderness – the call of the whipbird, the rustle of a goanna in the undergrowth, and the gentle breeze through the trees. From your campsite, a network of well-maintained walking tracks awaits. Take a leisurely stroll to the Kauyoo Loop, which offers stunning, accessible views of the gorge, or challenge yourself with a longer walk to Koonin Lookout for panoramic vistas over the Valley of Diamonds. The park is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, with platypus often spotted in the creek pools at dawn or dusk.

While swimming in the pools directly below the falls is not permitted for safety reasons, visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip at other designated swimming holes like Bottlebrush Pool and The Cascades. The granite-lined creek and surrounding boulders create a stunning natural playground. Facilities at the campground are designed for convenience while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint, including toilets, picnic tables, and wood-fired barbecues (check fire restrictions). Remember to book your site online in advance, as this popular spot can fill up quickly, especially during school holidays. A stay at Crows Nest Falls camping area is a memorable experience, offering a refreshing blend of relaxation and adventure in one of Queensland’s most scenic national parks.

Website: Crows Nest Falls camping area

GPS Coordinates: -27.25439, 152.1091

Site Details

• Location: Crows Nest National Park, near Toowoomba.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, small caravans.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the park entrance, then a short stretch of gravel to the camping area.
• Site Surface: Dirt and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings are mandatory via the Queensland National Parks website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check booking service for current limits.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Approximately 13 sites.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and unreliable.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, composting toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open Fires: Permitted in park-provided fire rings only (except when fire bans are in place).
• Generator Use: Prohibited.

Essentials to Bring

• Drinking water and water containers.
• Rubbish bags to take your waste with you.
• A fuel or gas stove for cooking is recommended.
• Milled firewood if you plan to use the fire rings.
• First-aid kit, insect repellent, and sun protection.

Activities & Rules

• Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Yes, multiple tracks ranging from easy to moderate, including lookouts and swimming holes.

Local Amenities

All amenities are located in the nearby town of Crows Nest (approx. 6km away).

• Local Pubs: Grand Old Crow Hotel (approx. 6km).
• Places to Eat: Cafes, bakeries, and hotel bistro in Crows Nest (approx. 6km).
• Local Attractions: Crows Nest Museum and Historical Village (approx. 7km), Lake Cressbrook (approx. 20km).
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Crows Nest Tourist Park (approx. 7km).
• Next Free Camps: Limited options; check rest areas on the New England Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points: Crows Nest Tourist Park (fee may apply) or public dump point in town.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Crows Nest (approx. 6km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Crows Nest (various locations).
• Public Toilets: In Crows Nest town centre.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, often with afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, sunny days and mild nights. Temperatures between 12°C and 25°C. Ideal for hiking.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, crisp days and cold nights, with occasional frost. Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Days are sunny and become progressively warmer. A great time for wildflowers. Temperatures between 11°C and 26°C.