Woonoongoora Walkers Camp – Springbrook

Woonoongoora Walkers’ Camp is not a destination for the casual camper; it is a remote wilderness refuge designed specifically for well-prepared hikers tackling the famous 54-kilometre Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This campsite is entirely inaccessible by vehicle, requiring a long and challenging trek through the dense, World Heritage-listed rainforest of Springbrook National Park to reach it. Positioned as a key overnight stop on the multi-day journey, it offers an unparalleled opportunity for immersion in the ancient Gondwana landscape. The camp itself is basic, providing only the essentials to support hikers. This includes a number of designated, cleared tent sites, a composting toilet, and a rainwater tank. All hikers must be completely self-sufficient, carrying in their own tent, sleeping gear, food, rubbish bags, and a fuel or gas stove, as open fires are strictly forbidden. The experience at Woonoongoora is one of profound isolation and tranquility. Away from roads and civilisation, the only sounds are the chorus of rainforest birds, the rustle of wildlife in the undergrowth, and the whisper of the wind through ancient trees. Due to its vital role in the Great Walk and the sensitive environment, a camping permit must be booked well in advance through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website. This campsite represents a commitment to genuine eco-tourism, allowing adventurers to experience the heart of the rainforest with minimal impact.

Site Information

• Location: Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, Springbrook National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents only (walk-in hikers).
• Road Access: NO VEHICLE ACCESS. This is a hike-in only campsite.
• Site Surface: Cleared earth tent sites.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, a camping permit is mandatory and must be booked in advance.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 1 night (as part of the Great Walk itinerary).
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, rainwater tank (must be treated).
• Potable Water: No, all water from the tank must be boiled or chemically treated before drinking.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Extremely limited to non-existent. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is highly recommended.
• TV Reception: None.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Fuel or gas stoves must be used.
• Generator Use: Prohibited.
• Number of Sites Available: 8 designated sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Tent, all food, sleeping gear, water treatment system, first-aid kit, PLB, rubbish bags, warm and wet weather gear.
• Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are strictly prohibited.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: The campsite is a waypoint on a multi-day hike.

Local Amenities (Accessible from Trailheads, NOT the camp)

Note: There are no amenities near the walkers’ camp itself. The following services are located in towns that you must drive to from the start or end points of the Great Walk (e.g., The Settlement or O’Reilly’s).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Wallaby Hotel (Mudgeeraba)
  • Canungra Hotel (Canungra)
• Places to Eat:
  • Limited cafes in Springbrook and near O’Reilly’s. Full range of services in Mudgeeraba, Nerang, and Canungra.
• Local Attractions:
  • The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk itself is the primary attraction.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • The Settlement (Springbrook)
  • O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (Green Mountains)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Not applicable for hikers on the trail.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located in towns like Nerang or Canungra, accessible only by vehicle.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mudgeeraba, Nerang, or Canungra.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the main trailheads (The Settlement, O’Reilly’s).
• Public Toilets:
  • Available at the main trailheads and visitor areas.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Springbrook’s mountain location gives it a cooler, wetter climate than the nearby Gold Coast, with distinct seasons.