Danbulla National Park and State Forest Tropical North Queensland

Lake Tinaroo is the heart of Danbulla National Park and State Forest. Photo credit: Karl Seelig © Tourism and Events Queensland

Downfall Creek camping area

Base yourself at this beautiful waterside camping area and spend days exploring the nearby walks, drives, lookouts and picnic areas.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Bicycle
  • Boat
  • Canoe or kayak

Camping area facilities

  • Anchoring allowed
  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Walking
  • Scenic drive
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating
  • Swimming
  • Fishing

Always check

The self-service kiosk at this park has been decommissioned.

Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

Downfall Creek camping area.

Downfall Creek camping area.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of At a Glance Pty Ltd.

Downfall Creek camping area.

Downfall Creek camping area.

Nestled on the banks of Lake Tinaroo, you’ll have endless water views from your camp site.

After you’ve set up camp, spend the day on the water, fishing, waterskiing and swimming, or check out the 2.3km Regeneration walk through the forest and plantations that that leads to the Kauri Creek camping area. Along the way you’ll learn about different tree species and how the landscape has evolved and transformed since the dam was built.

After sunset, grab a torch to see if you can spot any brush-tailed possums or northern leaf-tailed geckos along the Regeneration walk. Then settle in beside your campfire and enjoy a tasty meal under a sky full of stars.

Getting there and getting around

Downfall Creek camping area is in Danbulla State Forest, on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hr) from Cairns.

  • The camping area is 7km from the western entrance and 21km from the eastern entrance, on Danbulla Road.
  • Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles. The Tablelands Regional Council has erected signs indicating this road is unsuitable for caravans. For any road access problems, please contact the Tablelands Regional Council .
  • You can also get to the camping area by boat. See visiting Danbulla safely for directions to boat ramps.

For more information see visiting safely—getting there and getting around.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Downfall Creek camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Camping area features

This popular camping area looks over tall pine plantations and native forests and has uninterrupted water views. Camp sites are separated by native vegetation that attracts birds and butterflies.

  • Location: 7km from the western entrance and 21km from the eastern entrance of Danbulla Road.
  • MapDownfall Creek camping area map (PDF, 262.8KB)
  • Access: the camping area can be reached by conventional vehicle or boat.
  • Number of sites: open area without separately defined sites.
  • Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car, camper trailers and large groups.
  • Camp site surface: grass.
  • Facilities: flushing toilets, shower room (bring own shower), taps and individual fire rings.
  • Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply) in fire rings only.
  • Generators: Downfall Creek and Fong-On Bay are the only camping areas in Danbulla State Forest where generators are permitted. Generators are only to be used between 8am and 7pm and only if the noise level is less than 65dB(A) measured at a distance of 7m from the generator.
  • Essentials to bring: drinking water and insect repellent. Bring your own or buy firewood before entering the park. Read more about before you visit.
  • Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.
  • Mobile phone coverage: generally available.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Danbulla safely and camp with care.