Planning a family camping trip by the sea might seem ambitious - especially with kids in tow - but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore Queensland, Australia. With sun, surf, wildlife, and wide-open spaces, the coast offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re pitching a tent for the first time or rolling into a caravan park for your annual holiday, the Queensland coastline delivers something special for every family.
We spoke with the team at Bundaberg Park Village, a family-friendly camping and caravan park in Bundaberg, for insight into what makes a coastal camping trip with kids not just possible - but genuinely enjoyable. Here’s everything you need to know to make your coastal camping adventure in Queensland a smooth, safe, and unforgettable experience.
First things first, how do we keep a camping trip vegan? Here are some of our top tips:
Pro tip: if not everyone in your party is vegan, or even if only one person is, make sure every food and activity is vegan - that way you are all equals. Remember, non-vegans can eat vegan food and do animal friendly activities, but vegans can't. Now we've covered the basics let's get into camping in Queensland with kids:
Where you stay can make or break your trip. Look for more than just a beachside view - families need safety, amenities, and convenience. Things to look for in a coastal camp-ground with kids:
It’s worth calling ahead or reading reviews to ensure the park is genuinely family-oriented. Some parks, like Bundy Park Village, offer the best of both worlds - beach access and bushland surroundings, plus a range of accommodation from tent sites to motel rooms for families who want a bit more comfort.
Also consider how close the park is to supermarkets, medical facilities, fuel, and emergency services. Especially with kids, being just a short drive from essentials provides peace of mind.
Packing for a beach trip with kids is always a mission, but camping adds a few extra layers. Coastal conditions can bring sun, wind, salt, sand, and sudden downpours - often all in one day.
While the beach is the big draw, kids often burn out after a few hours in the water. Plan for a mix of active and low-energy activities to keep everyone balanced and entertained. Ideas to build into your camping itinerary:
In areas like Bundaberg, you’ll find family-friendly reef tours (like to Lady Musgrave Island), aviation museums, and turtle nesting experiences at Mon Repos - all great low-cost additions to your trip.
One of the joys of camping is that it doesn’t need to be fancy - but with kids, a few thoughtful touches can make camp life easier and a lot more fun.
Some families find that camping works best with a flexible routine: stick to familiar sleep and meal times, but give yourself permission to break the rules a little. That’s part of the fun.
Coastal Queensland is rich in ecosystems - beaches, estuaries, bushland, creeks - all within easy reach of each other. Don’t limit yourself to sand and surf. You can mix in experiences like:
Kids who get bored easily at the beach may thrive on these nature-based activities, especially if you tie them into a little “explorer” or “wildlife ranger” theme.
Queensland has a subtropical to tropical climate, so you can camp year-round, but some months are better suited for family trips than others.
Always check school holiday dates if you’re hoping to avoid crowds, and book popular parks early - especially those near top attractions.
A park like Bundy Park Village in Bundaberg offers everything a travelling family needs:
It’s these kinds of hybrid parks - part bush camp, part base camp - that really take the pressure off. Parents can enjoy the atmosphere without compromising on safety or amenities.
Camping with kids along Queensland’s coast might sound daunting at first, but with the right preparation, it becomes one of the most freeing, rewarding, and memorable ways to travel. You’ll build resilience, spark curiosity, and reconnect as a family - all while sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sound of the ocean.
Vegan Camping Tips
First things first, how do we keep a camping trip vegan? Here are some of our top tips:
- Vegan marshmallows: marshmallows are generally not vegan, but luckily nowadays they've invented a vegan version (and the taste and the texture is the same) so double check the packet before you buy!
- Beans: beans are a vegan's best friend, but perhaps never more so than whilst camping. Get the ones in a tin which are precooked and just need to be warmed up!
- Porridge: with water or with your favourite non-dairy milk. Porridge is easy to carry, keeps well in hot weather and is packed full of energy for the day.
Pro tip: if not everyone in your party is vegan, or even if only one person is, make sure every food and activity is vegan - that way you are all equals. Remember, non-vegans can eat vegan food and do animal friendly activities, but vegans can't. Now we've covered the basics let's get into camping in Queensland with kids:
1. Choose the Right Campground for Your Family's Needs
Where you stay can make or break your trip. Look for more than just a beachside view - families need safety, amenities, and convenience. Things to look for in a coastal camp-ground with kids:
- Proximity to safe swimming beaches (think calm, patrolled waters)
- On-site amenities like clean toilets, hot showers, drinking water, and a camp kitchen
- Flat, shaded sites that are easy to access and pitch on
- Kid-friendly extras, such as a playground, pool, or open grass areas
It’s worth calling ahead or reading reviews to ensure the park is genuinely family-oriented. Some parks, like Bundy Park Village, offer the best of both worlds - beach access and bushland surroundings, plus a range of accommodation from tent sites to motel rooms for families who want a bit more comfort.
Also consider how close the park is to supermarkets, medical facilities, fuel, and emergency services. Especially with kids, being just a short drive from essentials provides peace of mind.
2. Pack Smart (and Pack for the Unexpected)
Packing for a beach trip with kids is always a mission, but camping adds a few extra layers. Coastal conditions can bring sun, wind, salt, sand, and sudden downpours - often all in one day.
Essentials to pack:
- Quick-dry clothing and layers for cool nights
- Sun protection: hats, rash vests, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
- Rain gear: ponchos, tarps, and a waterproof box for essentials
- Footwear variety: thongs for the beach, closed shoes for bushwalks
- First-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic cream, tweezers (for splinters), and kids’ medications
- Headlamps or lanterns, especially for nighttime bathroom runs
- Zip-lock bags for storing snacks, wet gear, and keeping electronics dry
Bonus items to consider:
- A collapsible wagon for carting gear to the beach
- A solar shower for rinsing off sandy feet
- A mesh bag for wet swimwear and towels
- A small dustpan and broom for cleaning out the tent (you’ll thank us)
3. Mix Beach Time With Other Coastal Activities
While the beach is the big draw, kids often burn out after a few hours in the water. Plan for a mix of active and low-energy activities to keep everyone balanced and entertained. Ideas to build into your camping itinerary:
- Morning swims or snorkels before the UV levels rise
- Midday picnics under the shade
- Rockpool exploring and shell collecting
- Bushwalks or nature trails near your campground
- A visit to nearby attractions like turtle centres, or historic sites
- Late afternoons around the campsite: colouring, crafts, board games, or a nature scavenger hunt
In areas like Bundaberg, you’ll find family-friendly reef tours (like to Lady Musgrave Island), aviation museums, and turtle nesting experiences at Mon Repos - all great low-cost additions to your trip.
4. Make Camp Life Comfortable (and Fun)
One of the joys of camping is that it doesn’t need to be fancy - but with kids, a few thoughtful touches can make camp life easier and a lot more fun.
Food & Cooking Tips:
- Keep meals simple: think beans, wraps, pasta, porridge and toasties.
- Let the kids help prepare meals: it's fun and teaches independence!
- Bring snacks they know and love: plus a few camping-only treats like vegan marshmallows or s'mores.
- Use frozen water bottles in your esky to double as cold packs and drinking water.
Campsite tips:
- Create zones: one for sleeping, one for eating, and one for playing.
- String up fairy lights or solar lanterns for a warm, friendly vibe after dark.
- Bring a tarp or gazebo: not just for rain cover, but for shade during the day.
- Encourage your kids to make their own little “base camp”: even if it’s just a towel and a toy.
Some families find that camping works best with a flexible routine: stick to familiar sleep and meal times, but give yourself permission to break the rules a little. That’s part of the fun.
5. Choose Locations With Nature Access - Not Just the Beach!
Coastal Queensland is rich in ecosystems - beaches, estuaries, bushland, creeks - all within easy reach of each other. Don’t limit yourself to sand and surf. You can mix in experiences like:
- Spotting kangaroos or wallabies on a bush trail
- Visiting a local nature reserve or conservation park
- Kayaking or paddleboarding in calm inlets
- Birdwatching with binoculars
- Visiting working farms or doing seasonal fruit picking
Kids who get bored easily at the beach may thrive on these nature-based activities, especially if you tie them into a little “explorer” or “wildlife ranger” theme.
6. Best Times of Year to Go Coastal Camping in Queensland
Queensland has a subtropical to tropical climate, so you can camp year-round, but some months are better suited for family trips than others.
- Spring (Sept - Nov): Ideal weather, less crowded, fewer mozzies;
- Autumn (March - May): Warm water, manageable humidity, cheaper off-peak prices;
- Summer (Dec - Feb): Can be hot and stormy; stick to shaded sites with pool access;
- Winter (June - Aug): Dry and mild, great for southern families looking to escape the cold.
Always check school holiday dates if you’re hoping to avoid crowds, and book popular parks early - especially those near top attractions.
Family-Friendly Coastal Parks That Keep It Easy
A park like Bundy Park Village in Bundaberg offers everything a travelling family needs:
- Powered and unpowered sites surrounded by bush
- Motel-style accommodation for those not ready to rough it
- A large in-ground swimming pool
- Playground and camp kitchen
- Clean bathrooms, coin-operated laundries, and on-site staff
- Proximity to both beaches and town essentials
It’s these kinds of hybrid parks - part bush camp, part base camp - that really take the pressure off. Parents can enjoy the atmosphere without compromising on safety or amenities.
Final Words: Keep It Simple, Keep It Flexible, Keep It Fun!
Camping with kids along Queensland’s coast might sound daunting at first, but with the right preparation, it becomes one of the most freeing, rewarding, and memorable ways to travel. You’ll build resilience, spark curiosity, and reconnect as a family - all while sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sound of the ocean.
And years from now, your kids won’t remember the screens they missed. They’ll remember the rock pools, the campfire marshmallows, the sandy feet, and the freedom of just being out in the wild with the people they love most! (Image source: Unsplash)
