Know before you go - Camping and Bushwalking

Camping

Public camping areas in national parks, state forests and reserves in the Wet Tropics provide scenic surroundings for a minimal charge. Some sites have self registration and others require you to book online. For more information and to make online campsite bookings, visit the DERM website.

If campsites are full, don't be tempted to camp illegally in a side road or other public area. With growing numbers of people on the road, it is no longer safe or hygienic to do so. Instead, opt for one of the many commercial campgrounds or accommodation in nearby towns.

Walking in Remote Areas

Travelling along remote roads and walking tracks in the World Heritage Area can be both a rewarding and a risky experience. Sudden and extreme rainfall events can swell creeks into impassable torrents and wash out roads. Fast growing vines and prickly wait-a-while can smother trails in a matter of months, and thick rainforest can make navigation very difficult.

Before you set out on a camping trip or bushwalk, find out from a ranger or experienced local what items you might want to have on hand to make your activity more comfortable and to protect your safety. Ask for recommendations based on where you plan to go. You might need rain gear, extra batteries or torches (flashlights), a first aid kit, vinegar (see the marine animals page), maps, a compass, or perhaps some extra containers of petrol (gasoline). Don't feel any question is stupid - be prepared and you'll have a much more enjoyable time.

Due to the difficulty and fragility of some rainforest walks and drives, visitor numbers are limited in some areas and you may be required to apply for a permit. Most of the walks and drives described in the travel pages of this website don't require a permit. However, if you're considering heading off the beaten track, visit the DERM website for more information about activities in parks.