Brisbane's National Park Playground
Brisbane is uniquely blessed with world-class national parks within easy driving distance. From ancient Gondwana rainforests in the Gold Coast Hinterland to volcanic glass peaks on the Sunshine Coast and pristine island ecosystems offshore, there's no shortage of natural wonder for campervan travellers.
These parks offer everything from half-day walks to multi-day camping adventures, making them perfect additions to your east coast road trip or standalone weekend escapes from the city.
Lamington National Park
Distance: 110 km south | Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Lamington National Park is a World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest — part of an ancient ecosystem that dates back over 100 million years. The Green Mountains section is the most accessible, featuring the famous Tree Top Canopy Walk — a 180-metre elevated walkway through the rainforest canopy, 15 metres above the ground.
Walking trails here are exceptional. The 17 km return Box Forest Circuit passes stunning waterfalls, while shorter options like the Python Rock Track and Moonlight Crag offer breathtaking views into the Coomera Valley. Birdlife is extraordinary — look for regent bowerbirds, paradise riflebirds, and crimson rosellas.
Camping: Green Mountains campground offers basic sites (book via QPWS). O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat has more facilities if you prefer a powered site.
Springbrook National Park
Distance: 100 km south | Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Another World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest, Springbrook is famous for the Best of All Lookout — and it genuinely deserves that name. The panoramic view stretches from Mount Warning to the coast, and on clear days it's one of the most spectacular vistas in Southeast Queensland.
The Natural Bridge section is home to a glow-worm colony inside a cave behind a waterfall. Visit after dark for the full bioluminescent experience — it's magical. The Purling Brook Falls circuit (4 km return) passes a dramatic 106-metre waterfall and deep pools.
Glass House Mountains
Distance: 70 km north | Drive Time: 1 hour
The Glass House Mountains are a cluster of 13 volcanic peaks rising dramatically from the coastal plain. Named by Captain Cook in 1770, these ancient plugs are sacred to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi Aboriginal peoples.
Mount Ngungun is the best climb for most fitness levels — a 45-minute walk to a summit with 360-degree views across the Sunshine Coast. More experienced hikers tackle Mount Tibrogargan for a challenging rock scramble with panoramic rewards. Mount Beerwah is the tallest but closed to climbing out of respect for Aboriginal cultural significance.
Camping: Glass House Mountains Ecovillage offers campervan-friendly sites with mountain views.
Moreton Island National Park
Distance: Ferry from Brisbane | Drive Time: 75-minute ferry
Moreton Island is the world's third-largest sand island, and 95% of it is national park. It's a 4WD-only island with incredible sand dune toboganing, snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks (15 sunken ships creating an artificial reef), and wild dolphin feeding at Tangalooma Resort.
The Blue Lagoon is a freshwater perched lake surrounded by white sand — one of the most beautiful swimming spots near Brisbane. Cape Moreton Lighthouse offers whale watching from June to November.
Camping: Several campgrounds are available (book via QPWS). Note: you need a 4WD vehicle or 4WD camper to access the island. Standard campervans cannot drive on Moreton Island.
Getting There by Campervan
All of these national parks (except Moreton Island) are accessible by standard 2WD campervan. Roads to Lamington and Springbrook are winding mountain roads — take it slow and use low gear on descents. For Moreton Island, consider a 4WD camper hire from Brisbane.
