Camping On Teewah Beach, Great Sandy National Park
Teewah Beach is a 40km stretch of coastline near Rainbow Beach that attracts thousands of 4WD enthusiasts, surfers, campers, and fishermen each year. Golden sand covers this wide ocean beach, sea eagles soar high above the dunes, and lace monitor lizards scavenge below. This is wilderness camping at its best!
For adventure-seekers exploring the stunning Queensland coast, here is your ultimate Teewah Beach camping guide. We'll highlight the most important things to know, including permit costs, camping tips, and more.
The Ultimate Guide To Teewah Beach Camping
Teewah Beach camping is a wonderful wilderness experience, but it's important to be prepared with the right supplies, permits, and knowledge of the area. We're going to answer some FAQs about camping on Teewah Beach so you can plan your trip with ease!
Getting To Teewah Beach
Where is Teewah Beach?
Teewah Beach is part of Great Sandy National Park in the Sunshine Coast of Southeast Queensland, Australia. It is located in the Cooloola Recreation Area extending from the Noosa North Shore in the south to Coolola Beach and Double Island Point in the north.
This beautiful location on the Sunny Coast makes Teewah Beach a popular addition to any East Coast Australia itinerary, particularly those that include hotspots such as Noosa, Rainbow Beach, or K'gari (Fraser Island)!
How do I get onto Teewah Beach?
You can get onto Teewah Beach in Queensland by driving your 4WD along the beach either from Noosa or Rainbow Beach. Driving a 4WD on the beach is the most straightforward way to reach this secluded and beautiful spot, though you can get creative with walking trails and canoeing in the nearby Lake Cootharaba. There is a Teewah Beach Walk which connects to the lake, and you can access the trailhead by canoe or kayak!
But the easier way to get to Teewah Beach is definitely driving your 4WD, either from Noosa in the south or Rainbow Beach in the north.
Explore more of the Sunshine Coast with these experiences!
Do you need a 4WD to get to Teewah?
Yes, you need a 4WD vehicle to get onto Teewah Beach in the Great Sandy National Park. The remote beach and camping area is located on a long stretch of golden sand that has no normal road access! You will need to drive along the beach, either from the north or the south, to reach Teewah Camping Area. A regular car won't cut it on this sandy drive!
Driving to Teewah Beach from Noosa
If you're coming to Teewah Beach from Noosa, you'll have to cross the Noosa North Shore Ferry and then head down Beach Road to the Teewah Beach Access Point. From here you are free to take your vehicle onto the beach and drive along the sand (provided you have a 4WD and a permit, which we'll get into shortly). It's about an hour to drive to Teewah Beach from Noosa.
Driving to Teewah Beach from Rainbow Beach
You can also drive to Teewah Beach from the north via Rainbow Beach. This is a slightly longer route at just over an hour, but you get a nice long, scenic drive along the Great Beach Drive. You'll have to take Rainbow Beach Road, which winds through Great Sandy National Park. Once you hit the sand, just turn south and drive along the coast until you get to Teewah Beach!
Do you need a permit to drive on Teewah Beach?
You do need a Queensland National Parks Vehicle Access Permit to drive on Teewah Beach. This can be obtained online or over the counter at a local office, though online is the easiest way!
Current vehicle permit prices for Teewah Beach in the Cooloola Recreation Area:
- 1 calendar day
- obtained via the internet = $14.40
- not obtained via the internet = $21.80
- 1 week or less = $36.75
- 1 month or less = $57.80
- more than 1 month (up to 1 year) = $291.00
You can also combine your vehicle permit for Teewah Beach with a permit for K'gari (Fraser Island) if you plan on visiting both. This gets you a 20% discount!
Current vehicle permit prices for K'gari (Fraser Island) and Cooloola Recreation Area:
- 1 month or less = $92.85
- More than 1 month (up to 1 year) = $466.00
These prices are valid as of January 2025, and are subject to change.
Teewah Beach Camping
Once you have planned your travel to Teewah Beach, you can get ready for your camping adventure! Camping on Teewah Beach is a remote experience with limited facilities and a whole lot of quality time with nature. Here are some important things to know for your trip.
How much is camping at Teewah Beach?
You need a camping permit for Teewah Beach, which costs $7.25 per person per night. This is a separate permit from your vehicle access permit, but you can also book this online via the same QLD National Parks website.
Current camping permit prices for Teewah Beach in the Cooloola Recreation Area:
- $7.25 per person per night, or $29.00 per family per night
- $4.00 per person per night for students and accompanying adults on approved educational excursions.
These prices are valid as of January 2025, and are subject to change.
Can you camp anywhere on Teewah Beach?
You can only camp within the designated camping zones on Teewah Beach. There are 7 Teewah Beach Camping Zones, each of which offer a "no frills" camping experience with beach views. Some have a bit of forest and greenery while others are more exposed right on the sand.
Book your chosen campsite online when you reserve your camping permit. Whichever camping zone you choose, you can enjoy gorgeous ocean views and watch the sunrise or sunset on the beach at Teewah!
What facilities are at Teewah Beach for camping?
Teewah Beach offers traditional ‘no frills’ camping with no access to toilet or shower facilities. There are no marked campsites and limited shade but plenty of space for large groups or to find a secluded spot of your own to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Skip bins are located at intervals along the beach so please use these bins or take your rubbish home with you. Unfortunately, dogs and campfires are not allowed in the national park.
Also, note that this is a highly protected area! Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Rangers patrol Teewah Beach daily. The Queensland Government has various rules in place designed to keep visitors and the environment safe. Make sure you read all the safety tips and regulations carefully before planning a camping trip to Teewah Beach!
Freshwater Camping Area
If you would like to experience the majesty of Teewah Beach camping but prefer having access to amenities, Freshwater Camping Area is just behind the dunes nearby. Freshwater Camping Area has toilet facilities, skip bins, and coin-operated hot showers. There is also more shade here as you're further in the forest.
The Do’s and Dont’s of Camping on Teewah Beach
Do:
- Purchase your camping and vehicle access permits before arriving as there is no mobile phone coverage at Teewah Beach
- Read the QLD National Parks requirements before you visit
- Remember to bring enough drinking water for your entire stay
- Bring a portable toilet
- Bring a first aid kit
- Display your camping and vehicle access permits clearly on your vehicle
- Be aware of rip tides when swimming and surfing
- Take advantage of the great inshore fishing
- Take plenty of photos!
Don’t:
- Create a fire of any kind - beach campfires are strictly prohibited
- Use any prohibited cooking appliances (more details here)
- Set up camp on or near a track to block the access of others
- Damage the vegetation or sand dunes to create more space for your camp
- Collect bush wood, twigs, or leaves of any kind
- Leave any rubbish around your campsite (including cigarette butts)
- Empty portable toilets in the sand dunes
- Forget to bring insect repellent - the mosquitoes and midges can be a nightmare!
Sun, surf, sand, and serenity. If you have a couple of spare days before or after your K'gari (Fraser Island) adventure, Teewah Beach is well worth a visit.
