My partner and I are planning a road trip up the QLD coast with a caravan and boards. We are heading as far North as Cook town and I am on the hunt for some good places to camp and explore the ocean / waterways via SUP. We are leaving 10th march and have a 3 month old baby so we can't rough it too much. We would love to get hear any suggestions.
Thanks,
Tim

We are leaving from the Gold Coast. We have done the NSW coastline for surf trips but I think after 1770 the waves grind to a halt. I love my water photography so I don't mind a bit of flat water and we have the race sups as well.

With the water temp so mild at the moment I would suggest heading south as far as Merimbula, on the NSW far south coast.

Unreal Et, Thanks.
Does Bundaberg still exist with all this rain. We are keen to do some fresh water paddling and we are not to fussed about surf conditions. We have some sups that are really fun in small waves. Crocs up north will keep us out of the water but the reefs look amazing. Not too worried about Sharks and have had a few visits surfing North Point on Morton island... Wish I had my camera rig! Haven't been to Fraspr island but I have seen heaps of scenic photos from crew that have been there and explored the fresh water creeks.
We are still deciding how far north to actually go but I would love to see some national parks north of Cairns. If we didn't have a 3 month old bub we would head south for more of a surf trip... This one I think will be geared more towards sight seeing.

E T said...
Hi Tim, the places to SUP are only limited by time and imagination, you fairly rightly say that the surf stops at 1770 not really true as there are numerous places that have surfable waves if you are not after perfection.
First stop should be The Sunshine Coast of course followed by Fraser Island, the east coast is a touch snarky but the west coast has endless miles of fantastic SUPping there is even a few places surf and lots of free camping. Hervey Bay, Burrum Heads and Woodgate have reasonable flat water paddling. I would give Bundaberg a miss unless you like rum.
If you take the back road north from Bundy there are several beautiful places in Deepwater National Park and if you follow the coast route you will end up in Angnes Waters and then 1770, all worth visiting. There are a couple of National Parks west of 1770 that are north facing and have very long beaches from there you can make your way to Bustard Head which is magnificent, has good river paddling and some surf.
This could take me all night so give me a pm and let me know what you are thinking and I will give you some of my secrets.
ET.

Et is on it. the trip to 1770 may be worth it, on its day can have one of the longest waves in qld.
Tannums worth a look with camping looking over the beach, and waves.
Boycott gladstone IMO , you will end up with a 3rd appendige if you get in the water there.
On your way to Rockee, emu park is worth a look, then drive to Mackay (3 hours) , this place has a fair crew that hang out for waves at harbour beach/others when its on , seen 50 - 60 guys in the water at times on shortys attempting to get there fix, river paddling on your sup in Mackay/Sarina has options.
Sarina beach is nice
When you get to Bowen Pm me if you are chasing a NQ wave (and a beer) and i will attempt to put you on the spot, Plenty of cheap places to camp and waves and wind till October Generally.
Make sure you bring a fishing rod.

Second instalment. Tractor Guy has covered the middle bit so I won't go there. The Whitsundays is a great place but can be perilous for SUPping, due to the distances from shore and the rate of tides between the islands. Also the distances are sometimes too great. Alternatively, check out the places around the coast near the islands like Seaforth, Dingo Beach, Cape Hillsborough (good camping). Around Cairns try Mission Beach, the hinterland lakes, the strip between North Cairns and Port Douglas even has surf in the right conditions. I have done off shore paddling around Port Douglas and there is a reasonably healthy SUP culture operating from Six Mile. In regards to Crocs, stay away from mangrove areas, creeks and rivers mouths. Generally open beaches are ok but not ones where sizeable creeks enter the sea. North of Port Douglas towards Cape Tribulation is some beautiful coast with good camping and the odd wave after a big blow. Never been to Cooktown so can't comment on that area.
My tip for a good road trip is to take side tracks and little roads heading to the coast and you will often find some great treasures. Most of all enjoy! ET.

Camp spots:
Sunshine Coast:
Maroochydore Caravan Park. It is on the river near the mouth and a fun SUP spot
Noosa: MUNNA point. Again on the water and shot paddle out to the mouth.
Fraser is great but depends on your vehicle and van. Great to explore and maybe worth stopping at Hervey Bay and doing a tent trip or resort on Fraser...
Just north of ROCKHAMTON is a small town called Clairview which has a basic caravan park right on the most pristine water. Worth a stay for a few days. Visit 'The Caves' when you are at ROCKHAMTON.
Airllie Beach would be the next stop with a great caravan park at the Big 4 there. Lots to do and worth an island trip.
Mackay is the next big town but I would drive on to Townsville. I'd spend a few days there and then head up to Cairns. Coconut Palms Big Four in Cairns would be close if not the best park in the country. From here you can day trip to many places, Mosman Gorge, Kuranda, (the zoo just west of Kuranda is fantastic especially if you book to have breakfast with the Lions. Get there early just before sunrise and the am let you in for a wander.
The road from Cairns to Cape Trib is great now and it is worth stopping at the Daintree and doing the Croc boat trip. You will not want to paddle your SUP there or Fat Albert might have a little get together with you. The road then to cooktown is all good.
On the way south stop at Mission Beach and either use the water taxi to Dunk Island or paddle over. The Caravan park there is right on the water.