Discover the Gold Coast's best kept secret
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of South Stradbroke Island at Tipplers Campground. Featuring beachfront campsites, comfortable shacks, and a licensed cafe, Tipplers offers the ultimate nature-based camping experience.
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Boat access only
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Natural Bushland
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Water Front
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Barbeques
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Playground
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No Pets
Accommodation at Tipplers Campground South Stradbroke Island
Campground Overview
Tipplers Café update
Tipplers Café and Kiosk will be temporarily closed from 31 October to 15 November, while a new management team takes over.
Tipplers, North and South Currigee Campgrounds will remain open during this period.
If you have any questions about your upcoming visit, please contact our team.
Our location
Some places leave a lasting impression and Tipplers Campground is one of them. Nestled on the peaceful shores of South Stradbroke Island, this hidden gem offers a true escape from the everyday. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another unforgettable stay, Tipplers welcomes you to unwind, reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of island life.
While Tipplers Campground offers that peaceful, off-grid vibe, you won’t be without a few creature comforts. Just a short stroll from your tent, you’ll find the Tipplers Licensed Café serving up tasty meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Need supplies? The Tipplers Kiosk has you covered with basic groceries and camping essentials like ice and firewood – perfect for those cosy beachside campfires.
Nature & wildlife experiences
With 22km of untouched surf beach on one side and calm waterways on the other, South Stradbroke Island is a playground for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for visitors. Humpback whales make an appearance during their annual migration north, and curious wallabies often wander through the campground to say hello. The island’s central bushland is virtually untouched, offering a rare opportunity to experience native flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
To help protect this special environment, please remember that dogs and generators are not permitted. This ensures the island remains a safe and serene space for wildlife and guests alike.
Island activities
Whether you’re here to relax or explore, Tipplers has something for everyone. Spend your days swimming, fishing, kayaking, or boating in the calm waters. Take a walk along the beach, enjoy a picnic under the trees, or simply kick back and relax.
Campfires on the beach are part of the charm! Toast marshmallows and share stories as the sun sets over the Broadwater.
Guest Information
Please note: Access to Tipplers Campground is exclusively by boat. Learn more.
Activities
Fishing, crabbing, walking, swimming in the Broadwater enclosure, wildlife spotting and bird watching are all great activities available at Tipplers Campground. The surf beach is a pleasant 1 km walk and a volleyball court is located close to the swimming enclosure. Ping pong tables are available for guests to enjoy free of charge.
Please note there are no patrolled beaches on the island.
Amenities and barbeques
The campground maps indicate location of amenity buildings and barbeque facilities.
Please respect others and clean up after use.
To ensure facilities are kept to acceptable standards for guests, we would appreciate reports of any maintenance issues at your earliest convenience. Let us know of blocked toilets, taps that won’t turn off, lack of toilet paper, etc. Call the manager on 07 5577 2849 or visit us in reception located at the cafe counter.
Campground facilities are for paying guests only. Please do not share access codes with others.
Campsite cleanliness
Please keep your campsite tidy and use the facilities provided to dispose of rubbish. Please use recycling bins responsibly.
Please do not move fire rings as breakage is likely to occur. Reimbursement for breakage will be charged to guest’s account.
Camp fires
For the safety of guests and our pristine island, please ensure camp fires are only lit in the fire rings provided, never left unattended and extinguished prior to retiring for the night. When staying in the campgrounds and using the firepits you must abide by our Campfire Guidelines.
Placing of rubbish in the fire rings and moving of fire rings is not permitted.
Check-in time
Sites and Island Shacks – 11am
Check-out time
Sites and Island Shacks – 10am
Occupancy after this time will be charged as an additional day.
Late check outs – 2:30pm depending on availability. Visit reception or call for fees and availability. Site fees are calculated until 10am on the day of departure. If your travel arrangements are inconvenienced by these times, please contact reception to make alternative arrangements.
Children
Supervising children is vital for their safety and helps make sure they do not disturb other guests.
Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the showers and toilets.
Customer feedback
We hope you enjoy your stay and welcome your feedback which helps us continue to improve our service and facilities. Please share your experience with others by leaving a review on Google, Facebook, or Tripadvisor.
Essential items to bring
It is essential to bring your own drinking water as the campground water is sourced from a borehole and is not suitable for drinking. Drinking water is sold at the cafe/kiosk.
Other essentials to bring include torch lights, BBQ utensils, toiletries, camping gear, extra fuel and mechanical parts for boating, and mobile phone chargers. You may bring your own firewood onto the island or purchase it from the campground reception.
Island Shacks include bedding, linen, lanterns, blankets, and towels. Toiletries are not provided.
Emergency contact
For all potentially life threatening emergencies, please dial 000. Also please contact reception if further assistance is required on 07 5577 2849.
Evacuation procedures
In an emergency, follow the directions of staff. If we need to evacuate the campgrounds make your way directly to our evacuation area – marked ‘Evacuation Point’ on the map.
Self evacuation is advised, when directed.
Fees
Fees must be paid upon booking. Extra guests can be added to your site (maximum of 6 per site) by calling the campground or visiting the reception counter located in the cafe.
Garbage/litter and Recycling
Please help us look after our environment by using the rubbish bins provided at the campground for your convenience. Wrap all garbage prior to disposal and please use recycling bins responsibly.
Placing of rubbish in the fire rings is not permitted.
Generators not permitted
For the comfort of guests, generators are not permitted.
Information
For local information, where to eat, activities and events, ask our friendly staff in reception.
Internet access
Wi‑Fi is not available at Tipplers, but most areas of the campground have mobile coverage and 5G service.
Keys
Prior to departing, please return Island Shack keys to reception. Should this time be outside of office hours, please ensure you pre-arrange your key return with the manager. Keys for Tipplers Campground may be returned to Tipplers Café when reception is closed.
Kiosk
Located within an easy stroll 400m north of Tipplers Campground. Open daily 9am to 3pm. When the kiosk is closed, please see friendly Café staff for kiosk and camping requirements.
The kiosk stocks water, ice, firewood, toiletries, milk, bread, lollies, cold drinks, ice creams, bait, snacks, and kids activity packs. Firewood, ice and weekend newspaper deliveries may be arranged by phone, requiring credit card payment. Call the kiosk on 07 5577 2849.
Licensed Café – Tipplers
Located adjacent to Tipplers Kiosk, 400m north of the campground. Open 7 days. Bookings are required for groups of 10 or more. Call 07 5577 3025 to book.
View details about the Café’s menu and opening hours online at tipplerscafe.com.au.
Lighting
Please consider the comfort of other campers by not using excessive lighting throughout the campground.
The use of fireworks and flares is prohibited.
Lockers for Hire
Lockers are available to campground guests for daily hire at Tipplers. Powered lockers with a USB port are also available for hire, allowing campers to safely charge their mobile devices. Please see reception to hire lockers.
Native vegetation
The campground is completely surrounded by native bushland, with the lack of commercial development being one of the island’s best features.
Please help us to preserve this superb natural reserve by leaving the trees and bushes untouched. Collection of timber from within the campground or surrounding conservation area is prohibited. Use of chain saws is not permitted and axes may only be used for splitting firewood either brought from the mainland or purchased from reception.
Any deliberate injury caused to any native fauna or flora will be referred to the police.
Noise
Quiet time is from 10pm to 7am.
Consider your neighbours by keeping the volume down on radios, televisions, mobile devices and social gatherings. Excessive noise or abusive language will not be tolerated and can result in guests or visitors being asked to leave. Please ensure all visitors have left the campground by 10pm and do not return before 7am.
Personal information
We are required to comply with the Information Privacy Act 2009. Any information you have supplied to us is only used for the purpose that it was collected for. We will not disclose your personal information (including confirming whether or not you are staying in the campground) to any person. Should anyone wish to visit you while you are staying in the campground, we recommend you contact them to advise where you are located in the campground, as we will not pass on this information.
Pets
Please help us to protect the wildlife found naturally in the surrounding conservation park by not bringing your pets onto the island. Dogs and cats are prohibited within the Regional Park (managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services) and not permitted at any of the campgrounds managed by the City of Gold Coast.
Playgrounds
Please refer to the campground map for location of the children’s playground at Tipplers. Another playground is located at Tipplers Café. Children under 12 years old must be supervised by an adult.
Smoking is not permitted within 10 metres of the equipment, as per Qld law.
Public Jetties
Jumping, diving or pushing off any of the public jetties located off the island, is strictly prohibited.
Reception – Campground
Located at Tipplers Cafe, within an easy stroll 400m north of Tipplers Campground. Open 8am to 6pm daily.
Refunds
Cancellation fees apply. See reception for refund policy or view on our website Terms & Conditions page.
Security
We’d like your holiday to be enjoyable. Holidaying is a great time to get to know your neighbours and keep an eye out for each other’s belongings.
Your security is important to us. We recommend you keep your possessions and accommodation safely secured at all times. If you have any concerns, please speak to one of our friendly staff.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted within any buildings, nor within 10 metres of the Children’s Playground, as per Qld law.
Swimming enclosure – Tipplers
A swimming enclosure is located only 300 metres north of Tipplers Campground. It is advised that children should be supervised by an adult.
Vehicles
The safety of all guests is vital. Vehicles other than those operated by the City of Gold Coast, including 4WDs and ATVs may not be driven through the campground at any time.
Water (Bore) – Not for drinking
Please conserve water by keeping your showers short and reporting leaking taps to our reception staff.
Most water provided within the campground is bore water. Although it is safe for showers and washing dishes, please do not drink this bore water as it is not suitable for human consumption.
Wildlife
For the health and safety of our guests and protection of the wildlife found naturally on the island, please do not feed the animals or birds at any time.
While we may enjoy handing out food, this action is detrimental to the wildlife which includes protected species. Feeding wildlife is disruptive to their natural feeding habits and encourages unnatural behaviour like trying to gain access to your tent accommodation and food containers.
Campground Accessibility
Tipplers Accessibility Guide
At Gold Coast Tourist Parks we are committed to creating extraordinary holiday experiences for everyone. We aim to welcome guests with the highest level of customer service and hospitality, regardless of their individual needs.
Download Tipplers Accessibility Guide
Access to the island is exclusively by boat
South Stradbroke Island is the 15th largest sand island in the world. Access is exclusively by boat. Visit this beautiful Gold Coast island by private boat, water taxi, boat hire, jet ski tour or local cruise boat.
The closest Gold Coast boat ramps with vehicle and trailer parking are:
- Jacobs Well Boat Ramp, 2 Esplanade, Jacobs Well
- Ray Street Boat Ramp, Runaway Bay
- Howard Street Boat Ramp, Runaway Bay
- Jasmine Avenue Boat Ramp, Hollywell
- Paradise Point Boat Harbour Boat Ramp, Donald Avenue, Paradise Point
For more information on Gold Coast boat ramps, click here.
Alternatively, there are water taxi services available that will transfer you and your camping gear to and from the island. Contact the team at Tipplers to book or if you need further advice in relation to island transfers.
Access to the campgrounds – Remote soft sand island camping
The camping grounds are completely surrounded by native bushland, with white sand dunes facing the blue Pacific Ocean on the eastern side of the Island and the magnificent Broadwater on the western side.
Tipplers Campground features a pontoon. However, the gangway is narrow and does not meet current fully accessible standards.
Amenities block
The campground amenities block features one ambulant toilet in both the Gents and Ladies.
Tipplers Café and Kiosk
Tipplers Café features a pontoon. However, the gangway is narrow and does not meet current fully accessible standards. The pathway leading from the gangway is accessible. The café features a fully accessible toilet.
City of Gold Coast Mobility Maps
The City’s mobility maps are designed to provide accessibility information to assist residents and visitors to plan their stay and move around the city safely. Map information includes the location of accessible toilets, change facilities, accessible car parking spaces, pathway gradients, location of kerb ramps and key buildings and services. Transport information for light rail stations, bus stops and bus routes is also featured.
Printed and electronic mobility maps are now available for Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Surfers Paradise, Southport Central Business District (CBD) and Broadwater Parklands. Visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/mobilitymaps for more information.
Island Transport
Access to the island is exclusively by boat.
South Stradbroke Island is the 15th largest sand island in the world. Access is exclusively by boat. Visit this beautiful Gold Coast island by private boat, water taxi, boat hire, jet ski tour or local cruise boat.
The closest Gold Coast boat ramps with vehicle and trailer parking are:
- Jacobs Well Boat Ramp, 2 Esplanade, Jacobs Well
- Ray Street Boat Ramp, Runaway Bay
- Howard Street Boat Ramp, Runaway Bay
- Jasmine Avenue Boat Ramp, Hollywell
- Paradise Point Boat Harbour Boat Ramp, Donald Avenue, Paradise Point
For more information on Gold Coast boat ramps, click here.
Alternatively, there are water taxi services available that will transfer you and your camping gear to and from the island. Contact the team at Tipplers to book or if you need further advice in relation to island transfers.
Campfire Guidelines
Tipplers Campground Campfire Guidelines
Campfires are permitted at Tipplers, North and South Currigee Campgrounds. To ensure that you, your guests, and the rest of our Park guests enjoy their stay in a safe environment, please refer to the following guidelines and sign the Campfire Guidelines and Waiver prior to arrival.
- The campfire must be contained in a suitable receptacle approved by Tourist Park management:
- Fire receptacles are available at each site which are on the ground and made of either concrete or metal. Guests can only use the fire receptacles supplied.
- The campfire must be kept within the confines of the receptacle.
- The use of campfires is at the Park Managers discretion and/or local authorities’ direction.
- Campfires are not permitted during major weather events like storms, excessive winds or where a total fire ban is in place. Directives from the Tourist Park management and/or local Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) authorities are final.
- Campfires must be located at the front of the site, away from overhanging branches, gardens and at least three (3) metres away from camping equipment and other flammable items.
- Starting a campfire – suitable ignition sources:
- Matches, fire lighters or fire starters
- Paper or small kindling
- Banned ignition sources – all kinds of flammable liquids (such as petrol)
- Glass, rubbish, flammable liquids, or explosive items are not permitted in or near the campfire.
- Types of fuel allowed to be used:
- Seasoned dry firewood
- Untreated timbers
- Commercial coals
- Collection of firewood or kindling from the park or adjacent reserves is prohibited as it forms an important part of the park and surrounding natural environment.
- Campfires are not to be left unattended at any time.
- Extinguishing the campfire:
- Guests need to ensure there is enough water close by to extinguish the campfire; and
- Must extinguish and the embers cooled with water prior to sleep or leaving the site.
- Note: Never use soil or sand to extinguish the campfire as embers can remain hot and can cause a bushfire, burn or injury.
- Children of any age must not be left unsupervised near a campfire.
- To keep smoke nuisance to a minimum so not to impact other guests, only dry fuel (firewood/timber etc.) must be used.
- Under no circumstances is hot ash to be disposed of in the bins, gardens, or waterways around the park.
- Those guests not abiding by the conditions of use or are behaving in a reckless nature with or around the campfire may be asked to leave the park and potentially jeopardise any future stays at Gold Coast Tourist Parks.
Facilities
- Amenities
- Barbeque facilities
- Cafe
- Hot showers
- Kiosk / Store
- Nature
- Netted swimming area
- No Caravans
- No Pets
- No Vehicles
- Playground
- Pontoon
- Tent Sites
- Waterfront location
- Wildlife
Contact Tipplers Campground South Stradbroke Island
Phone
Reception hours
8:00am to 6:00pm — Daily
Address
South Stradbroke Island, QLD 4216, Australia