If you are looking for a spot where the kids can run wild and you can actually enjoy a morning brew by the water, camping at Borumba Deer Park should be right at the top of your camping list. Located just outside the town of Imbil in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this park is a staple for people who live in Brisbane who want a proper bush camping experience without driving for ten hours.
We recently loaded up the Nissan 4WD with our gear and headed off with a big group of friends to see if this local favourite still lives up to the hype. Between the roaming deer and the crystal clear water of Yabba Creek, it is a cracking spot for a getaway with a crew.
The Journey: The Drive from Brisbane to the Mary Valley
Most people heading up for a weekend will be coming from the big smoke. From the Brisbane CBD, you are looking at a drive of roughly two hours. It is a straightforward trip that offers a nice transition from city chaos to country calm. We are on the north side of Brisbane, so a little less travel for us on the first day.
The first leg of the journey is your standard highway run. You will spend about an hour on the Bruce Highway (M1), which is flat and fast. It is a dual carriage motorway that takes you past the Glass House Mountains which is always a stunner on a clear morning. The traffic can be horrible depending on where you live, the time of the day and if there has been any type of accident in the last hours. So make sure to give yourself plenty of time.
Once you take the turn-off toward Kenilworth or Imbil (Exit 244), the vibe changes. You will leave the flat highway behind and find yourself on winding roads that hug the rolling green hills. This is where the drive gets proper scenic, with the road dipping and climbing through the lush Mary Valley. It is a beautiful stretch of bitumen, but if you are towing a heavy van, take it steady on the tighter corners. You will pass through patches of forest and vast grazing pastures before finally rolling onto Yabba Creek Road.
Cost and Value: How Prices Compare
When you look at the cost of camping at Borumba Deer Park, it sits in a bit of a sweet spot. It is generally more affordable than the big name resort style caravan parks or the closest BIG4s, which often charge a premium for waterparks, jumping castles and other niceties.. While there is no resort pool, you get 15 acres of space, a natural creek, and a far more relaxed atmosphere.
Borumba Deer Park Pricing Guide
Note: Prices are based on current rates as of early 2026. A 20% surcharge applies during peak periods like school holidays and long weekends.
| Accommodation Type | Price (Base Rate) | Extra Adult | Extra Child (3-15) |
| Non Powered Site | $22.00 per Adult | $22.00 | $10.00 |
| Powered Site | $55.00 (1-2 Adults) | $30.00 | $10.00 |
| Country Cabins | $230.00 (up to 4) | N/A | N/A |
| Eco Cabins | $210.00 (up to 4) | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation Options: Cabins and Site Types
The variety here is one of the reasons this park is so popular for groups. You can have the tent campers in your group right near the mates who prefer a solid roof over their heads.
Modern Cabin Accommodation
If you aren’t a fan of canvas, the cabins here were all refurbished in 2020 and are quite a step up from your basic camp hut. They are fully self-contained with air conditioning, kitchens, TVs, showers, and toilets. .
- Country Cabins: These are larger, elevated, and more open plan. They contain a double bed and a bunk bed.
- Eco Cabins: Slightly smaller but just as comfortable, also sleeping four people.
Important Note: You need to bring your own linen (sheets, pillows, towels) or book a linen pack in advance. Also, only Cabins 4 and 5 are designated as pet friendly, so just be aware if you are thinking of brining your Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, French Bulldog or Miniature Cow (you might have to check about brining a cow #notconfirmed).
Caravan, Camper Trailer and Motorhome Sites
The park is very caravan-friendly with dedicated rows that make setting up a breeze.
- Main Rows: These feature concrete slabs and water points, ideal for larger caravan rigs that need a level surface.
- Sports Ground Sites: These powered sites face the deer paddocks, so you can watch them feed while you have your morning coffee.
Traditional Camping Areas
There are several distinct areas depending on what kind of setup you have:
- Creek Side: Sites like Down by the Creek put you right on the water’s edge. These are awesome if there hasn’t been much rain, but keep in mind pets aren’t allowed to camp in this specific lower section.
- Sherwood Forest: A massive, shaded area with its own amenities and a mix of powered and unpowered sites.
Our Experience: We stayed just down from the main office next to a large shed with power. This central spot is flat and perfect for keeping a large group together near the main Stockyard amenities.
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Park Amenities and Facilities
The park has done a great job keeping the facilities modern and clean. It makes the roughing it part of camping much easier to handle.
- The Stockyard: This is the main hub with a large indoor camp kitchen. It features fridges, kettles, toasters, microwaves, and free gas BBQs.
- Amenity Blocks: There are two separate blocks with flushing toilets and free hot showers, a godsend on a frosty Mary Valley morning.
- Kiosk: Open daily and where you check in, selling bread, milk, ice, and even fresh hot coffee.
- Entertainment: They have a 9 hole mini golf course and a nature inspired playground for the kids. On special occasions, they even host karaoke and discos in the Stockyard.
Food, Supplies, and Local Essentials
One of the most talked about features of camping at Borumba Deer Park is the wood fired pizza van that sets up shop on the grounds. While we actually took all our own food for this trip and did our own cooking, I can tell you that the pizza van was absolutely packed every single night while we were there.
Judging by the queues and the smell wafting through the park, those pizzas must be top notch. It is a great backup to have if you don’t feel like hovering over a gas stove. Even if you plan on being self-sufficient like we were, it adds a nice atmosphere to the park as everyone gathers around to wait for their order and have a yarn.
If you need a restock or a night out, the town of Imbil is just five minutes away:
- Petrol Station: Located right in the heart of Imbil town for your top up before the drive home.
- The IGA: A solid little grocer for all the basics and more, they even have healthy protein bars if you need them.
- Local Bakery: I highly recommend the local bakery for a meat pie or a sweet treat.
- Firewood: You can buy wood at the kiosk or from the many Firewood for Sale signs on the drive in. Make sure you actually know how to light a fire, as the Mary Valley gets very cold in winter!
Wildlife and Yabba Creek
The creek is the heart of the park, perfect for a dip or a paddle. The water is usually clear and refreshing. Just a heads up, the local catfish can be a bit friendly and might come up to nibble at your feet or even your leg if you stand still. It is a bit of a shock if you aren’t expecting it! My advice: keep moving or wear creek shoes if that’s not your vibe. You might even catch a glimpse of a platypus as well, so make sure to keep an eye out for them.
The deer roam freely and are very used to visitors. You can buy bags of feed at the office, and they will come right up for a snack. It’s a highlight for the kids and truly makes this park unique. Seeing a stag wander past your tent while you’re eating breakfast is something you don’t get at your average caravan park.
Nearby Attractions: Explore the Mary Valley
If you have time or are staying at the park for a while, you might want to get out and see these sites as well. The Mary Valley has plenty of hidden gems just a short drive away.
- Borumba Dam (5 mins): Just up the road, this is the spot for serious boating, water skiing, or fishing. There is a great lookout over the dam wall and a picnic area if you want a change of scenery.
- Imbil Lookout (8 mins): Located right in town, a quick drive (or a steep walk) to the top gives you nearly 360 degree views of the valley and the mountains beyond.
- Imbil Sunday Markets (5 mins): Held every Sunday morning in the main street. It is a great place to grab local produce, honey, and handmade crafts.
- Kenilworth Dairies (25 mins): A must visit for cheese lovers. Grab some local cheddar or their famous chocolate mousse before heading back to camp.
- Amamoor State Forest (20 mins): Famous for being the home of the Gympie Music Muster, it is also a great spot for the Platypus Walk at dawn or dusk.
Final Thoughts on Borumba Deer Park
Overall, our time camping at Borumba Deer Park with a group of friends was exactly what we needed. It is a no nonsense, relaxed environment that lets you disconnect from the city without feeling like you’re completely off the grid. Whether you’re bunking in a modern Eco Cabin or pitching a tent right by the shed, the sense of community and the connection to nature are hard to beat. Just remember your warm gear for the winter nights, keep a close watch on your toes when you go for a paddle with the catfish, and definitely brush up on those fire lighting skills!
If you aren’t ready to commit to a full camping weekend just yet, keep an eye out for my upcoming Mary Valley road trip guide. I’ll be sharing a full breakdown of how to squeeze the best of this region into a single day out of the city. We’ll be looking at the ultimate Day Trip itinerary, including the 1kg doughnut challenge at Kenilworth, the best spray free produce markets, and hidden riverside picnic spots that the tourists usually miss.
When you head out with a big group, do you prefer the convenience of a powered site near the amenities, or do you always try to snag a spot right on the water?
