Platypus Park Riverside Retreat

Platypus Park Riverside Retreat is a private camping and caravan property on 50 acres at the edge of the Burnett River in South Kolan, about half an hour from Bundaberg. The reason to come is the water: direct river frontage with your own pontoon and boat ramp, plus a small number of sites that keep the whole place quiet even in peak season.

Dogs at the Platypus Park Riverside Retreat

Dogs are welcome by arrangement, not by default. Approval rests with the landowners, so message ahead and get the yes before you book. Once approved, the terms are simple: dogs stay on a lead at all times within the camp area, and there is a $10 dog fee that the retreat donates to a local charity. Wildlife along the river and neighbouring livestock make the on-lead rule non-negotiable, and a solid recall matters even where the rules are looser.

The property suits caravans, RVs, camper trailers, big rigs including fifth wheelers, and tents, with powered and unpowered sites across manicured riverside grounds and a more natural creekside area. Gates stay locked, so a host meets you on arrival, and check-in closes at 5pm. Supervise your dog closely around the pontoon and river access; swimming is a genuine drawcard here, but the bank is where most trouble starts.

The vibe

This is a polished rural retreat rather than a bush camp: immaculate grounds, a large camp kitchen, hot showers, flush toilets, fire pits for the evenings and hosts who keep the place spotless. Bring your own dog water and bowls, as this is a working property, not a caravan park with a pet menu.

Getting there and around

The retreat sits on Bakers Road in South Kolan, reached from Bundaberg or the Bruce Highway via Gin Gin. Cordalba State Forest and the Burrum Coast National Park are within reach for nature walks, with their own leash rules to check first, and Bundaberg's botanic gardens and river walks make an easy day trip.

While you're out there

If the dates are taken, Splitters Farm at Sharon is the other strong pet-friendly camp on the Bundaberg side. More options across the state are on the Queensland dog-friendly accommodation page, and the South Kolan guide collects the local picks.