Finding Magic Among the Christmas Trees of Beerburrum
Some of the best places I’ve ever stayed aren’t listed in glossy travel brochures.
They’re tucked down quiet country roads, hidden behind farm gates and discovered only because someone has opened a little piece of their world to travellers.
That’s exactly how I found myself turning into a Christmas tree farm on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by Kaye, who was tending rows of young pine trees near the property entrance. Each tiny tree sat firmly encased in a sea of what looked like black plastic, protecting its roots, and she moved carefully between them, checking on their progress before welcoming me with a warm smile.
After showing me where I could camp, I drove across to my site and immediately knew I’d chosen well.
The campsite overlooked rolling rows of Christmas trees. Later that afternoon, Kaye’s husband, Errol, wandered over for a chat before heading back to work.
As he climbed onto his quad bike, he paused with a grin.
“Now… have you ever heard of a Curlew?”
I admitted that I hadn’t.
“They’ve got a call that’ll make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Sounds like I might be murdering my wife in the middle of the night—but don’t worry, it’s only the Curlews.” With that cheerful warning, he disappeared back amongst the Christmas trees, leaving me to wonder whether I would be sleeping at all.
Fortunately, once tucked inside the van, most outside sounds became little more than distant whispers. The Curlews may well have performed their midnight concert, but if they did, I thankfully slept straight through it.
As the sun began to set, Errol returned on the tractor to water the rows of young trees. The spray drifted through the golden light, creating glowing clouds that transformed an ordinary farming job into something unexpectedly beautiful. It became one of those moments that photographers quietly hope for but can never plan.
Standing there with my camera, I was reminded that some of the most memorable travel moments aren’t famous landmarks at all. They’re simple, everyday moments that happen because you slowed down long enough to notice them.
As a solo traveller, I felt completely safe and relaxed throughout my stay. Kaye and Errol were welcoming hosts, and although the campsites are closer together than the secluded bush camps I often choose, I was fortunate to have the first site in the row, giving me uninterrupted views across the farm to Mount Tibrogargan beyond.
The location is also an excellent base for exploring the Sunshine Coast. Australia Zoo is only around 15 minutes away, while Aussie World and Opals Down Under are about 20 minutes away. Mooloolaba, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and Caloundra can all be reached in around half an hour, making it easy to combine peaceful farm camping with some of the region’s best attractions.
This stay reminded me that adventure doesn’t always mean travelling further.
Sometimes it simply means turning down a road you’ve never noticed before.
