The Mackay and Whitsundays regions are famous for their jaw-dropping tropical beaches and bucket-list islands, so finding a nice private spot that is free is a hard task. Let me share some secret and not-so-secret-free places in the region.
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RV Park Proserpine
Wonderful RV park for self-contained vehicles that operates during the dry season. 1st April till 30 November. Situated just a walking distance from the Main Street of Prosperine, it allows you to leave your camper and explore everything this town has to offer on foot. The town keeps this spot clean and safe, so help them out and stock up on groceries at some of the markets.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Drinking water; Dump spot; Dogs allowed on a leash.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Lake Proserpine-Peter Faust Dam
A fairly new camping spot south of the boat ramp at lake Proserpine with great amenities and easy access. Large open spaces, shady areas, and a peaceful atmosphere; relax and admire the abundance of birdlife or go fishing by the dam. Get ready for the appearance of strong winds in the evenings.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and hot showers.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair accessible; Dogs allowed on a leash; Generators allowed from 7AM-7PM on weekdays and 8AM-7PM on weekends; Wildlife; BBQ area; Open fire pits; Swimming; Fishing; Boat ramp.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Collinsville Showgrounds
Probably one of the best free camps in Queensland with many facilities and a free pool nearby. It’s managed by the Whitsunday City Council and they certainly do a great job of keeping it clean, safe and intact. In a walking distance you can find shops and a pub.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and $2 hot showers.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: WiFi; TV Reception; Dump spot; Drinking water; Picnic area; Wheelchair accessible; Dog-friendly.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Bowen River
It’s located on the Bowen riverbank; this camp is reachable only by 4WD due to the soggy sand track. It’s a small area with only a couple of spots available, which keeps the place calm and quiet. You can enjoy a dip in the river or try to catch some dinner.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; 4WD tracks; Fishing; Swimming; Open fire pits; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Lake Elphinstone
A free camp located on the natural lake Elphinstone – the best place for water-sports lovers. Equipped with new, clean facilities and ideal to stop at in the wet season. A large camp area and even more land to explore nearby.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and cold showers.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Pet-friendly; BBQ area; Boat ramp; Wheelchair accessible; Generators allowed; Swimming; Fishing; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 14 days.
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Mount Britton Township Site
Mount Britton is a former gold mining town that is now the location of a unique campsite. It’s a large, flat camping area on the grass with a nice forest next to it. A lot of information boards around the place where you can learn about the town’s history. Peaceful with amazing mountain view.
Showers/Toilets: Drop toilets only.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Drinking water; Dogs allowed on a leash; Hiking tracks; Generators allowed; Open fire pits; Tables; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Bloomsbury BP Servo
A nice spot to stop and park if you get tired of driving. You can get some cooked food and take a hot shower to recharge before continuing your adventure. Not noisy even though it is close to the road and truckers stop at night. The servo has everything you might need, from a post office to a liquor store.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and $2 hot showers.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; WiFi; Phone charging station; Wheelchair accessible; Fuel and gas available; Laundry.
Time Limit: None.
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Belmunda River Front
A good spot to set up if you want to hit up Cape Hillsborough to see the kangaroos on the beach. No facilities, just nature and a couple of camp spots. Wonderful sunsets and ideal for stargazing at night. Beware of crocodiles in the creek and bring insect repellent.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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The Leap Hotel
A flat green campsite for a free overnight stay, next to the Leap Hotel. Large space and not too noisy at night. While you’re not obligated, it’s fair to have a meal or a drink at the bar to support the providers of the free camp.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Tables; Pub; TV reception.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
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Kuttabul Hotel
Settled behind the Kuttabul Hotel on a grassy flat area. With the nice scenery, mountain views, and grassy sites, you won’t get the feeling you’re at a stopover. You can pick your own spot, and please support the pub with a purchase.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Telstra only.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Pub.
Time Limit: None.
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Gargett Rodeo Ground
A secluded, relaxing spot, well maintained and settled amongst the sugar cane fields. Location wise it’s perfect for exploring Mackay. You can spot the sugar cane trains too! Popular place among locals so make sure to come early if visiting on a weekend.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD; Motorbike; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife; Picnic area.
Time Limit: 7 days.
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Wheelers Gravel Site
An unofficial camping site at the corner of Fitzroy Development Road and Iffley Connection Road. A flat area with no facilities so it’s best for self-contained vehicles. You can go back off the road if you are bothered by the noise of the road. Ideal for an overnight stay.
Showers/Toilets: No.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Telstra only.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly.
Time Limit: No.
Hotel Eton
Large campground with easy access to, even for larger units, located right beside the Eton hotel. Available to self-contained vehicles only, and a separate area for camping in tents. Nice authentic pub on site and welcoming staff.
Showers/Toilets: Yes.
Access: 2WD; Motorbike; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Yes, call them at (07) 4954 1324 or e-mail hoteleton@hotmail.com
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators allowed; Pub.
Time Limit: 7 days.
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Notch Point Reserve
Notch Point of Yarrawonga Park is probably one of the top listed campgrounds on the Central Queensland Coast. It’s a great fishing spot with the surprising addition of roaming cows. You can witness some of the greatest sunsets here. Campfires are prohibited, and 4WD is mandatory.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife; Fishing; Boat ramp; TV reception.
Time Limit: 7 days maximum stay in a 21-day period.
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Funnel Creek
A small campground on Funnel Creek that can accommodate up to 4 caravans. Quiet and not overcrowded, even though it’s close to the road. A lot of birdlife and fish in the creek. The crystal clear water is ideal for swimming, and there is enough firewood around for the open fire pits at night.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Telstra only.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Open fire pits; Swimming; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Wunjunga South
This campsite is hidden behind the dunes, an excellent area for long beach walks and letting your four-pawed friend enjoy the ocean and a nice shady area to hide from the sun. You can collect firewood along the coast and enjoy the nights by the fireplace. Not a lot of room, so come early to secure a good spot and bring insect repellent.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators allowed; Fishing; Open fire pits; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 days.
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