The Cassowary Coast and Townsville region are not short on breathtaking nature, historical sites, and adventure-filled roads. Let’s check out all the free camps you can stop at for a remarkable experience.
- Boulders Camp Area
- Japoonvale Rest Area
- Tully Self Contained RV Park
- Bilyana Rest Area
- Halifax Hotel
- Crystal Creek Huts & Camping
- Vincent “Bushy” Parker Park
- Justin Park
- Toomulla Beach Rest Area
- Bluewater Park
- Saunders Beach
- BP Service Station Idalia
- Balgal Beach
- Fanning River
- Macrossan Park Burdekin River
- Anabranch
Read Next: Everything You Need To Know About Free Camping In Australia
Boulders Camp Area
Camp area with 15 sites currently operating, leveled, shady and clean space. Just a short walk to the beach where you can swim. Peacocks and butterflies can be spotted around, giving life and beauty to this place. A walking distance to Babinda Falls. Come early to choose the perfect spot.
Showers/Toilets: Yes.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans and Camper Trailers.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No, first come – first served. You can give them a call at (07) 4067 1008 for more information.
Other Amenities: Generators allowed; Tables; Hiking tracks; Playground; Swimming; TV reception.
Time Limit: 72 Hour limit.
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Japoonvale Rest Area
Picturesque camping area on the Liverpool Creek with facilities and amazing nature. It’s a small area so campers and RVs might struggle to find a leveled spot. Locals come during the day for a dip in the creek but at night it’s calm and quiet.
Showers/Toilets: Flushable toilets.
Access: 2WD; Motorbikes; Caravans and Camper Trailers.
Phone Service: Telstra Reception.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Swimming; Fishing; Wildlife spotting; Tables; Shades; Generators allowed.
Time Limit: None.
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Tully Self Contained RV Park
A great camping space in Tully if you have a self-contained unit. It’s a walking distance from the town where you can go shopping, explore and visit the must-see sights. Dogs are allowed but on a leash at all times.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No booking, but go into the info centre for a free permit. If arriving after working hours, call 4068 2288, leave your registration and phone number, and pick up your permit the following day.
Other Amenities: Drinking water; Dump spot; Pull-through bays; TV reception.
Time Limit: 48 Hours.
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Bilyana Rest Area
An overnight pit-stop close to the road with clean facilities. It’s nothing spectacular but a great free spot to spend a day planning out your next move. The rest area is settled between the highway and the train tracks, but road noise settles late in the night.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans; Camper Trailers and Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Picnic tables; Wheelchair accessible; Swimming.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
Read Next: 7 Incredible Townsville and Cassowary Coast Experiences To Have On Your Big Lap
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Halifax Hotel
Suppose you get tired of driving, stop for a meal or a drink at the Halifax Hotel, and use the free camping spot behind the bar. It’s a small grassy site that can accommodate up to 6 vans. The prices at the pub are reasonable, and the location is close to town. Plenty of entertainment on-site.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans and Camper Trailers.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: See bar staff for availability upon arrival.
Other Amenities: Dogs allowed; Playground; TV/Games room; WiFi; Laundry; Fishing; Boat ramp; On-Site accommodation; Pub.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
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Crystal Creek Huts & Camping
An unofficial beach camping site reachable only by a 4WD due to the soft sand. Large camping area with many camp spots on the beach or nearby the boat ramp. It’s a secluded spot so privacy and peace are guaranteed. No facilities so bring everything you need but don’t leave a trace behind.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD Only.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dogs allowed; Generators allowed; 4WD tracks; Swimming; Fishing; Wildlife spotting.
Time Limit: None.
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Vincent “Bushy” Parker Park
A peaceful campground managed by the city council. Shady and sunny spots available, pretty big camping area. Picnic tables and drinkable taps around the park, it’s a popular day time area among the locals. If visiting during wet season, walk 500m and you’ll find a creek where you can swim.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans; Camper Trailers; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Book at Townsville City Council Website.
Other Amenities: Dump spot; Drinking water; TV reception; Open fire pits; BBQ; Playground; Swimming; Generators and dogs allowed.
Time Limit: 48 Hours stay, once per week.
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Justin Park
Park your camper, van, or 4WD at the car park and enter Justin Park, where you can camp in tents only. A beachfront camping area where you can fall asleep at the sound of the waves hitting the shore. It’s a well-maintained camp with plenty of facilities but beware that it can get crowded on weekends or during holidays.
Showers/Toilets: Cold showers and flushing toilets.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans and Camper Trailers. Park at the front and enter on foot.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Book at Townsville City Council Website.
Other Amenities: Swimming; BBQ; Tables; Dogs allowed; Open fire pits; Boat ramp.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Toomulla Beach Rest Area
A big camping area suitable for large vehicles with lots of shade. Quiet and peaceful, close to the beach and the creek. You can try your luck and go fishing in the nearby creek where you can catch some barra. Look out for crocodiles!
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans and Camper Trailers.
Phone Service: Low Telstra coverage.
Booking Required: Book at Townsville City Council Website.
Other Amenities: Drinking water; Picnic Tables; Undercover area; Playground; TV reception; Boat ramp; Dogs allowed.
Time Limit: 48 hours, once per week.
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Bluewater Park
A 20-sites limited camping area with stair access to Bluewater Creek. It offers well-maintained facilities and a great location for a stop-over. There is plenty of shade to chill under, but make sure to go in early to pick a good spot.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans; Camper Trailers; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Book at Townsville City Council Website.
Other Amenities: Dogs allowed on a leash; Drinking water; Wildlife spotting; Playground; Tables; Dump point.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
Read Next: Your Ultimate Guide To Overlanders Way
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Saunders Beach
Beachside spot to spend two days at with great amenities but since it’s pretty small – only 6 places – make sure you book in advance. Easy access to the beach, but beware of the crocodiles. Scenic views of fireflies in the bushes at night.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans; Camper Trailers.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Book at Townsville City Council Website.
Other Amenities: Dogs allowed on a leash; Drinking water; Wildlife spotting; Fishing; BBQ; Hiking tracks; Tables.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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BP Service Station Idalia
A safe and modern overnight stop for tired travelers. Since it’s a service station, you know what to expect and how convenient it is to stop here. Many people are sleeping in their cars and trucks; it can get busy and noisy.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and hot showers for $5.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans; Camper Trailers; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dogs allowed; Wheelchair accessible; Laundry; TV reception; WiFi; Fuel and Gas available.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
Balgal Beach
Beautiful beachfront camping spot rated as one of the best free camps. Green area, shades, a picnic, and barbeque area to relax and entertain yourselves. There’s a cafe on-site that also serves quick meals. There is a stinger net in the ocean protecting swimmers, so make sure you take a dip. Tents are not allowed.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and cold showers.
Access: 2WD; RV/Motorhome; Caravans; Camper Trailers.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Book at Townsville City Council Website.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair accessible; Drinking water; Wildlife; BBQ; Tables; Playground; Shop; Swimming; Fishing; Boat ramp; Dump spot.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Fanning River
A camp site with flowing water and deep pools to swim in. Bring firewood with you since it’s relatively chilly even in summer. The track to the camp is a military training land. During dry season a 2WD might be able to reach the camp, but otherwise a 4WD is recommended.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD only.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Open fire pits; Swimming; Fishing; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Macrossan Park Burdekin River
Great camp just 1km off the highway, large and tidy camping area. Plenty of shade, concrete picnic tables you can park next to. It’s a quiet area with glorious sunrise and sunset views. Motorbikes, firearms, and open fires are forbidden by the council in order to protect the environment and the amenities.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and cold showers.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required:
Other Amenities: Wheelchair accessible; Generators allowed; Dogs allowed on a leash; BBQ; Wildlife; Fishing; Swimming.
Time Limit: 7 days limit in a 4 week period.
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Anabranch
A remote camping site with no facilities but a 3km long waterhole adjacent to the Burdekin River. The waterhole reaches its maximum level during the wet season, making it ideal for swimming and other water sports. Anabranch is quiet and secluded, perfect for when you want to take a break from socialising since camp spots are pretty spread out.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Hiking tracks; 4WD tracks; Open fire pits; Wildlife; Swimming; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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