Mareeba camping ground: New no-caravan facility planned

Plans to open a new low-budget camping ground on a spooky Tablelands lagoon have stirred up excitement as the appetite for new destinations hits an all-time peak.

UPDATE: Plans to open a new low-budget camping ground on a spooky Tablelands lagoon have stirred up excitement as the appetite for new destinations hits an all-time peak.

The owners have stated in their development application the campsite would “not be open to caravans or large vehicles such as buses or any campers without fully self-contained conveniences”.

However, there may be some nuances there.

Manuel Hausmann has since backtracked on the application’s words and said caravans would be permitted – but with a catch.

“Caravans will be welcome,” he said.

“But the sites are for only fully self-contained campers.

“No facilities are provided with the exception of rubbish bins.

“The park will operate on a leave it as you found it basis.

“True bush camping!

“More news will appear as the project is finalised.”

The vision has sparked plenty of discussion with Far Northerners taking to the Cairns Post website and social media to have their say.

Cedric Nioteau said the plan sounded perfect.

“It’s the golden rule of all real campers – leave it as you found it,” he said.

“So many cool camping places are closed because people don’t respect that rule!

“It should be ‘international backpackers are not allowed’ as they are the ones who trash the places and don’t care as it’s not their country!”

Other commenters were cautious to praise the proposal over concerns about the toilet situation.

“No provision of toilet facilities (even a few long drops) should make this untenable for approval,” one wrote.

“True bush camping is great however unless you create a specific toilet area and then marked it with a sign showing foul ground when you leave it is technically unfit for reuse for quite some time (health experts would know).

“I haven’t seen anybody tenting who also carry their porta-potty.

“You only have to look around any of the ‘free’ camp sites to see the litter of toilet paper and the stench of excrement and urine to see what some backpacking results in.”

Others thought the site looked “amazing” and could not wait to get out into the wilderness.

EARLIER: Plans have been unveiled for beautiful new low-cost campsite on the Tablelands – but grey nomads will have to leave their caravans at home.

A development application has been lodged to transform a 57.6ha property on Kovacic Rd into camping grounds just nine minutes from the Mareeba CBD.

Only minimal facilities will be provided with guests required to provide their own accommodation, refrigeration and bathroom facilities.

“The proposed camping ground is intended to accommodate a maximum of 74 guests at any one time and will not be open to caravans or large vehicles such as buses or any campers without fully self-contained conveniences,” the application said.

“The intention of the proposed campsite is to provide a low-budget camping ground for travellers such as retirees, backpackers as well as to cater for local residents in the region from families to groups such as Scouts.”

The site itself is something to behold with a makeshift wooden footbridge leading to a billabong island and plenty of room for privacy.

An onsite manager will be established with four camping areas opened and shut as required and depending on the season.

A communal meeting area with campfire and rubbish bins will be built, with vehicle tracks to access each specific camping spot.

“The site will be a low-budget option for local families, backpackers and interstate travellers who desire to spend less money on accommodation and more on local attractions,” the document said.

“The proposed campsite will allow people to afford to stay longer in the local area and therefore increase expenditure in the local economy.

“The local community will also benefit from the provision of an affordable local camp site which is not marketed only for tourists, affording them the option to camp locally with their friends and family.”

Mareeba Shire Council is yet to assess the proposal.

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Originally published as Mareeba camping ground: New no-caravan facility planned