The Townsville Bulletin picks out 15 of the best camping spots near Townsville
With a month to go until the school holidays, now is a perfect time to start preparing to go camping. Here’s 15 top spots to pitch your tent close to home.
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With a month to go until the school holidays, now is a perfect time to start preparing to go camping.
The weather should have cooled following the change of seasons, making it an ideal time to venture into the great outdoors according to Tentworld manager Fiona Eivers.
She said there was a swag-full of top spots to pitch a tent, whether people wanted a back to basics adventure, family friendly escape or a luxurious glamping experience.
Ms Eivers said plenty of spots offered campers walking trails whereas others were on beachfronts or nearby picturesque creeks.
“It’s beautiful weather up here to camp. There’s some lovely sites with hiking tracks, or spots for families,” she said.
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One of her favourite spots was Hinchinbrook Island, home to the Thorsborne Trail.
She said the island could be accessed by a ferry or charter boat and offered camp sites for a very affordable $6 a night.
To the north of Townsville, Ms Eivers recommended Wallaman Falls, Paluma, Crystal Creek and Jourama Falls while Alligator Creek and Dalrymple Lake were top picks in the south.
Ms Eivers recommended Bivouac Junction near Charters Towers for a family and dog-friendly spot.
KEELBOTTOM CREEK
Keelbottom Creek is about 50 minutes’ drive from Townsville and offers up pristine freshwater to take a deep in but with no toilets or drinking water on site it’s probably not for the glampers among us. It is free though.
THE OASIS
If you need to stay close to home, The Oasis just 17km south of the city provides an easy getaway on a 3.5 acre private property. They offer a range of accommodation options from unpowered sites to flats with prices ranging upwards from $11 a person.
BLACK RIVER STADIUM
Black River Stadium has 50 caravan and campsites up for grabs with private access to a Billabong, Creek and Dam for $36 a night. Only catch is this one’s exclusive to our grey nomads and anyone under 50 isn’t welcome.
ROSE MYRTLE SPRINGS
If you’re looking for something a little more serene and are willing to drive that little bit further than a hobby farm near Ingham might be an option.
Rose Myrtle Springs is nestled on 25 acres of land filled with birdlife. A pit toilet is as far as amenities really adding to the eco-friendly experience.
BALGAL BEACH
Beach camping is rare to find these days but that’s exactly what’s on offer at Balgal Beach. There’s no vehicle access for these sites so you’ll be roughing it in true camping fashion. Flushing toilets are the luxury here but no ones complaining about a free night’s accommodation.
THE BIG BEND
Camping at the Big Bend is a must for those who like to throw a line in and wait for a bite.
The free spot can be accessed by accessed off the Gregory Development Road about 28km North of Charters Towers.
It’s bush camping at it’s best so you’ll need to completely self sufficient to stay here.
ROLLINGSTONE CARAVAN PARK
If you’re chasing the fun of camping but still need your creature comforts than take a look at the Rollingstone Caravan Park.
The beachfront holiday spot has a huge pool to keep the kids entertained, a camp kitchen and is one of very few parks which allow dogs.
Originally published as The Townsville Bulletin picks out 15 of the best camping spots near Townsville