16 Free Camps You Need To Know About In Mackay & Whitsundays

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.

1. 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.

Where: Proserpine, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located in Proserpine, easily accessible via the Bruce Highway.

Image: Instagram (@tobyandtamar)

2. 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.

Where: Proserpine, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (in designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Accessible via Peter Faust Dam Road, 30 minutes from Proserpine.

Image: Instagram (@belindaj_85)

3. 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.

Where: Collinsville, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Garrick Street, Collinsville.

Image: Instagram (@cozs_cruiser)

4. 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.

Where: Bowen River, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located via Bowen Developmental Road, 1 hour from Collinsville.

Image: Instagram (@_jst_joshin)

5. 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.

Where: Glenden, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (in designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Accessible via Suttor Developmental Road, 2 hours west of Mackay.

Image: Instagram (@biglapbible)

6. 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.

Where: Nebo, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located via Nebo, 3 hours west of Mackay.

Image: Instagram (@onedayweshould)

7. 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.

Where: Bloomsbury, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Bruce Highway in Bloomsbury, 1 hour north of Mackay.

Image: Instagram (@keuleonroad)

8. 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.

Where: Belmunda, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located near Mackay, via Belmunda Road.

Image: Instagram (@lotusflower129)

9. 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.

Where: The Leap, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (in designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located on Bruce Highway, 20 minutes north of Mackay.

Image: Instagram (@the_salmon_fish)

10. 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.

Where: Kuttabul, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located on Bruce Highway, 30 minutes north of Mackay.

Image: Instagram (@bluerivericeandwater)

11. 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.

Where: Gargett, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (in designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located via Mackay-Eungella Road, 1 hour west of Mackay.

Image: Instagram (@visitmackayisaac)

12. 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.

Where: Mackay, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Mackay, via Peak Downs Highway.

13. 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.

Where: Eton, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located on Peak Downs Highway, 30 minutes from Mackay.

Image: Instagram (@grabbo147)

14. 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.

Where: Ilbilbie, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Bruce Highway, 1 hour south of Mackay.

Image: Instagram (@matthewlandesmann)

15. 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.

Where: Sarina Range, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located near Sarina Range, 1 hour south of Mackay.

Image: Instagram (@helinatoivanen)

16. 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.

Where: Wunjunga, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Bruce Highway, 30 minutes south of Home Hill.

Image: Instagram (@ryno.79)