16 Free Camps You Need To Know About In Townsville & Cassowary Coast Area

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.

1. 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.

Where: Babinda, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 72 hours
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located off Boulders Road, 1 hour south of Cairns.

Image: Instagram (@katiepurling)

2. 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.

Where: Japoonvale, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located on Silkwood-Japoon Road, near Tully, 2 hours south of Cairns.

Image: Instagram (@sarah__hill__)

3. 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.

Where: Tully, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located in Tully, near the Tully Showgrounds.

Image: Instagram (@kristaalto)

4. 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.

Where: Bilyana, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located on Bruce Highway, between Tully and Cardwell.

Image: Instagram (@dan_wizrd)

5. 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.

Where: Halifax, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Macrossan Street in Halifax, near Ingham.

Image: Instagram (@jarryd_lavery)

6. 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.

Where: Crystal Creek, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (in designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located off Barrett Road, 45 minutes north of Townsville.

Image: Instagram (@queensland)

7. 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.

Where: Rollingstone, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Bruce Highway, 1 hour north of Townsville.

Image: Instagram (@lillieontheroad)

8. 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.

Where: Rollingstone, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Rollingstone Creek, off Bruce Highway.

Image: Instagram (@runmike49)

9. 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!

Where: Toomulla Beach, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located off Toomulla Beach Road, 40 minutes north of Townsville.

Image: Instagram (@tantistravelaustralia)

10. 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.

Where: Bluewater, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (in designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Bluewater Station Road, 30 minutes north of Townsville.

Image: Instagram (@jonostreich)

11. 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.

Where: Saunders Beach, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Accessible via Saunders Beach Road, 30 minutes north of Townsville.

Image: Instagram (@townsvillenorthqueensland)

12. 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.

Where: Idalia, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Bruce Highway, in Idalia, Townsville.

Image: FKG Group

13. 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.

Where: Balgal Beach, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Balgal Beach Road, 1 hour north of Townsville.

Image: Instagram (@queensland)

14. 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.

Where: Fanning River, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Fanning River Road, west of Townsville.

Image: Instagram (@djsphotographyaus)

15. 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.

Where: Charters Towers, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Flinders Highway, 20 minutes east of Charters Towers.

Image: Instagram (@wilyowie)

16. 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.

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

Image: Instagram (@photos_by_nioka)