Beautiful Camping Spots in Townsville

From sleeping under the stars surrounded by Wet Tropics rainforest, to family-friendly holiday parks with all the bells and whistles, here’s a round-up of the best camping in Townsville.

Perhaps you want to immerse yourself in the surrounding World Heritage wilderness made up of prehistoric rainforest to tropical islands, are exploring North Queensland in your caravan or motorhome, or simply want affordable camping accommodation to save your money for Townsville’s many adventures.

Whatever the reason, camping options in Townsville are wide and varied, from remote national park sites only reached by four-wheel-drive to glamping with all the creature comforts.

National parks and reserves

1. Lake Paluma, Paluma Range National Park

Lake Paluma (or Paluma Dam) is a popular campsite inside Paluma Range National Park for those coming to enjoy aquatic adventures, such as swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking or to explore the nearby national park. There are 25 campsites, picnic areas, barbecues and fires are allowed.

Features: unpowered sites, toilets, barbecues, picnic shelter, fires allowed

2. Remote bush camping, Bowling Green Bay National Park

Combining coastal and mountain scenery, Bowling Green Bay National Park is located 25 kilometres south of Townsville, stretching from Cleveland Bay to Mount Elliot Range.

Intrepid visitors come here to hike in its remote wildernesses, through rugged bushland and pockets of rainforest to find hidden creeks and waterfalls. If you choose to stay overnight, there are several options for basic bush camping, accessed only by four-wheel drive. Alligator Falls camping area is accessed only on foot; it’s for fit, well-prepared, and experienced walkers only.

Features: four-wheel-drive or foot access only, unpowered sites, fires allowed

Alligator Falls camping area — The remote camping area at Alligator Falls allows for plenty of wildlife spotting. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

3. Big Crystal Creek, Paluma Range National Park

Located in the southern section of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, 70 kilometres north of Townsville, Paluma Range National Park is a tropical wonderland that is popular for bushwalking, bird watching and wild swimming.

Big Crystal Creek is one of the best spots for taking a dip, and conveniently there’s a campsite located on its banks.

The campsite is accessible in a car and has sites that are suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans and motorhomes. It also has toilets, picnic tables and barbecues. Campfires are also allowed, so after a day of bushwalking and swimming in fresh, pristine waterholes, you can snuggle up by a fire under the stars.

Features: unpowered sites, flushing toilets, cold showers, picnic tables, gas barbecues, fires allowed in fire rings

woman swimming in big crystal creek townsville — Cool off in Big Crystal Creek. (Image: TEQ)

Holiday Parks

4. BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Rowes Bay

A short walk from Rowes Bay, one of Townsville’s best beaches ideal for refreshing dips, long walks and playing, Big4 Tasman Holiday Parks Rowes Bay is one of the best-located caravan parks. When not at the beach, you can easily walk or cycle into town along The Strand.

Surrounded by tropical gardens, the caravan park has plenty to do on-site with a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, and a giant chessboard. When it comes to accommodation, the park features cabin and villa accommodation, as well as powered and unpowered sites for camping and caravans.

Features: cabins, powered and unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbecues, amenities, laundries, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, kiosk

Camp Near Rowes Beach — Big4 Tasman Holiday Park is a short walk from Rowes Bay. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

5. Discovery Parks Townsville

Fifteen minutes south of the city centre, Discovery Parks Townsville is a large park that offers a range of accommodations including motel rooms, cabins and powered and unpowered sites.

Most importantly – for parents with kids, that is – this park is kid heaven, keeping the little ones entertained with a bouncing pillow, playground, swimming pool, waterslides and a water park.

Fun aside, the park is packed with conveniences, too, including a camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry, kiosk, and it’s also dog-friendly.

Features: cabins, powered and unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbecues, laundries, kiosk, amenities, dog-friendly, swimming pool, waterpark, playground

Discovery Parks Townsville. — Discovery Parks Townsville is the perfect camping location.

6. Bungalow Bay Koala Village

Magnetic Island is the ultimate day trip from Townsville, however, if you choose to stay overnight, Bungalow Bay Koala Village is an affordable option with budget accommodation and camping in double and twin bungalows, share bungalows and on powered and unpowered sites, within minutes from Horseshoe Bay.

There’s also a tropical-style pool with sun lounges, a bar that is open all day – from coffee to cocktails, a camp kitchen and laundry.

But the best bit? Bungalow Bay boasts its own wildlife park, which is home to koalas, turtles, pythons, wombats, lizards and crocs. There are two tours daily, for guests to get up close and personal with these native animals.

Features: powered and unpowered sites, bungalows, camp kitchen, laundry, amenities, swimming pool, bar/kiosk

Koalas on Magnetic Island — Spot the koalas on Magnetic Island. (Image: Khy Orchard/ Tourism & Events Queensland)

7. Townsville Lakes Holiday Park

A short 10-minute drive from Townsville’s CBD, Townsville Lakes Holiday Park is perched on Curralea Lake and offers units, cabins and bungalows that can fit up to five people, as well as powered sites with ensuites. These large concrete sites are suitable for caravans, camper trailers and tents.

The park is fuss-free featuring barbecue facilities and a camp kitchen, convenient for those nights that you feel like staying in, and a swimming pool for those hot Townsville days. It’s also dog-friendly, so your furry best mate can join you.

Features: cabins, powered sites with ensuites, swimming pool, camp kitchen, barbecues, dog-friendly

aerial of Townsville Lakes Holiday Park — Camp lakeside with your pet. (Image: Facebook/Townsville Lakes Holiday Park)

8. Big4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville

This park is another one that will please all campers, from young to old to furry. Set among tropical gardens, Big4 Ingenia Holidays is a 20-minute drive from Townsville but has everything you need right at your fingertips – that includes essentials such as a camp kitchen and barbecues, a laundry, a convenience store/kiosk and a whole heap of non-essential super fun features.

Big4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville aerial of pool — Dive right into Big4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville.

Think several pools including a toddler pool, a waterpark, waterslides, a playground, trike hire, jumping pillow, beach volleyball, pedal karts, mini golf, bike hire, basketball… the list goes on.

When it comes to rest, you can choose from two- and three-bedroom villas, cabins, and dog-friendly unpowered and powered sites.

Features: cabins, powered and unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry, kiosk, amenities, dog-friendly, swimming pool, waterpark, playground, waterslide, bike hire, mini golf, jumping pillow

Big4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville cabins — Choose from two- and three-bedroom villas or cabins.

Free camping

9. Balgal Beach

Around 45 minutes north of Townsville, Balgal Beach is one of the area’s most beautiful beaches.

There is free camping available here at two campsites, one of tents only and one for RVs, set on the foreshore so you can fall asleep to the sounds of the waves. The RV site has a boat ramp and kiosk, where you can grab some fish and chips, and a playground for little ones to enjoy. Dogs are permitted at both campsites but must remain on leash.

Features: unpowered sites, toilets, barbecues, picnic area, dog-friendly

boat ramp at balgal beach Townsville — Camp at one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. (Image: Rob and Stephanie Levy)

10. Saunders Beach

This beachside RV site at Saunders Beach is located a little more than 30 minutes north of Townsville, equipped with shaded picnic tables, barbecues and a pirate ship playground for kids.

Beach fishing is popular here and the sand is excellent for fossicking shells; it’s also dog-friendly but they must always be on the lead. There’s also the Wulgurukaba Plant Trail nearby, a community trail with interpretive signage to teach visitors about native plants and how they’re traditionally used for food and medicine.

Features: unpowered sites, barbecues, shaded picnic tables, toilets, dog-friendly, playground

Saunders Beach Townsville at sunset — Watch the sunset colours at Saunders Beach. (Image: Rob and Stephanie Levy)

11. Bluewater Park

Close to Saunders Beach, this small campsite is surrounded by tranquil bushland with access to Bluewater Creek. It is suitable for caravans and RVs and has a playground, café, picnic benches and is dog-friendly, however, they must always remain on the lead.

Features: unpowered sites, toilets, picnic tables, playground, café, dog-friendly

Glamping

12. Big4 Townsville Eco Resort

Set on 14 acres of landscaped grounds where wallabies graze, Townsville Eco Resort is a family-owned, eco-conscious property that offers unpowered and powered sites as well as comfortable cabins, just 20 minutes from Townsville. However, it’s the glamping tents that are the real zinger.

These safari-style tents will include queen, king and wheelchair-friendly options, fitted out with modern furnishings and have views over the lilypad-dotted wetland. The property also has a swimming pool, restaurant and café, and is located across the road from Billabong Sanctuary, a native wildlife park.

Features: unpowered and powered sites, cabins, glamping tents, swimming pool, restaurant, café, amenities

pool at Big4 Townsville Eco Resort — Relax in the charming pool. (Image: Roady)

Heading to Townsville soon? If camping isn’t your thing, find out where to stay in and around Townsville for your next adventure.

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

The most beautiful camping spots in Townsville