Mackay’s Free And Low Cost Camping

We have searched all over and found some great Mackay’s Free And Low Cost Camping that is in the beautiful Mackay region.

The Courier Mail has listed their top 5 what do you think? Join up to our group and have your say and help out a fellow camper.

Cape Hillsborough

With its rugged coastline punctuated by rocky pine-covered cliffs plunging down into the sea and mob of seafood-eating kangaroos and wallabies, Cape Hillsborough is one of Queensland’s best-kept tourism secrets.

An even better secret is that you can camp here just metres from the beach for free.

There are picnic tables, toilets and shower blocks and more often than not you’ll have the whole place to yourself.

Wake up at dawn to witness the peculiar sight of kangaroos munching on seaweed along the foreshore and then spend the rest of your time exploring rocky outcrops, tidal pools and bush trails.

As inviting as the water looks, for much of the warmer months it’s off limits to swimmers due to the presence of the highly-toxic irukandji jellyfish, unless you brought an extremely unfashionable lycra stinger suit.

If you’re adventurous or have your own kayak or paddle board, try exploring some of the off-shore islands.

If the solitude gets too much, the Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort is at the other end of the beach where you’ll find a small hotel, cabins and beach houses for rent.

About 45 minutes north of Mackay, this is one of those places you’ll wish you discovered before everyone else.

Ball Bay Beach

Separated from Cape Hillsborough by a spectacular rocky headland, Ball Bay offers a totally different seaside experience.

Proud paperbacks stand sentinel over the beach from the dunes, while red rocks jut out from the sand to make for gorgeous rosy sunsets.

When the sun beats down on a summer’s day, there are shades of Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay with a near-perfect arc of sand stretching for hundreds of metres in either direction.

The headland that defines Cape Hillsborough also acts as a wind block for Ball Bay, creating far more stable and sheltered conditions.

Camping facilities are basic, but when you can stay this close to paradise for free, who’s complaining?

Lake Elphinstone

This is the kind of camp spot you remember from your childhood.

A vast, open lake perfect for splashing around in or exploring by boat and a relaxed campsite with magnificent views whichever way you turn.

There’s a boat ramp to get your vessel into the water or you can just drop from the trees via a good old-fashioned rope swing.

Equally popular with families, backpackers and retirees, this is a place where time can really stand still.

There’s a three-night limit for stays, but judging by the state of some of the camp sites and the chilled-out state of their inhabitants, it seems some people seem to take that as a suggestion only.

Fern Flat

Deep in the rainforest near the misty mountain village of Eungella, this is a prime camping ground for platypus photographers.

One of the best places in the world to view platypuses is just 600 metres away, along a new boardwalk and viewing platform on Broken River.

The village of Eungella itself is five kilometres away for any supply needs while there are a number of other natural attractions to make you linger.

Fern Flat is only 600 metres away from one of the best places in the world to view platypuses.

The Sky Window is a short walk that emerges from the rainforest at a viewing platform that seems to be floating above the clouds.

Or in them, depending on the weather.

Use Fern Flat as your base if you plan on diving with the platypuses at nearby Finch Hatton.

The Diggings

If you like bush camping without the crowds, then The Eungella National Park will deliver with tall trees, a grassy knoll near Broken River and the chance to see platypuses in the wild – all at The Diggings.

This site is only accessible by 4WD (there are a few large rocks, some creek crossings and expect some mud if it’s been raining) and it is perfect for old-school tent camping sans facilities. Camping permits are required and fees apply and a camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

BYO your own milled timber (fires are permitted) and your own fuel stove and fuel.

To book your next holiday and for more information on The Mackay Region, visit Queensland.com/Mackay

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