Cardwell Park Rest Area – Cardwell

The Cardwell Park Rest Area is arguably one of the most scenic free camps on the entire Bruce Highway, offering travellers a magnificent waterfront position in the heart of Cardwell. This designated 24-hour rest area provides a large, sealed parking area right on the esplanade, with many spots boasting multi-million-dollar views across the Coral Sea to the majestic, cloud-shrouded Hinchinbrook Island. It is an incredibly popular stop for caravans and motorhomes, not only for its stunning location but also for its convenience. Campers are just a short stroll from the town’s main street, with easy access to pubs, cafes, a supermarket, and the famous Cardwell Jetty, a hotspot for fishing. The park itself is well-equipped for a short stay, featuring a clean toilet block, cold beachside showers, rubbish bins, and covered picnic tables. A lovely walking path runs the length of the foreshore, perfect for a morning or evening stroll to stretch the legs. Due to its popularity, the rest area can become very busy, especially during the peak winter tourist season, so an early arrival is recommended to secure a prime position. The Cardwell Park Rest Area is the perfect stop to resupply, enjoy the spectacular scenery, and explore the natural attractions of the Cassowary Coast.

Site Information

• Location: On the Bruce Highway, on the beachfront in the centre of Cardwell.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicles, including big rigs. Primarily a sealed car park area.
• Road Access: Sealed highway access.
• Site Surface: Bitumen and some adjacent grassed areas.
• Facilities: Toilets, cold outdoor showers, rubbish bins, covered picnic tables.
• Potable Water: Yes, taps are available in the park.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Prohibited due to the central town location and proximity of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area without defined sites, but it is very popular and fills up fast.
• Essentials to Bring: While convenient, it’s best to be as self-sufficient as possible.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, the Cardwell Jetty is a very popular fishing spot.
• Short Walks: Excellent walking path along the entire Cardwell foreshore.

Local Amenities

Being located in the centre of town, all of Cardwell’s amenities are within easy walking distance.

• Local Pubs:
  • Marine Hotel Motel (approx. 500 m)
  • The Pub With No Beer (Taylor’s Beach, short drive)
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous cafes, fish and chip shops, and the local pub are all within walking distance.
• Local Attractions:
  • Cardwell Spa Pool (short drive)
  • Attie Creek Falls
  • Cardwell Forest Drive
  • Hinchinbrook Island Lookout
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cardwell Beachcomber Motel & Tourist Park (approx. 1 km)
  • Cardwell Van Park (approx. 1.5 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Bilyana Free Camp (approx. 30 km south)
  • Tully free camping area (approx. 50 km north)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is located in Cardwell on Gregory Street.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are located within 1 km.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite or at the dump point.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Cardwell is in the heart of the Wet Tropics and has a distinct wet and dry season. Be aware of stingers in the ocean during the warmer months (Oct-May).