Francis Creek Rest Area – QLD

Discover the convenience and simplicity of the Francis Creek Rest Area, a popular and practical stop for travelers exploring the magnificent Cassowary Coast in Tropical North Queensland. Situated directly on the Bruce Highway near Helens Hill, this location serves as an ideal waypoint between the larger centers of Ingham and Cardwell. The rest area is a bitumen and gravel clearing nestled beside the creek, offering a peaceful setting despite its highway proximity. While facilities are basic, they provide the necessary comforts for a short stay, allowing you to break up your journey and recharge before continuing your adventure. The surrounding landscape, typical of the region, features lush greenery and the gentle sounds of the adjacent creek, providing a more natural atmosphere than a typical roadside stop. Being a designated rest area, it’s a legal and recognised spot for weary drivers to pull over. Its popularity means you’ll likely be sharing the space with other like-minded travellers, creating a sense of community and security. Remember to arrive earlier in the afternoon, especially during peak tourist season, to secure a suitable spot. Adhering to the NO-Camping stay ensures the area remains available for all to use. This rest stop embodies the spirit of Australian road-tripping, offering a free, no-fuss place to rest under the northern stars.

Site Details

• Location: Located directly off the Bruce Highway at Helens Hill, between Ingham and Cardwell.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and big rigs. Suitable for self-contained vehicles.
• Road Access: Sealed road (Bruce Highway). Easy access for all vehicle types.
• Site Surface: A mix of bitumen, gravel, and grass.
• Camping Permitted: No
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Daytime Use.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes, available for use.
• Potable Water: No, there is no drinking water available. You must bring your own.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Fair for Telstra. Coverage for other carriers may be limited.
• TV Reception: Variable, may require a booster antenna.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, available onsite.
• Open Fires: Not permitted. Use of personal cooking equipment (gas BBQs) is allowed.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of fellow campers and limit use to reasonable hours.

Essentials to Bring

• Drinking water
• Insect repellent (especially for sandflies and mosquitoes)
• Levelling blocks, as some areas may be uneven
• Food and cooking supplies
• First-aid kit

Activities

• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
• Fishing: Possible in Francis Creek, subject to local regulations.
• Short Walks: Casual walks can be taken around the rest area and along the creek bank.

Local Amenities

Pubs

• Halifax Hotel Motel: Approximately 10 km south.
• Lees Hotel, Ingham: Approximately 25 km south.
• Royal Hotel, Ingham: Approximately 25 km south.

Places to Eat

• Halifax Hotel Motel (Pub Meals): Approximately 10 km south.
• Various Cafes and Restaurants in Ingham: Approximately 25 km south.
• Wild Local Seafood, Ingham: Approximately 25 km south.

Local Attractions

• TYTO Wetlands, Ingham: Approximately 25 km south.
• Hinchinbrook Island Lookout, Cardwell: Approximately 45 km north.
• Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park: Approximately 75 km south-west (note: requires significant travel from Ingham).

Nearest Caravan Parks

• Halifax Van Park: Approximately 10 km south.
• Ingham Tourist Park: Approximately 25 km south.
• Cardwell Beachcomber Motel & Tourist Park: Approximately 45 km north.

Next Free Camps

• Rungoo Rest Area: Approximately 25 km north.
• Balgal Beach: Approximately 70 km south.

Nearest Dump Points

• Ingham Showgrounds RV Park: Approximately 25 km south.
• Cardwell Public Dump Point: Approximately 45 km north.

Nearest Petrol Station

• Service stations in Halifax: Approximately 10 km south.
• Multiple major service stations in Ingham: Approximately 25 km south.

Drinking Water Resupply

• Ingham Visitor Information Centre: Approximately 25 km south (check for tap availability).
• Service stations in Halifax or Ingham.

Public Toilets

• Onsite at Francis Creek Rest Area.
• Various locations in Ingham and Cardwell town centres.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Helens Hill, QLD

Located in Tropical North Queensland, the weather at Francis Creek is defined by two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

• Wet Season (November to April): Expect hot, humid conditions with high rainfall. Daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C. This period can bring tropical cyclones and localized flooding, so always check road conditions before travelling.
• Dry Season (May to October): This is the most popular time to visit. The weather is warm and pleasant with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures are typically in the mid-to-high 20s (°C), with cooler evenings.