Grass Hut Station – Mingela

Grass Hut Station represents an authentic, remote bush camping experience on a historic pastoral property in the rugged North Queensland outback. Located in the locality of Mingela, between the major centres of Townsville and Charters Towers, this is not a formal campground but a genuine working cattle station. A stay here is an opportunity for fully self-reliant travellers to immerse themselves in the vast, untouched landscape that defines this part of Australia, though it must be stressed that prior permission from the station owners is essential. The experience is geared towards the well-prepared camper who values solitude and a true connection to the land. Camping would be in a designated bush area, likely with no facilities, requiring visitors to be completely self-sufficient with their own water, power, and toilet amenities, and to adhere to a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy. The beauty of a station stay like Grass Hut lies in its profound isolation. It’s a chance to witness the raw beauty of the North Queensland bush, observe native wildlife in its natural habitat, and experience the incredible peace and quiet of a remote property. The nights offer a spectacular astronomical display, with the Milky Way brilliantly visible in the dark sky. For those seeking an escape from the crowds and a taste of real station life, Grass Hut Station offers a memorable outback adventure.

Site Information

• Location: Private station property near Mingela, off the Flinders Highway.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained 4WD vehicles, off-road caravans, and camper trailers.
• Road Access: Unsealed private station tracks. 4WD is essential.
• Site Surface: Natural bush ground, dirt, and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Permission from station owners is essential. This is not a public campground.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: By arrangement with station owners.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: None. A satellite communication device is essential.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Check with station owners. Strict fire bans often apply.
• Generator Use: Check with station owners.
• Number of Sites Available: By arrangement.
• Essentials to Bring: Everything. All water, food, fuel, power, toilet, shower, emergency supplies, and recovery gear.
• Pet Friendly: Unlikely due to it being a working cattle station. Check with owners.
• Fishing: Possible in creeks or dams if they hold water.
• Short Walks: Unlimited informal bushwalking on the property (with permission).

Local Amenities

This is an extremely remote location. The nearest town with services is Charters Towers (approx. 65 km west).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Mingela Hotel (approx. 25 km)
  • The Sovereign Tavern, Charters Towers (approx. 65 km)
  • The Enterprise Hotel, Charters Towers (approx. 65 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Mingela Hotel serves meals. Extensive options are available in Charters Towers.
• Local Attractions:
  • The authentic outback station experience itself
  • Venus Gold Battery, Charters Towers
  • Towers Hill Lookout, Charters Towers
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Charters Towers Tourist Park (approx. 65 km)
  • Dalrymple Tourist Van Park (approx. 65 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Reid River Rest Area (24hr, approx. 40 km east)
  • Macrossan Park Camping Area (20hr, donation, approx. 90 km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Charters Towers Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mingela Roadhouse (limited hours). Major service stations are in Charters Towers or Townsville.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available in Mingela or Charters Towers.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

This region has a dry tropical climate, with a distinct wet and dry season. It is known for being hot year-round.