Rockhampton Water Ski club, Alton Downs QLD
For a fantastic riverside getaway that perfectly combines action-packed water sports with peaceful, spacious camping, the Rockhampton Water Ski Club is a premier destination in Central Queensland. Located in the quiet rural setting of Alton Downs, just a short drive from Rockhampton, this club offers a unique holiday experience right on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River. It’s a haven for boating families, water ski enthusiasts, and anyone who loves being on or near the water. The club grounds are expansive, with acres of lush, green, and mostly level lawn providing an incredible amount of space for caravans, motorhomes, and tents. This means you can find your own perfect spot, whether you want to be right on the water’s edge or further back under the shade of a tree.
The heart and soul of the club is, of course, the water. With a private boat ramp on-site, guests have direct access to a fantastic stretch of the Fitzroy River, which is renowned for its smooth water conditions, making it ideal for water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. It’s a vibrant and friendly hub on weekends, with the buzz of ski boats and families enjoying the water creating an exciting atmosphere. However, it also offers incredible tranquillity, especially mid-week or for those who prefer kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing. The river is a healthy ecosystem, offering the chance to catch Barramundi and other species.
The club is highly regarded for its excellent facilities, which are a step above many private campgrounds. Clean amenity blocks with hot showers, a well-equipped camp kitchen, and powered sites make for a very comfortable stay. The park is also notably pet-friendly, allowing the whole family to join in the fun. Evenings are often spent around a campfire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures under the vast Central Queensland sky. It’s a true community, welcoming both club members and the general public to share in their slice of riverside paradise.
Site Information
- Location: Riverside setting on the Fitzroy River in Alton Downs, west of Rockhampton.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed road to the property, with a good gravel internal road.
- Site Surface: Expansive, level grass areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings are often made via platforms like Hipcamp or by contacting the club.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please check with the club when booking.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, extensive unpowered camping areas.
Facilities
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, camp kitchen, BBQs, private boat ramp.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
- Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good, Telstra has the most reliable coverage.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, for guests.
- Ullage: No dump point on site. Nearest is in Rockhampton.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Yes, campfires are generally permitted in designated pits or your own fire pit, subject to fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers and adhere to club rules on timing.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Ski boat, water sports gear, fishing rods, kayaks, firewood, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a pet-friendly campground. Conditions apply.
- Fishing: Good fishing in the Fitzroy River for species like Barramundi and King Threadfin.
- Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the large, scenic property.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Alton Downs Polo Cross Club (check for opening times)
- Red Lion Hotel, Rockhampton (approx. 15 km)
- The Gracemere Hotel (approx. 18 km)
- Places to Eat: Full range of supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants in Rockhampton (approx. 15-20 km).
- Local Attractions:
- Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo (approx. 20 km)
- Capricorn Caves (approx. 40 km)
- Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park (approx. 25 km)
- Great Keppel Island (ferry from Yeppoon, approx. 60 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Multiple major caravan parks in Rockhampton (e.g., Discovery Parks, BIG4) (approx. 15-20 km)
- Next Free Camps: Yaamba Rest Area (north of Rockhampton), Gogango Rest Area (west of Rockhampton).
- Nearest Dump Points: Rockhampton Showgrounds (public dump point).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Gracemere (approx. 18 km) or various options in West Rockhampton (approx. 15 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and humid with a high chance of rainfall and thunderstorms, often in the afternoon. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A very pleasant time of year. Days are warm and sunny with lower humidity. Temperatures average 18°C to 29°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The peak season, with mild, dry, and sunny days and cool nights. Ideal weather for all activities. Temperatures range from 10°C to 24°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming temperatures and generally clear skies before the summer humidity arrives. Temperatures average 16°C to 30°C.