Balgal Beach Campground – Balgal Beach Camping

Balgal Beach Campground is a highly sought-after, council-run campground located in the relaxed coastal village of Balgal Beach, about 50 kilometres north of Townsville, Queensland. Operating on a donation basis, this campsite is celebrated for its direct beach access, excellent facilities, and family-friendly vibe. The campground is situated in a designated park area adjacent to a long, sandy beach, offering picturesque ocean views and a refreshing sea breeze. It’s an ideal spot for fully self-contained vehicles like caravans, motorhomes, and large campervans, with a designated grassy area for parking. A 48-hour maximum stay is in place to allow for fair use, especially during the busy winter tourist season when the camp often reaches capacity. Key attractions include fantastic beach fishing, boating from the nearby ramp, and safe swimming in the patrolled, stinger-netted enclosure during the summer months. The facilities provided are impressive for a donation camp, featuring clean toilet blocks, cold-water beach showers, covered picnic areas with barbecues, and a children’s playground. These amenities make it a comfortable and convenient place for a short coastal getaway. Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to arrive early in the day to secure a spot. The local community takes pride in this facility, and campers are encouraged to leave a donation in the provided box to contribute to its maintenance. With its blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and great amenities, Balgal Beach Campground provides a perfect setting for travellers wanting to experience the best of North Queensland’s coastline.

Site Information

• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained caravans, motorhomes, campervans.
• Road Access: Sealed road.
• Site Surface: Grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, donation-based. 48-hour limit applies.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, rubbish bins, BBQ’s, picnic tables, playground, boat ramp.
• Potable Water: Yes, taps available in the park.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, can be weaker for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, considerate use is advised (check for time restrictions).
• Number of Sites Available: Undefined, large open area that can accommodate 20+ vans.
• Essentials to Bring: Insect repellent, basic supplies. Limited local store.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: Excellent beach and boat fishing.
• Short Walks: Yes, along the beach and Esplanade.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Mystic Sands Golf & Country Club (approx. 2 km)
  • Rollingstone Hotel, Rollingstone (approx. 10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Balgal Beach Takeaway & Cafe (local fish and chips, approx. 1 km)
  • Mystic Sands Golf & Country Club (approx. 2 km)
  • Rollingstone Hotel (approx. 10 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Paluma Range National Park (approx. 20 km to turn-off)
  • Jourama Falls (approx. 35 km)
  • Frosty Mango, Mutarnee (approx. 15 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Balgal Beach Holiday Park (approx. 1 km)
  • Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort (approx. 10 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Toomulla Campsite (Donation camp, approx. 20 km)
  • Bluewater Park (48-hour limit, approx. 25 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bluewater Park (approx. 25 km)
  • BP Service Centre, Yabulu (approx. 40 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Puma Rollingstone (approx. 10 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Onsite at Balgal Beach
  • Bluewater Park (approx. 25 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at Balgal Beach

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The climate is tropical, characterized by a hot, humid wet season and a warm, dry season.