Ball Bay Campground – Ball Bay

Ball Bay Campground offers a quintessential quiet coastal camping experience just north of Mackay, nestled in a secluded bay close to the renowned Cape Hillsborough National Park. This council-run campground is prized for its tranquil atmosphere and natural setting, providing a more rustic alternative to the larger nearby reserves. The campground features a limited number of unpowered, grassy sites set just metres from the sandy beach, shaded by mature coastal trees. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. While the facilities are more basic than a commercial caravan park, they are clean and well-maintained, including a toilet block and cold beach showers. There is no dump point or potable water for filling tanks on-site, so campers must be self-sufficient in that regard. The beach at Ball Bay is perfect for long walks, beach fishing, and launching a small boat or kayak. Its proximity to Cape Hillsborough makes it an excellent base for exploring the national park and seeing the famous wallabies on the beach at sunrise. Ball Bay is particularly popular with dog owners, as it is one of the few dog-friendly beach campgrounds in the region. Bookings are essential as sites are limited and sought after.

Site Information

• Location: Absolute beachfront in the quiet hamlet of Ball Bay.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, small to medium caravans. Access may be tight for very large rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road.
• Site Surface: Grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, paid unpowered sites only. Bookings are essential.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Maximum 7 nights.
• Facilities: Toilets, cold beach showers, wood-fired BBQs (BYO wood).
• Potable Water: No, bring your own drinking water. Not suitable for filling tanks.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited to patchy, best with Telstra.
• TV Reception: Poor to none.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted only in designated wood BBQs.
• Generator Use: Prohibited.
• Number of Sites Available: Approximately 14 unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, insect repellent, firewood, recovery gear for beach driving if applicable.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very popular dog-friendly campground. Pets must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Good from the beach, especially at high tide.
• Short Walks: Along the beach and to nearby headlands.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Seaforth Bowls Club (offers bar facilities, approx. 10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Seaforth Bowls Club (approx. 10 km)
  • Seaforth General Store & Takeaway (approx. 10 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Cape Hillsborough National Park (approx. 7 km)
  • Wedge Island (accessible at low tide, approx. 7 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Seaforth Camping Reserve (approx. 10 km)
  • Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park (approx. 7 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • St Helens Beach (informal camping, check local signage, approx. 35 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Seaforth Camping Reserve (for registered guests, approx. 10 km)
  • Caltex Proserpine (approx. 90 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Seaforth (limited hours, approx. 10 km). More options at Mount Ossa or in Mackay.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Seaforth Camping Reserve (for registered guests, approx. 10 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Ball Bay enjoys a tropical climate, characterised by hot, wet summers and warm, dry winters.