Bluewater Park Camping Rest Area – Bluewater Free Camp

Bluewater Park is an extremely popular, council-run free camping area located just off the Bruce Highway in Bluewater, approximately 25 kilometres north of Townsville, Queensland. This well-regarded rest area is a favourite among travellers for its excellent facilities, beautiful setting, and convenient location. The campground is set within a spacious, grassy park shaded by large trees, with the picturesque Bluewater Creek running alongside it, offering a serene and pleasant environment. The site is suitable for a range of camping setups, including caravans, motorhomes, and campervans, with a large, open area allowing for flexible parking. As a designated 48-hour rest area, it provides more than just a quick overnight stop. The facilities are a standout feature for a free camp, including a well-maintained toilet and shower block (cold showers), a public dump point, and potable water access, making it self-sufficient for a two-night stay. It also features a children’s playground, a skate park, and a boat ramp for accessing the creek, which is popular for fishing and kayaking. During peak season, the park can become very busy, so arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot. The ground is mostly level grass, which can become soft after heavy rain. Despite its proximity to the highway, the main camping area is set back far enough that road noise is generally not a major issue. Its combination of natural beauty, comprehensive amenities, and prime location makes Bluewater Park a top-tier free camping destination for those exploring the tropical north.

Site Information

• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Campervans.
• Road Access: Sealed highway access.
• Site Surface: Grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, 48-hour limit applies.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, potable water, dump point, playground, skate park, boat ramp.
• Potable Water: Yes.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, considerate use is advised.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area, no defined sites. Can accommodate 50+ vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Supplies can be sourced from nearby towns.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, in Bluewater Creek (check for tidal and crocodile warnings).
• Short Walks: Yes, along the creek and around the park.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Rollingstone Hotel, Rollingstone (approx. 20 km)
  • Toolakea Beach Tavern, Saunders Beach (approx. 10 km)
  • Bushland Beach Tavern, Bushland Beach (approx. 18 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Bluewater Caravan Park & Takeaway (nearby)
  • Frosty Mango, Mutarnee (approx. 35 km)
  • Extensive options in Townsville’s northern suburbs (approx. 20 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Toolakea and Saunders Beaches (approx. 10 km)
  • Paluma Range National Park (approx. 40 km to turn-off)
  • The Strand, Townsville (approx. 30 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bluewater Caravan Park (adjacent)
  • Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort (approx. 20 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Saunders Beach (Donation camp, approx. 10 km)
  • Balgal Beach (Donation camp, approx. 30 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Onsite at Bluewater Park
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Truckstop, Webb (approx. 10 km south)
  • Puma Rollingstone (approx. 20 km north)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Onsite at Bluewater Park
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at Bluewater Park

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The climate is tropical, with a distinct hot and humid wet season and a warm, dry season.