Lower Davies Creek camping area – Mareeba

The Lower Davies Creek camping area, situated within the rugged landscape of Dinden National Park, offers a classic Australian bush camping experience. This Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) site is a haven for those looking to connect with nature on the Atherton Tablelands. The campground is nestled alongside the picturesque Davies Creek, which tumbles over giant granite boulders, forming refreshing waterholes and gentle cascades. This natural setting provides a stunning backdrop and fantastic opportunities for swimming, rock-hopping, and photography. The area is characterised by open eucalypt woodland and is home to a variety of birdlife and native animals. Several well-marked walking tracks start near the campground, including the popular Davies Creek Falls circuit, which leads to a spectacular lookout over the waterfall plunging into the valley below. The campground itself is basic, providing a truly off-grid feel. It has a small number of designated, unpowered sites, each with its own fire pit, tucked away amongst the trees. Facilities are limited to composting toilets, reinforcing the need for campers to be largely self-sufficient. Access is via an unsealed road, which can be challenging for conventional vehicles, especially after rain, making it more suited to 4WDs and high-clearance camper trailers. Due to its limited size and popularity, particularly on weekends and school holidays, booking a permit in advance is mandatory through the QPWS website. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet getaway, offering peace and seclusion just a short drive from the main amenities of Mareeba.

Site Information

• Site Suitable For: Tents, off-road camper trailers, and small high-clearance motorhomes. Sites are small.
• Road Access: Unsealed road (Davies Creek Road). 4WD or high-clearance vehicle recommended. Not suitable for large caravans.
• Site Surface: Dirt/gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, a camping permit is required. Must be booked in advance via the QPWS website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Varies, check booking details on the QPWS website.
• Facilities: Composting toilets, fire rings.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own or treat creek water before use.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent.
• TV Reception: Non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (composting).
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fire rings only, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own clean-milled firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: 7 numbered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, insect repellent, first-aid kit, camping permit.
• Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the national park.
• Fishing: Fishing is not encouraged to protect aquatic life.
• Short Walks: Yes, Davies Creek Falls Circuit (1.1km) and other nearby trails.

Local Amenities (in Mareeba, approx. 22 km)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Graham Hotel
  • Ant Hill Hotel
  • Mareeba Leagues Club
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide range of cafes, bakeries, pubs, and major fast-food outlets in Mareeba.
• Local Attractions:
  • Davies Creek Falls Lookout
  • Emerald Creek Falls
  • Mareeba Heritage Museum & Visitor Information Centre
  • Jaques Coffee Plantation
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mareeba Country Caravan Park
  • BIG4 Mareeba Tropical Savanna Caravan Park
• Next Free Camps:
  • Donation Camp Rocky Creek (approx. 40 km south)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mareeba Rodeo Grounds (public dump point).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple major brand stations in Mareeba.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Mareeba Visitor Information Centre (check for availability and fees).
• Public Toilets:
  • Various locations in the town of Mareeba.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Atherton Tablelands enjoys a milder, less humid climate than the coast, with distinct wet and dry seasons.