Rifle Creek Rest Area – Mount Molloy

Rifle Creek Rest Area is one of Tropical North Queensland’s most popular and highly-regarded campgrounds, offering travellers an exceptional low-cost base just outside the historic township of Mount Molloy. Operating on a donation basis, this council-maintained facility provides a huge, grassy expanse next to the charming Rifle Creek, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing stay of up to 72 hours. The park is renowned for its excellent facilities, which are a significant step up from a typical free camp, featuring a well-kept block with flushing toilets and coin-operated hot showers, a dump point, and potable water. Its spacious, open layout can easily accommodate all types of vehicles, from the largest motorhomes and fifth-wheelers to campervans and tents, without feeling crowded. The location is a major drawcard; it’s strategically positioned at the northern edge of the Atherton Tablelands and at the bottom of the scenic Rex Range, which leads down to the coastal hubs of Mossman and Port Douglas. This makes it an ideal, central point for exploring the diverse attractions of the region, from the waterfalls of the Tablelands to the rainforests and reefs of the coast. The local community in Mount Molloy takes great pride in this facility, and its popularity is a testament to their welcoming spirit.

Site Information

• Location: Just on the northern edge of Mount Molloy township, on the Mulligan Highway.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the entrance.
• Site Surface: Large, flat, grassy area.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, donation-based camping with a 72-hour maximum stay.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 72 hours (3 nights).
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, coin-operated hot showers, dump point, rubbish bins, picnic tables.
• Potable Water: Yes, a tap for drinking water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, can be patchy for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding hours and distance from other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large open area without defined sites. Can get very busy.
• Essentials to Bring: Coins for showers and a donation to support the facility.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Minor freshwater fishing in the creek is possible.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the creek and into the town of Mount Molloy.

Local Amenities

Most amenities are in Mount Molloy, with major supermarkets and services in Mareeba or Mossman.

• Local Pubs:
  • National Hotel Mount Molloy (approx. 1 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The National Hotel and a local cafe/roadhouse in Mount Molloy.
• Local Attractions:
  • Historic town of Mount Molloy
  • Rex Lookout (scenic drive towards the coast, approx. 25 km)
  • Mossman Gorge (approx. 45 km)
  • Port Douglas (approx. 55 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mt Molloy Motel & Van Park (approx. 1 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Donation Camp Rocky Creek, Walkamin (approx. 45 km south)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A dump point is available onsite.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Mount Molloy.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Mount Molloy is on the northern edge of the Atherton Tablelands, experiencing a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, but cooler nights than the coast.