St Helens Gardens Tourist Park, Calen QLD
Escape the crowds and discover a hidden oasis at St Helens Gardens Tourist Park, a beautiful and tranquil park nestled just off the Bruce Highway in the small sugar-cane town of Calen. This park is a true gem, beloved by travellers for its lush, tropical gardens, immaculate presentation, and wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. It offers a refreshing and relaxing alternative to the busier coastal hubs, while still serving as the perfect gateway to the spectacular natural wonders of the Hibiscus Coast. The park is set on acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, with spacious, shady, and grassy sites that provide a serene setting for caravans, motorhomes, and campers.
The park prides itself on its pristine facilities and friendly, welcoming hospitality. A major highlight is the sparkling saltwater pool, set amidst the gardens, which provides a perfect way to cool off after a day of exploring. The amenities are consistently praised for their cleanliness, and the park offers both powered and unpowered sites to suit all needs. It’s a very pet-friendly park, making it an ideal stop for those travelling with their furry companions. The quiet country setting, combined with the chorus of native birdlife that calls the gardens home, creates a truly restorative environment where you can unwind and recharge.
St Helens Gardens’ strategic location is one of its greatest assets. It is the closest tourist park to the breathtaking Cape Hillsborough National Park, famous for its iconic sunrise spectacle of wallabies and kangaroos on the beach. A short, scenic drive will also take you to the beautiful St Helens Beach, a hotspot for fishing and crabbing, and the charming seaside village of Seaforth. For travellers seeking a quiet, comfortable, and beautifully maintained base to explore one of Queensland’s most stunning coastal regions, St Helens Gardens Tourist Park is an exceptional choice.
Site Information
- Location: In a quiet, garden setting in the town of Calen, just off the Bruce Highway.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Spacious and level grass sites.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites are available.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please check with management.
- Drive Through: Yes, some drive-through sites may be available.
- Number of Powered Sites: Available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Available.
Facilities
- Facilities: Clean amenity block with hot showers, laundry, saltwater swimming pool, camp kitchen, BBQs, dump point.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good, Telstra provides the most reliable service.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, for guests.
- Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available on site.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Check with management for specific rules.
- Generator Use: Permitted in designated hours; please confirm with management.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Camera for Cape Hillsborough, fishing gear for St Helens Beach, insect repellent, swimming costume.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a pet-friendly park. Conditions apply.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing and crabbing at nearby St Helens Beach and other local estuaries.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the park’s extensive gardens.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Calen Hotel (approx. 1 km)
- Seaforth Bowls Club (approx. 20 km)
- The Leap Hotel (approx. 35 km)
- Places to Eat: Calen Hotel offers pub meals. A wider range of options is available in Seaforth or Mackay.
- Local Attractions:
- Cape Hillsborough National Park (wallabies on the beach) (approx. 25 km)
- St Helens Beach (great for fishing & crabbing) (approx. 15 km)
- Seaforth & Finlayson Point (approx. 20 km)
- Eungella National Park (platypus viewing) (approx. 80 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Seaforth Holiday Units and Van Park (approx. 20 km)
- Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park (approx. 25 km)
- Next Free Camps: Kuttabul Hotel (pub camp), BP Roadhouse North of Mackay (rest area).
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Calen.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- The Dry Season (Apr – Oct): The best time to visit. Days are warm and sunny with low humidity, and nights are mild to cool. Perfect weather for hiking and exploring. Temperatures average 15°C to 28°C.
- The Wet Season (Nov – Mar): Hot and humid with a high chance of heavy rainfall and tropical storms. The landscape is incredibly green and lush. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C.