Stanage Bay Camping Area – Stanage

Stanage Bay, often simply called ‘Stanage’, is a legendary destination for serious anglers and adventurous campers seeking a remote coastal escape. Located at the end of a long, primarily unsealed road north-east of Rockhampton, reaching this rugged fishing village is part of the adventure. The main camping area is a council-run facility that provides a basic, no-frills base camp right on the edge of the Coral Sea. This is not a luxury destination; it’s a place for the self-sufficient camper who values world-class fishing and crabbing above all else. The campground offers unpowered sites on a mix of sand and dirt, with stunning views out towards the Duke Islands. The main drawcard is the access it provides to the incredible Thirsty Sound, a marine wonderland renowned for its huge tidal range, monster mud crabs, and fantastic fishing for species like Fingermark, Barramundi, and Coral Trout. A robust boat is almost essential to make the most of the area, with several boat ramps available. The township itself is tiny, consisting mainly of the iconic Stanage Bay Hotel and a small store. Campers must be almost completely self-reliant, bringing in all their own water, food, and fuel. The experience is about disconnecting, battling the elements (including the notorious sandflies), and enjoying the simple, rugged beauty of a truly wild piece of the Capricorn Coast.

Site Information

• Location: Remote coastal fishing settlement at the northern end of the Capricorn Coast.
• Site Suitable For: Self-sufficient campers with tents, off-road camper trailers, and off-road caravans.
• Road Access: Approx. 90km of unsealed road which can be rough, corrugated, and impassable after rain. High clearance 4WD is strongly recommended.
• Site Surface: Sand and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, a permit must be obtained from the Livingstone Shire Council or onsite caretaker. Fees apply.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the council at time of booking.
• Facilities: Basic public toilets. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. A satellite phone or PLB is highly recommended.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Bins are available, but visitors are strongly encouraged to take all rubbish out with them.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated areas, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
• Number of Sites Available: Open area without defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All food, drinking water, fuel, recovery gear, comprehensive first-aid kit, and potent insect repellent for midges and sandflies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: World-class. The primary reason for visiting. Excellent for mud crabs as well.
• Short Walks: Beachcombing and walking around the headlands.

Local Amenities

The town of Stanage is extremely small and services are very limited.

• Local Pubs:
  • Stanage Bay Hotel (The Plumtree Store) – The one and only.
• Places to Eat:
  • The Stanage Bay Hotel offers meals.
• Local Attractions:
  • Thirsty Sound
  • Endeavour Park
  • Fishing and crabbing charters
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • This is the main camping area. The nearest commercial parks are in Yeppoon or Rockhampton (over 170 km away).
• Next Free Camps:
  • Limited rest areas on the Bruce Highway, a significant distance away.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A dump point is available in the township.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Basic fuel (diesel and ULP) is available at the Stanage Bay Hotel at a high price. Fill up all tanks and jerry cans in Rockhampton.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Not available. You must bring sufficient water for your entire stay.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Stanage Bay has a tropical climate. The access road condition is highly dependent on weather, especially in the wet season.