The Leap Campground – The Leap

The Leap Campground offers a convenient and budget-friendly stopover for travellers exploring the Mackay region, located directly behind the historic The Leap Hotel on the Bruce Highway. This informal camping area is essentially the hotel’s backyard, providing a large, relatively flat grassy area suitable for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and campervans. While it’s not a luxury resort, its appeal lies in its simplicity, affordability, and the convenience of having a classic Aussie pub right on your doorstep. Camping is typically offered free or for a very low cost to patrons of the hotel, making it a popular choice for those looking for a good meal and a safe place to park for the night. The facilities are basic, with access to toilets usually available during the hotel’s operating hours. There are no showers, power, or dump points, so travellers must be self-sufficient. The location is steeped in local history, with the nearby mountain being the site of a tragic Aboriginal legend from which the area gets its name. For a no-frills, practical, and welcoming overnight rest stop with the bonus of a cold beer and a hearty meal just steps away, The Leap Campground is an excellent option for the budget-conscious traveller.

Site Information

• Location: Behind The Leap Hotel, directly on the Bruce Highway.
• Site Suitable For: Best for self-contained vehicles. Tents may be permitted at management’s discretion.
• Road Access: Sealed road.
• Site Surface: Grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost or free for hotel patrons. Check with publican upon arrival.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally 24-48 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets available inside the hotel during opening hours. No showers.
• Potable Water: No dedicated tap for filling tanks. Best to bring your own.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, within the hotel.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of hotel guests and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area, not marked.
• Essentials to Bring: Levelling blocks, as the ground can be uneven.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, typically permitted in the campground on a leash. Check with management.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: A walking track to The Leap lookout is nearby.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Leap Hotel (onsite).
• Places to Eat:
  • The Leap Hotel (onsite).
  • Further options in Mackay (approx. 20 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The Leap Lookout and historical site.
  • Mackay’s Northern Beaches (approx. 15 km).
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • St Helens Gardens Caravan Park (approx. 7 km)
  • Andergrove Van Park (approx. 15 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Not many official free camps nearby. This is a primary low-cost option.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mackay Showgrounds (public dump point, approx. 22 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Several options at the Northern Beaches turnoff (approx. 10 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Mackay Regional Council provides water filling stations in Mackay.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite (during hotel hours).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Leap experiences a tropical climate, typical of the Mackay region.