Camping near Balgal Beach with hiking
Pitch your tent on the beachfront or throw a line in the water in tropical north Queensland.
93% (1018 reviews)
- Balgal Beach
93% (1018 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Balgal Beach with hiking
90%
(865)
Crystal Creek
25 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Crystal Creek Campsite is a large camp area with private access to the creek. Large area with plenty of shade. Dog friendly (on a lead). Campers must be self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and take all waste with them. Our current facilities are unable to be regularly cleaned so will be closed to guests.Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking.This is a privately run camp (Operated by Mungulla Station). It is not part of the National Park. Close walk to natural swimming pools which are absolutely picturesque.We offer large shady spots with a few BBQ's, fire pits and amenities. Plenty of fishing and swimming to enjoy.Amenities include hot showers (10 MINS ONLY PLEASE).Access to campsite passes our school so please drive very slowly if your accessing campsite during school hours.Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking.DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPERPlease read all information, rule and directions (provided once you have a confirmed booking) carefully before contacting your host. We have done out best to provide all the information for you so messages should not be required.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(431)
Crystal Ridge
2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Welcome to Crystal Ridge, a peaceful location where you can enjoy peace and privacy.Campers can fish, swim, bird watch or just relax by the water and watch the cows grazing around the property. Nearby you'll find Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park straddles the summit and escarpment of the Paluma Range, rising 1,000m above the Big Crystal Creek floodplain. This is the most southerly national park in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.Located approximately 45 minutes north of Townsville on the Bruce Highway, Mutarnee is a small peaceful hamlet nestled on the banks of beautiful Crystal Creek. At the local caravan park there's a small shop and service station and just a minute down the road you'll find the Crystal Creek boat ramp. There is great bushwalks in the area and place to mountain bike.Any camping set up is welcome to pull up on the flat, grassy site.You are welcome to bring your pet, but please ensure they are kept on a leash and under control.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(88)
The Forts
3 sites · RVs3 acres · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
We are in the perfect location in Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, and your camp spot is located a short walk to the beach, right on the walking tracks, WWII-era forts, and access to exploring more than 36 kilometres of bushwalking trails with plenty of wildlife watching opportunities.
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The Great Barrier Reef, is at our door step so taking to the water is a must— hire a canoe, kayak or jetski and start exploring the wonderlands of spy dugongs and sea turtles or go on a boat cruise, and dive in to snorkel along colourful coral reefs.
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Then there's the action of a buzzy seaside town with cafes and bars and skatepark, tennis courts all within a 5 minutes gentle walk!
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Welcome to The Forts of Magnetic Island, it's truly magic your views are the National Park.
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We offer easy access sites for:
CARAVAN up to 22ft.
ROOF vehicle tent
MOTORHOME up to 22ft.
VAN campervan
Tent- your tent can be pitched on a tucked away haven in the bush surrounded by natural boulders.
* Please be SELF CONTAINED
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Please allow for some slight slope sites, come and enjoy your relaxed bushcamp stay.
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BOOK FERRY CROSSING
Please prepare to "prebook your ferry" if travelling with a vehicle.
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OUR OPENING HOURS
-come to your campsite during the "daytime" please.
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ARRIVE
- between 8am to 4 pm ONLY
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Great bus service on Magnetic Island runs every hour.
Abundance of wildlife, kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburra, superb sunsets and so much more.
Beach✔️
Cafes✔️
Spacious Sites✔️
Walking tracks✔️
The perfect paradise.
Potable water
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
81%
(16)
Pete’s Lookout
6 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Townsville, QLD
Located on the Eastern foothills of Mt Stuart, Pete’s lookout consists of six separate campsites, each with a spectacular view.
The panorama stretches from Cape Bowling Green, through to Castle Hill and Magnetic Island, all the way to Pallaranda and Many Peaks.
Relax in the idealic open Eucalyptus forest as you enjoy the views. You will feel like you are 1000 miles away, but only have a short 25 minute drive from Townsville to get here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$15
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(25)
Hidden Corner Magnetic Island
2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
Magnetic Island
Private fully fenced 751 square metre block of land one kilometre to Horseshoe Bay beachfront.
The perfect base to enjoy all the wonderful activities that Magnetic Island has to offer including swimming, bushwalking, birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Water and very limited electricity is available. There are no bathroom facilities so you need to be self contained. We are one kilometre from the nearest bus stop so you need to have your own transport. Please do not book this property if you do not have your own transport.
As the barge gets very busy, I suggest you book the barge before booking the site. Contact me and I am happy to hold the site for a short time while you make your barge booking.
Pets
Potable water
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(105)
Coothara Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Black River, QLD
Located just outside Townsville, this rural farm setting features lots of wildlife. There is a dam in a shaded paddock next to the camping area. You can hang out with the horses, cows, chickens and many other animals.
The campsite is quiet, peaceful and relaxing. We even have a MH therapy cow, Nemoo! (bring your camera!)
Enjoy a yarn around the campfire (firewood available depending on season) or a swim in the dam!
This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own toilet/shower amenities and can run off grid.
The Townsville region has much to offer. There's a free swimming pool on the esplanade. If you're up for a walk or bike ride the esplanade takes you through the gardens on the water's edge. You can also take a cruise out to Magnetic Island.
Pets on leashes are welcome.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$34
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Hidden Valley Cabins
8 sites · Lodging8 acres · Paluma, QLD
At Hidden Valley Cabins you’ll find three generations of our family, living a simple eco-friendly life and ready to welcome you into our home.
We are passionate about wellness, nature, and the biodiversity around us, and strive to educate our visitors from all over the world.
Off Grid eco retreat, in Australian bushland. The property itself is on 8acres of untouched Australian bushland but surrounded by 55000acres or cattle station, with a River twisting and turning all through the Valley where we sit.
There is a beautiful Gorge 10 mins down the road, countless walking/hiking trails and beautiful waterholes and waterfalls to find and enjoy!
Hidden Valley Cabins offers a range of educational eco-tours including day tours from the resort and all-inclusive tours with meals, accommodation and transfers from Townsville. Explore the local area with a personal guide, adding to the Australian bush experience and cover the unique animals, ecosystems and landscape within the Hidden Valley area.
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Toilets
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Showers
from
AU$179
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(111)
THE BLOCK
9 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Brookhill, QLD
Welcome to The Block
Located just 20Kms from Townsville.
Dump Point on site.
8 sites available to relax in the Bush.
Overnight or long term available.
Enjoy this tucked away location set on a 160 acre property running a few head of Cattle, Horses and a small Mango Farm.
The sites are set in a Bush setting with Iron Bark & Ghost Gums with relaxing Mountain views, then sit back and take in the night sky.
Each site has a wood burner, ideal for camp oven cooking and to sit around at night.
Firewood for sale.
No Drinking water.
All rubbish to be removed.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
90%
(21)
BE Magnetic Island
1 site · RV2 acres · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
BE🌴
WELCOME to Magnetic Island
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Tucked away bordering the National Park is your campsite a quiet oasis.
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Wildlife bouncing, exotic birds chirping, koalas roaming, cute chickens and a spacious tiered entertainment area to totally relax.
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Just a 2second walk to the track to take you on the famous FORTS walk.
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Beaches, sunsets, and incredible views are just moments away from your campsite.
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Plenty of watersports!
Hire ocean kayaks and paddle off the beaten track.
Go on a sailing trip.
Do a Dive Course.
Go on a Fishing trip.
Book a snorkeling tour.
Book a Island Bay exploring experience
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Hire a paddle board from Horseshoe Bay
Hire jet ski
Hire a scooter
Hire a cute car
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Do a Art Class
Yoga Class
Mediation Workshop
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See butterfly, birds, kangaroo, koalas, wallabies, and much more from your camp
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Cafes, bars, shops and bustop just a moment away.
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Don't forget we are a true natural eco STAY
PLEASE bring your own toilet,cooking facilities.
SELF CONTAINED REQUIRED
.
ARRIVE at campsite
Between 8am to 4pm
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Looking forward to seeing YOU 👣
Potable water
from
AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(8)
Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Ingham, QLD
Park alongside Inghams 100 year old fully restored historical Villa. Shower and toilet facilities, power and water provided within.
The property is located 30 seconds off the Bruce Highway.
A great stop for the weary traveller. Overnight or longer if needed. An excellent stop for exploring the region, the Wallerman Falls etc. Close to all town amenities.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)
Magnetic Naturally Island Cabin
1 site · Lodging1 acre · QLD
Our island cabin is purpose built for guests and is fully self contained. Comfortable queen bed, lounge, kitchen, bathroom with a beautiful under cover outdoor shower, fans, air-conditioning and washing machine.
There is a covered deck attached to cabin and a paved area to relax in by outdoor BBQ.
Large outdoor pool for your use, in a shared area with the owners.
The cabin is very private, surrounded by native flora and fauna and growing gardens. The cabin is completely separate to our family home. It is a truely peaceful spot with the beach less than a kilometre away.
Horseshoe Bay is the gateway to many of our beautiful bays and tracks including the famous Forts walk. There are water activities and a life guard patrolled swim area. Several little cafes restaurants and a local pub are also in the bay.
There is a great bus service on the island and nearest bus stop is less than 2 km away. Rental cars are also available at good rates.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
AU$300
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
83%
(3)
Herbert River Valley
10 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Abergowrie, QLD
The serene and beautiful Herbert River awaits your visit to enjoy the breathtaking views the valley offers. Base yourself with us and explore the Yammanie National Park along the Herbert River. Gowerie creek has never stopped running in 60 years fed from the Mountains back towards Cardwell this creek presents beauty in every aspect.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
Camping near Balgal Beach with hiking guide
Overview
Balgal Beach is a popular beach about mid-way between Townsville and Ingham, about 64 kilometres to the north. With a lovely stretch of sand, Balgal is ideal for camping, boating, and swimming, as well as river fishing—boaties can cross to nearby Palm Island or explore Orpheus Island National Park and its three campaign areas. In addition to private Hipcamp and campgrounds in the surrounding area, campers can find free but wildly popular beachfront camping areas run by the local council.
Where to go
Paluma Range National Park
This park offers remote bush camping for the self-sufficient, but there is also the Waterview Creek campground, close to the park entrance about 24 km south of Ingham and 91 km north of Townsville. The 3-km return Jourama Falls Lookout Walk leads through a lovely forest of poplar gum, bloodwood, and Moreton Bay ash trees. Birdwatchers may see the azure kingfisher, satin flycatcher, and northern fantail during the day, plus the southern boobook, large-tailed nightjar and tawny frogmouth by night.
Palm Island Group
For those wishing to explore deeper and head out to the Great Barrier Reef, Balgal Beach provides excellent boat ramp facilities and easy access to the Palm Island Group. There is also a ferry to Palm Island, for those who enjoy hiking or other simple pleasures.
Abergowrie State Forest
Abergowrie State Forest is about 45 km west of Ingham, in the Herbert River Valley. The 1.6-km return Rainforest Walk and the 3-km return Creek Walk take you to Broadwater Creek, a great place to camp in the eucalypt forest. Wildlife includes the vulnerable rufous owl and the endangered and unpredictable southern cassowary—keep your distance! A boardwalk leads to the enormous Broadwater fig tree.
When to go
The cooler months of the year, from April to September, are the best times to visit Balgal Beach, as summer daytime temperatures can hit 35°C and higher. Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be cool. Cyclones can occur between November and April.
Know before you go
- From November to May, always swim within the “stinger” enclosures off the beach. These are designed to protect swimmers from harmful marine jellyfish.
- If you are lucky enough to see cassowaries, keep your distance. These giant flightless “dinosaur” birds can deliver lethal blows with their razor-sharp talons.
- Balgal Beach has a general store and café. Otherwise, Townsville has excellent facilities for stocking up before you go camping, plus all standard town services like a post office, pharmacy, visitor information centre, bank, and car hire companies.
- Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forests, and reserves—these must be booked online and paid for in advance of arrival. Make camping bookings as early as possible.
Top cities near Balgal Beach
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.