Camping near Cardwell
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Camping near Cardwell guide
Overview
The Northern Queensland town of Cardwell is in a convenient location on the coastal Great Green Way driving route that connects Townsville and Cairns, and on the Cassowary Coast. It’s also the gateway to Australia’s largest national park, Hinchinbrook Island, as well as the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef and the wet tropics world heritage area. In short, there’s a lot to see and do around little Cardwell. Campers in Cardwell can choose between well-equipped coastal holiday parks in the town, as well as wilder campsites in the many national parks and forests in the wider area, including offshore Hinchinbrook Island. While Cardwell itself isn’t a beach destination–its foreshore is muddy and infested with crocodiles—the beaches of Hinchinbrook are spectacular.
Where to go
Hinchinbrook Island
Australia’s largest national park, Hinchinbrook Island can be accessed by boat from Cardwell, either private vessels or water shuttles that take people to and from the Thorsborne Trail. Campers on Hinchinbrook can choose between coastal and forest sites, but all are accessible only by boat or kayak and are suitable only for tent camping. Most are very basic and do not offer any facilities, while a few have toilets and picnic tables. Camping permits are required, and there are fees.
Girringun National Park
Inland from Cardwell, Girringun National Park has some incredible waterfalls that are worth going out of your way to see, particularly Wallaman Falls and Blencoe Falls. It’s also a great bird-watching spot, with seasonal waterholes and lagoons. Campers can choose from six different campsites within the park, a couple of which are hike-in only while others are suitable for caravans and camper trailers as well as tents.
Townsville
Northern Queensland’s largest city, Townsville is about two hours’ drive south of Cardwell. There are many places to camp around Townsville, whether you’re in a tent or a camping vehicle. Lake Paluma is a popular camping spot among UNESCO-listed wet tropics forests. Offshore Magnetic Island is a popular day and over trip destination from Townsville and although there’s only one actual campsite here, you can find plenty of upmarket cabin, glamping, and lodge accommodation.
When to go
Unlike much of the rest of Australia, tropical Northern Queensland experiences two main seasons—the wet and the dry—rather than four. The wet season is the hottest, and while it’s not necessarily a bad time to visit, you should expect high humidity and for some natural areas to be inaccessible due to the weather, including flooding. The dry season coincides with winter in southern parts of Australia so it’s a popular time to visit to escape the cold, and weather conditions are ideal for camping and outdoor activities.