Alligator Falls camping area

🏕️ Alligator Falls Camping Area, Mount Elliot QLD

PAID CAMP

🌄 Description & Location

Nestled deep within the Mount Elliot section of Bowling Green Bay National Park, this remote bush campsite lies approximately 8.5 km in from the Alligator Creek day-use area. The setting is a mix of rainforest and riverine woodland, with the sound of cascading falls and wildlife around every campsite.

🏞️ History

This land is Wulgurukaba and Bindal Country, areas of long-standing traditional use. The access route—via Alligator Creek—was historically used for logging and water catchment before becoming public land. Today, it preserves both cultural and ecological values along a heritage trail.

🧰 Facilities and Amenities

• 🔌 Unpowered walk-in bush camping only

• 🚽 No facilities at site—no toilets or showers

• 🚿 No camping facilities; day-use area has toilets

• 💧 Creek water only—bring your own or treat creek water

• 🔥 Open fires not permitted—use fuel stove only

• 🐾 No pets allowed (national park rules apply)

• 🅿️ No vehicle access—hike required

• 📶 Mobile coverage is poor to nonexistent

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🚶 Foot access only via Alligator Falls Trail

• 🌄 Trek of around 8.5 km one way from Alligator Creek day-use area

• ⚠️ Trail is rugged and includes creek crossings—suitable for experienced, fit hikers

Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• 💰 Fees apply (national park permits required)

• 📅 Booking essential via Queensland National Parks online system

• 🏢 Managed by Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service

• 🏕️ Site type: informal, walk-in bush campsite near falls

• ⏳ Max stay: standard national park limits (approx. 7–14 days)

• 🐾 Pets: Not allowed

• 🚿 Self-contained required—no campsite facilities

• 🚪 Trail open all day; booking tag must be displayed

🍺 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• 🍻 Mutarnee Tavern (~15 km drive)

• 🍺 Rollingstone Hotel (~25 km drive)

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🌿 Alligator Creek Camping Area (~8.5 km away): drive-in, toilets, barbecues

• 🏞️ Cockatoo Creek Campground (~4 km hike): walk-in bush camp

🎣 Nearby Attractions

• 🌄 Alligator Falls: waterfall plunge pools reached via short scramble

• 🥾 Alligator Creek lookout: scenic views on trail

• 🌲 Lush rainforest valley and creek environments with abundant birdlife

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• ⛽ Mutarnee (~15 km): fuel and general store supplies

• 🏥 Townsville (~45 km): full services and medical facilities

📋 Reviews Summary

👍 Positive

• 🌿 Remote, peaceful setting under canopy

• 🏞️ Stunning waterfall and creek access

• 🏕️ Great for experienced hikers after solitude and historic scenery

⚠️ Cautionary

• 🚧 Rugged trail and creek crossings—hike only in fair weather

• 🚫 Totally self-contained—no facilities, shelters, or fire pits

• 📶 No mobile signal—carry emergency gear and let someone know your plan

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• ☎️ Emergency: Dial 000

• 📡 UHF channels: Road = 40, Emergency = 5

• ⛽ Fuel & nearest supplies in Mutarnee (~15 km)

• 🛠️ Mechanical and medical services in Townsville (~45 km)

• 🧭 Bring creek shoes, GPS or map, headlamp, first‑aid & insect repellent

🧭 Final Note

Alligator Falls is a demanding yet highly rewarding bushwalk-camp experience. It suits confident, well-prepared hikers seeking pristine falls, rainforest immersion, and wilderness solitude. Plan carefully: permits, gear, timing and weather matter. The payoff is a wild, scenic night at the base of a hidden waterfall.