Balgal Beach Tents Only

⛺ Balgal Beach – Tents Only Campground, Balgal Beach QLD

📍 Description & Location

Nestled at Justin Street beside Rollingstone Creek, this tents-only beachfront campground offers direct access to the Coral Sea and stunning creek views. Located ~59 km north of Townsville, it’s accessed via Bruce Highway → Balgal Beach Drive → Justin Street.

🏞️ History

Originally part of a pastoral lease dating back to the 1880s, the Balgal Beach area was formally subdivided in the late 1940s. The name “Balgal” derives from an Aboriginal word meaning "stone." The estuary and creek mouth have long attracted beachgoers and anglers.

🔧 Facilities & Amenities

• 🚽 Flushing toilets, including accessible options

• 🚿 Cold outdoor shower

• 💧 Water taps (non-potable—bring or boil your own)

• 🍖 BBQ and picnic settings available

• 🛻 Dump point located onsite or adjacent to toilet block

• 🌳 Shaded by Casuarina trees and close to fishing spots

🚙 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Semi-gravelled access road leads from Justin Street straight to the foreshore

• 🚗 Tents only—no vehicle camping; car parking located nearby

🏕️ Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Type: Tents-only campground on Council-managed reserve

• Cost: Free

• Max Stay: 48 hours, once per week limit strictly enforced

• Booking: Essential via Townsville City Council

• Authority: Townsville City Council

• Self‑containment: Not required

• Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• 🍻 Fishermans Landing Kiosk & Café (onsite): Fish & chips, cold drinks

• 🍺 Rollingstone Hotel (~5 km south): Country-style tavern with meals

• ⛳ Mystic Sands Golf Resort (~2 km south): Bar & restaurant with golf course views

⛺ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🏕️ Balgal Beach Rest Area 2: Similar tent-only site just north of this one

• 🌳 Crystal Creek Caravan Park (~15 km south): Formal park with powered sites, showers, dump point

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• 🎣 Rollingstone Creek & foreshore: Fishing and creek-side walks

• ⛴️ Boat ramp to Palm Island and beyond: Launch point for reef trips

• 🏖️ Stinger-safe swimming net active November–May

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• 🍟 Fishermans Landing Kiosk: Light groceries, meals, drinks onsite

• 🛍️ Rollingstone (~5 km): Service station, general store, café

• 🏥 Townsville (59 km): Supermarkets, fuel, medical services

⭐ Reviews Summary

👍 Positives:

• 🌊 Beachfront location with sandy access and excellent fishing

• 🧽 Clean facilities including toilets, BBQs, and shaded areas

• 🐾 Pet-friendly and relaxed setting

• 🌅 Excellent sunrise views from creekside tents

⚠️ Caution:

• 🕰️ Tents only—no vehicle camping allowed

• 🦟 Mosquitoes and sandflies common—bring repellent

• 📅 Booking and stay limits are strictly enforced

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• 📞 Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance): 000

• ⛽ Fuel: Rollingstone or Townsville

• 📡 Mobile: Fair coverage

• 📻 UHF Channels: Road = 40; Emergency Only = 5

• 🛠️ Mechanical: Rollingstone service station

• 🎒 Tip: Reserve early, bring potable water and insect repellent

📝 Final Note

Balgal Beach’s tents-only campground is a peaceful, well-serviced option for beachside campers seeking a simple, nature-focused stay. With easy access, good amenities, and ocean breezes, it’s a top pick for low-key campers. Just book ahead, arrive early, and enjoy the views.