BarraCrab Caravan Park

⛺ BarraCrab Caravan Park (Clairview, QLD)

📍 Description & Location

BarraCrab Caravan Park sits right on the beach at Colonial Drive, offering travellers an easygoing stay between Mackay and Rockhampton. With palm trees, tidal sandflats, and shaded camp spots, this laid-back park is well-loved by anglers and campers alike.

📜 History

Clairview began as a remote coastal outpost and has long attracted fishing enthusiasts. The caravan park became a key hub for nomads travelling the Bruce Highway, merging relaxed hospitality with direct beach access in a town once renowned for saltworks and coastal rail shipping.

🚿 Facilities and Amenities

• Powered and unpowered sites

• Drive-through bays and concrete slabs

• Toilets, hot showers, and laundry

• Camp kitchen

• Beachfront bar and bistro

• Free potable water

• Pet friendly (dogs on leash)

• No dump point on site

🚗 Vehicle Access

• Sealed road, directly off Bruce Highway

• Suited for caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers

• Flat access to all sites

📝 Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Power Sites: Tariff Rate 3 (Tariff Price Chart at bottom of page)

• Unpowered Sites: Tariff Rate 2

• Booking: Recommended, especially for peak season and beachfront sites

• Authority: Privately operated caravan park

• Site Type: Coastal caravan park

• Maximum stay: Not stated

• Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash

• Not required to be self-contained

• Contact: (07) 4956 0190

• Access Notes: Beachfront sites can be exposed to wind and tidal spray

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• On-site bar and bistro: popular for meals, live music, and relaxed evenings

• Nearest town pub options in Carmila or St Lawrence (~30 km)

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• Clairview Boat Ramp Area (~200 m): Informal beachfront camping

• Flaggy Rock Community Centre (~9 km): Shady grounds, pool, low-cost stays

• Brandybottle Campground (~10 km): Bush setting with golf course access

🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Clairview’s tidal flats for crabbing and fishing

• Dugong spotting from beach at high tide

• Walking paths and peaceful shoreline

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Basic groceries and fuel in Clairview

• Bakery and general store at Flaggy Rock

• Full resupply in Sarina or Mackay (north) or Marlborough (south)

⭐ Reviews Summary

Positives:

• Absolute beachfront sites

• Clean amenities and friendly staff

• Bistro and bar a highlight for many

• Great fishing access

Cautions:

• No dump point

• Beachfront sites may be tight for large rigs

• Tidal mudflats exposed at low tide

🆘 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: 000

• Mobile Signal: Generally reliable (Telstra preferred)

• Nearest mechanic: Sarina or Carmila

• Fuel: Available locally in Clairview

• UHF Channels:

  • Road Channel = 40

  • Emergency Only = 5

📝 Final Note

A firm favourite among highway travellers, BarraCrab Caravan Park blends easy coastal camping with practical comforts. It’s ideal for beach lovers and fishing folk looking for a breezy overnight or extended rest. Be sure to catch a sunset drink at the bar—it’s as relaxed as the tides.