Camp Eagle Mountain Retreat

🏕️ Camp Eagle Mountain Retreat (Richmond QLD)

🌄 Description & Location

Camp Eagle Mountain Retreat is a community-minded campground located at the corner of Holts and Glendaragh Roads, just 10 km northwest of Mackay off the Bruce Highway. Nestled against bushland, it provides an open, backyard-style setting ideal for school and youth groups, as well as families—perfect for those looking for a relaxed, natural environment close to home.

🏺 History

Operated by a local community group, the site was founded by Phil Hall and is specifically aimed at supporting youth development and outdoor education. Though not formally part of national park systems, it operates with a community-first approach and welcomes group bookings, particularly from educational or youth-focused organisations.

🧰 Facilities and Amenities

• Basic amenities including toilets and showers

• Fully equipped camp kitchen and picnic tables

• Covered area via permanent marquee

• Games amenities: basketball court, table tennis, open play areas

• Large communal fire pit for evenings

• Lighting in communal areas

• Rainforest walking trails winding through the property

• Suitable for day events and overnight stays

🚐 Vehicle Access

• Accessible via a short unsealed road off Holts/Glendaragh intersection

• Suitable for 2WD, vans, camper trailers, and escorted caravan groups

• Flat, open terrain for parking and activity setup

• Seasonal weather may affect minor track maintenance; 2WD still sufficient in dry conditions

🛏 Stay Information

• Site type: Community campground

• Fees: Low‑cost — pricing community‑oriented (details via manager)

• Booking: Essential for group reservations, especially youth/community groups

• Managing authority: Camp Eagle Mountain Retreat Ltd (community-run)

• Maximum stay: Likely limited, but not publicly stated—group bookings recommended

• Pets: Not stated—contact manager to confirm

• Access notes: Informal site entrance, follow on‑site signage; clear group check-in required

• Contact information:

  • Phone: 0488 573 276

  • Email: campeaglemountainretreat@gmail.com

  • Website: accessed through Team App

This is a community-operated venue focused on organised group use—solo bookings may not be accepted. Confirm availability and suitability with Phil Hall.

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• Farleigh Store & Takeaway (~5 km): Casual roadside eatery with meals and fuel.

• Farview Country Tavern & Motel (~6 km): Tavern-style menu and local beverages—great for groups.

🏞 Nearby Campgrounds

• Richmond Lakeview Caravan Park (~5 km): Formal park with powered sites, toilets, showers, and water—better suited to families or mixed-use stays.

🎒 Nearby Attractions

• Rainforest Walks on-site: Easy trails winding through the property, offering exploration and wildlife viewing.

• Mount Pleasant lookout (~3 min drive): Scenic elevated vantage point with views over cane fields and Mackay region.

• Scenic Drive Park (Farleigh): Small picnic area good for a quiet detour.

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Richmond/Farleigh (~5‑8 min drive): Fuel, small grocery/convenience stores, takeaway food.

• Mackay (~15 min drive): Full services—supermarket, hardware, clinic, larger retail, fuel stations.

📝 Reviews Summary

👍 Positives

• Designed for group use—well-suited for camps, retreats, youth groups

• Good range of shared facilities: kitchen, games, shelter, fire pit

• Peaceful bushland ambiance, ideal for education and team-building

• Affordable group rates, run by community-focused team

⚠️ Cautions

• Solo or small-party access may be limited or subject to approval

• No mention of power or potable water—likely need to bring own supplies

• Pet policy unclear—clarify before bringing animals

• Access via unsealed road—watch for ruts in wet weather

• Booking essential—walk-ins unlikely accepted

📡 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• UHF Channels: Road channel 40 / Emergency channel 5

• Mobile Signal: Likely Telstra good; Optus may vary—check on site

• Fuel & Supplies: In Richmond/Farleigh; full service in Mackay

• Medical & Repairs: Mackay facilities available (~15 min away)

• Emergency Services: Dial 000 for fire, ambulance, or police

• Safety Tip: Ideal for organised stays; bring adequate water, power backup, and group supervision ready

📝 Final Note

Camp Eagle Mountain Retreat offers a warm, community-driven experience—especially powerful for groups seeking outdoor skills, team-building, or educational camps without the formality of a commercial site. If you're with a youth organisation or school, it’s a great venue—but if you're an individual or small family seeking a drop-in stay, be sure to check before heading out. This peaceful bush escape, equipped with solid communal infrastructure, shines brightest when hosting a crew ready to gather, learn, and enjoy nature together.