Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park

🏕️ Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park, Cape Hillsborough QLD

🌄 Description & Location

A lush beachside oasis where tropical rainforest meets ocean—this park hugs the sand at Casuarina Bay, within Cape Hillsborough National Park. You’ll wake at dawn to kangaroos and wallabies grazing on the shoreline as the sun pops above the horizon. Inland, verdant hills beckon with scenic walking trails offering wildlife spotting and coastal views. The vibe is relaxed, nature-focused, and ideal for families or solo explorers.

🏛️ History

Part of Cape Hillsborough National Park (established 1985), the land is volcanic in origin and carries deep Indigenous significance to the Yuibera people. The headland was named in 1770 by Captain James Cook after Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough. The park was formally added to the protected estate in the mid-1980s, with further expansions later, reflecting its ecological and cultural value. The area also holds remnants of early settler activity, including old track lines and fishing haunts.

✅ Facilities and Amenities

• Absolute beach frontage and direct beach access

• 23 m swimming pool with twin water slides

• Spacious camp kitchen with hot water, fridge, microwave, cooktop, kettles, and toasters

• Free BBQ areas and shaded picnic spots

• Three amenities blocks with hot showers and flush toilets

• On-site kiosk selling bait, ice, snacks, frozen meals, and souvenirs

• Laundry with washers and dryers

• Mini-golf, table tennis, TV/reading room, and weekend outdoor movie nights

• Free Wi‑Fi in communal areas

• Dump point accessible to all campers

🚐 Vehicle Access

• Sealed access via Seaforth/Yakapari Road—suitable for all vehicles

• From the north, one route includes 7 km of regularly graded unsealed road; alternate sealed access via Kuttabul turn-off

• Ample flat, caravan-friendly parking with good maneuverability

🏕 Stay Information

• Site type: Formal caravan and camping park in national park

• Powered Sites: Tariff Rate 5

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

• Booking: Recommended; essential during peak and holiday periods

• Managing Authority: NRMA Parks & Resorts, within Cape Hillsborough National Park

• Maximum Stay: Not publicly specified

• Pets: Not allowed

• Access: Reception open 8 am–6 pm (hours may vary); gate locked after hours with no late entry

• Contact Information: Phone (07) 4959 0152

• This is a semi-formal campsite and some detail may not be entirely accurate due to changes over time by the operator. Contact NRMA Parks & Resorts for clarity on detail/s that could be an issue for you.

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• Hibiscus Motel & Tavern, Seaforth (~15 min drive): Pub meals and nightly specials

• Seaforth Recreation Club, Seaforth: Family-friendly with occasional live music

• Mackay Beach Tavern, Mackay (~45 min): Larger venue with bistro and gaming

⛺ Nearby Campgrounds

• Cape Hillsborough Bush Camping: Small remote bush camp in the national park, basic setup

• Seaforth Caravan Park (~15 min): Powered sites, simple facilities, and close to supplies

🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Andrews Point, Twin Beaches & Turtle Lookouts via coastal walking tracks

• Beachcomber Cove boardwalk and rainforest pools

• Seasonal turtle nesting and whale migration viewing

• Casuarina Bay fishing and shoreline rock exploration

• Rich birdwatching opportunities—over 150 bird species recorded

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Seaforth (15 min): General store, fuel station, basic groceries

• Mackay (45 min): Full supermarkets, fuel, pharmacy, clinic, and auto services

📝 Reviews Summary

Positives

• Spectacular sunrise with kangaroos and wallabies on the beach

• Excellent pool and family-friendly facilities

• Beautiful beachfront position in protected natural surroundings

• Welcoming staff and clean, well-kept grounds

Cautionary

• Bookings essential in busy periods—often booked out

• Early sunrise activities may disturb light sleepers

• No pets allowed

• No access after-hours—plan entry carefully

🆘 Breakdown & Emergency Info

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

• Fuel: Seaforth (15 min), Mackay (45 min)

• Mobile Signal: Moderate—best near open areas or hilltops

• Auto Repair: Available in Mackay

• UHF Channels: Road Channel = 40, Emergency Only Channel = 5

• Safety Tips: Carry water, sun protection, and notify others if exploring trails; ticks and slippery paths possible after rain

✏️ Final Note

If you’re chasing that quintessential Aussie experience—a misty sunrise on the beach shared with grazing kangaroos—Cape Hillsborough delivers in spades. Combine that with solid facilities, national park beauty, and a relaxed family atmosphere, and you’ve got a campsite worth the planning. Book early, rise with the sun, and take it slow—this place is pure Queensland magic.