Chipps Hut camping area

🏕️ Chipps Hut Camping Area, Shoalwater Bay QLD

📍 Description & Location

🪨 Chipps Hut Camping Area is a remote, beachfront site nestled within Shoalwater Bay Conservation Park, roughly 18 km southeast of Stanage Bay. Accessible only by boat, it offers an isolated and peaceful setting—ideal for small groups wanting a serene nature escape. The site sits on sandy-grassy terrain and is backed by dense bushland with ocean views and breezes.

🏕️ Facilities and Amenities

• No Facilities: No toilets, water, or waste disposal—visitors must be fully self-sufficient.

• Campfires: Allowed in above-ground containers only; bring your own and use clean, untreated wood.

• Generators: Permitted as long as noise is kept below 65dB(A).

• Mobile Coverage: None—campers should not rely on mobile phones here.

🛻 Vehicle Access

• Access Type: Boat access only—there is no road entry to this campsite.

• Navigation: GPS and nautical maps are recommended due to the lack of signage.

🏕️ Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Bookings: Required via the Queensland National Parks online booking system.

• Fees: Standard Queensland Parks camping fees apply.

• Managing Body: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

• Capacity: Up to 6 people; open area without designated individual sites.

🍻 Pubs & Clubs Nearby

• Stanage Bay: Approx. 18 km northwest (by sea); has a small general store and basic pub-style facilities.

• Marlborough: Inland from Stanage, with a country hotel and small-town charm.

🪶 History

Shoalwater Bay has significant Indigenous heritage and has also seen periods of European exploration. The conservation park has been protected due to its ecological value, and parts of the region are occasionally used for military exercises—though Chipps Hut remains open to public campers when declared safe.

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• MacDonald Point Camping Area: Another boat-access-only site in Shoalwater Bay.

• Stanage Bay Camping Area: Road-accessible near the town of Stanage, suitable for those wanting more convenience.

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• Shoalwater Bay Conservation Park: Stunning coastline, fishing, birdwatching, and boating.

• Northumberland Islands (by boat): Offshore adventures for experienced boaters with fishing and snorkelling.

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Stanage Bay: Limited groceries, fuel, and basic marine supplies.

• Marlborough: Offers additional essentials like fuel, pub meals, and minor resupply needs.

• Rockhampton (further afield): Full resupply options including supermarkets, chemists, LPG, and water.

🌟 Reviews Summary

Visitors love the raw, natural beauty of Chipps Hut Camping Area. Its biggest appeal is solitude and untouched beachfront scenery. Campers recommend the site for those with boating experience and a taste for self-reliant travel. The lack of amenities means preparation is critical—but the serenity makes it worthwhile.

🛠️ Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency Access: Very limited—best to notify a contact of your trip before departing.

• Mobile Reception: None; UHF radios or satellite comms advised.

• Rescue Preparedness: Carry emergency supplies, extra fuel, and water. No nearby immediate support.

📝 Final Note

Chipps Hut Camping Area is a gem for adventurers looking for solitude, sea breezes, and off-grid bliss. Its remoteness is both its charm and its challenge—so it’s best suited to experienced, well-prepared travellers who don’t mind going the extra nautical mile.