Cockatoo Creek camping area

🏕️ Cockatoo Creek Camping Area, Mount Elliot QLD

PAID CAMP

🌄 Description & Location

A walk-in bush campsite nestled beside Cockatoo Creek within Bowling Green Bay National Park, Mount Elliot section. About 1.6 km from Alligator Creek day-use area via a rugged bushwalking trail, this secluded spot is a nature-lover’s escape into tropical foothill rainforest and granite creek scenery.

🏞️ History

Cockatoo Creek lies on Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country, home to freshwater-dependent ecosystems and spiritual connections for thousands of years. Later used for water supply and hiking corridors, this area is now protected for both cultural and ecological value within the national park network.

🧰 Facilities and Amenities

• 🔌 Walk-in, unpowered bush sites only

• 🚽 No toilets or facilities at site

• 💧 Creek water available (must be treated)

• 🔥 Fires not permitted—fuel stoves only

• 🚮 No bins—pack out all waste

• 🐾 No pets allowed

• 📶 Mobile reception minimal to none

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🚶 Access via 1.6 km walking trail from Alligator Creek day-use area

• 🌄 Trail includes uneven terrain and water crossings

• 🚫 Not accessible to vehicles, bikes, or wheeled carts

Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• 💰 Fees apply

• 📅 Booking essential via Queensland Parks system

• 🏢 Managed by Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service

• 🏕️ Site type: remote bushwalk-in campsite

• ⏳ Max stay: up to 7 nights (standard limit)

• 🐾 No pets allowed

• 🚿 Must be fully self-contained

• 🚪 No gate access—carry printed or digital booking confirmation

🍺 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• 🍻 Mutarnee Tavern (~7 km): bush pub with meals

• 🍺 Rollingstone Hotel (~25 km): relaxed rural venue

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🏞️ Alligator Creek Camping Area (~1.6 km from trailhead): toilets, BBQs

• 🌊 Alligator Falls Camp (~3 km further): remote hike-in campsite

🎣 Nearby Attractions

• 🥾 Cockatoo Creek Trail: scenic 3.2 km return loop

• 🌲 Tropical creek forests and rockpools

• 🌄 Access to Alligator Falls trail for experienced hikers

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• ⛽ Mutarnee (~7 km): fuel and basic groceries

• 🏥 Townsville (~25 km): full services and medical

📋 Reviews Summary

👍 Positive

• 🌿 Remote and peaceful setting

• 🥾 Perfect for experienced walkers

• 🌊 Pristine creek surrounds and natural bush

⚠️ Cautionary

• 🚧 Trail rough and slippery in places

• 🚫 No facilities at camp—must pack everything

• 🦟 Insects can be dense near creek

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• ☎️ Emergency: 000

• 📡 UHF channels: Road = 40, Emergency = 5

• ⛽ Fuel in Mutarnee, services in Townsville

• 🧭 Take maps, repellent, and emergency comms

🧭 Final Note

Cockatoo Creek is a no-frills, full-immersion bush camp for hikers wanting quiet creekside solitude. Come prepared, respect the land, and enjoy the raw beauty of Mount Elliot’s hinterland trails.