Creek and Antique Camping

🏕️ Creek and Antique Camping (Calen, QLD)

📍 Description & Location

Nestled on St Helens Creek just 60 km northwest of Mackay (roughly a 45 min drive), this spacious 200-acre private property boasts lush creekside and grassy tree-shaded camping areas—perfect for families, tents, caravans, or campervans. Visitors can select from 55 vehicle/tent sites on arrival. Beyond the relaxing atmosphere, explore a charming private Australiana collection featuring vintage wood stoves and stationary engines.

📜 History

Set on traditional farming land in rural Calen—a sugarcane and cattle town—this site pays homage to local heritage with displayed engines and antiques from early Australian rural life, offering a cultural nod to settler and farm history.

🚻 Facilities and Amenities

• Camp-style toilets on site

• Fire pits (recycled gas bottles) and abundant onsite firewood

• Kayaks available for guest use

• No showers or dump point—guests must be fully self-contained; all waste must be taken with them

🚙 Vehicle Access

• Access via a creek crossing requiring careful consideration—depth varies post-rain; 4WD is recommended, though high-clearance 2WD/AWD may manage when dry

• Road is unsealed and loose through creek; caution advised if towing caravans or campervans

🏕️ Stay Information

• Power Sites: Tariff Rate 3

• Unpowered Sites: Tariff Rate 2

• Booking: Essential via Hipcamp or host directly

• Land manager: Private property (hosted by Terry & Sue)

• Site type: Formal campground

• Maximum stay: Not specified; check with host

• Pet policy: Pets welcome

• Access notes: Creek crossing may impact entry after rain

• Contact: Johansens Rd, Calen, QLD 4798

  • Phone: 0409 237 322 or 0428 588 315

  • Email: sspre14@gmail.com

(Tariff Price Chart at bottom of page)

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• Calen Hotel (approx. 5 min): local pub serving meals and drinks

• General store/supply hub also nearby

🏞️ Nearby Campgrounds

• St Helens Gardens Tourist Park (~1 km): powered/unpowered with showers, laundry, and dump points

• Oh Deere Farm Stay (~3 km): farm-style camping on a sugar-cane property

🎒 Nearby Attractions

• St Helens Creek: swimming, fishing, kayaking

• 4WD scenic hill loop + dam: best with 4WD, rewarding for explorers

• Zarby's Café (Calen): retro-style breakfast and lunch spot

• Sugarcane fields & cattle country: classic local rural landscapes

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Calen township: general store, service station, butcher, pharmacy, post office

• Larger selections in Mackay (~45 min drive)

⭐ Reviews Summary

👍 Positives

• Beautiful, tranquil creek frontage and open grassed pads

• Friendly, responsive hosts & family-friendly atmosphere

• Free kayaks, firewood, and creek swimming loved by kids

• Charming Australiana display adds character

⚠️ Cautions

• Must be fully self-contained—no showers or dump onsite

• Access creek crossing can become impassable or challenging post-rain—4WD advised

• Sites are unpowered and informal; choose and camp where you like

🆘 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Fuel: Available at Calen; major services in Mackay

• Mobile signal: Likely Telstra strong; others may vary

• UHF Channels: Road Channel 40, Emergency Only 5

• Emergency contacts: QLD Police/Ambulance 000; nearest hospital in Mackay

• 4WD tools recommended: Snorkel, recovery gear advised for creek crossing

• Wildlife caution: Typical rural hazards (snakes/insects)

• Backup plan: Use nearby St Helens Gardens Tourist Park if heavy rain limits crossing

📝 Final Note

Creek & Antique Camping offers a refreshing, rustic escape ideal for self-contained travellers seeking creekside serenity, bush adventures, and a sprinkle of rural heritage. It's charming, safe for kids, and supported by hosts who go the extra mile—just ensure your rig and gear match the self-sufficiency and creek crossing challenge. Perfect for families and adventurers wanting more than a slab-site—just bring your own showers and enjoy the creek!