Normanby Rd Nature Bush Camp

🏕️ Normanby Rd Nature Bush Camp (Bogie, QLD)

📍 Description & Location

Nestled on the tranquil banks of the Bogie River, this sprawling 22-acre family-run bush camp offers shaded, level grassy sites perfect for tents, caravans, camper trailers, and RVs. Positioned about 35 minutes from Bowen and close to Collinsville, it’s a peaceful escape tucked into North Queensland’s Whitsunday Region. The surrounding native bush provides birdlife, starry skies, and river access for swimming or relaxing strolls.

🏞️ History

Opened in July 2024 by local couple Paul and Tori, the camp reflects their long-standing love for camping and bush hospitality. The location is set on the traditional lands of the Birri Gubba people, whose enduring connection to the region adds cultural depth. The broader area, shaped by cattle stations and mining, holds stories of resilience and rural community life.

🚿 Facilities and Amenities

• Spacious, level grassy sites shaded by native trees

• Shared camp kitchen with BBQs, wood-fired pizza oven, and herb garden

• Wheelchair-accessible hot showers

• Portable toilets

• Book-swap library and family-friendly games (giant Jenga, bocce, etc.)

• Fire pits and firewood available for purchase

• Portable water on-site

• Occasional community events like campfire nights or bush pizza evenings

Note: No dump point on-site. Nearest confirmed facilities are located in Bowen.

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 1.3 km unsealed access road—2WD accessible in dry conditions

• Gentle inclines; flatter sites near the river

• Generators permitted from 8 AM to 8 PM during event days

📝 Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Fees apply

• Booking: Recommended

• Authority: Privately owned

• Site Type: Nature bush camp

• Maximum stay: Not stated

• Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash or in enclosures

• Self-containment: Not required, but preferred due to portable toilet setup

• Access notes: No gate code or caretaker onsite; direct access via main drive

• Contact: 0429 119 843 or info@normanbyrdnaturebushcamp.com.au

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• Collinsville Hotel (20 min S): Country pub with beer garden and hearty meals

• Bowen RSL Club (35 min NE): Bistro, gaming lounge, live music on weekends

• Gumlu Tavern (~30 min N): Quiet venue popular with locals, simple meals

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• The Leap Campground (~1 hr NE): Riverside, forested sites with basic amenities

• Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park (~1.5 hr NE): Coastal campground with full facilities

🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Bogie River: Ideal for casual swimming, nature walks, and riverside lounging

• Bowen Beaches: Coastal beauty with fishing, swimming, and reef tours

• Collinsville Lookout: Panoramic views across the coalfields and grazing lands

• Bogie River Hills Trails: Great for wildflowers, wildlife spotting, and 4WD tracks

🏪 Nearest Supplies

• Bowen (~35 min NE): IGA, fuel, pharmacy, water refill, clinic, hardware

• Collinsville (~20 min S): Supermarket, medical centre, post office, Caltex

⭐ Reviews Summary

Positives:

• Friendly and welcoming hosts

• Spacious, shady riverbank campsites

• Ideal for families, with games and activities for kids

Cautions:

• Portable toilets only—best suited to self-contained setups

• Some distance to the river in dry spells

• Mosquitoes present—bring repellent

🆘 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: 000 (Police/Ambulance/Fire)

• Fuel: Bowen Caltex (35 min NE)

• Mobile signal: Limited—Telstra preferred

• Mechanic: Collinsville

• UHF:

  • Road Channel = 40

  • Emergency Only = 5

• Tip: Travel with extra water and solar charging in dry or hot conditions

📝 Final Note

Normanby Rd Nature Bush Camp is a relaxing escape for families, grey nomads, and couples craving an unplugged bushland getaway. With shady, peaceful campsites and community-driven touches like pizza nights and campfire games, it’s a friendly haven amid the red dirt and river gums of the Whitsundays hinterland. Prepare for basic facilities, bring mozzie spray, and enjoy the rhythm of river life.