Salmon Creek camping area

Salmon Creek Camping Area, Cape Cleveland QLD

PAID CAMP

🌄 Description & Location

Salmon Creek Camping Area is a remote, beachfront bush campsite nestled on the northern bank of Salmon Creek at the edge of Big Beach. You’ll camp under she-oaks with uninterrupted ocean views, wide sandy stretches at low tide, and the sound of nearby surf. It’s a serene spot ideal for fishing, dawn strolls, and laid-back beach time. Sand is firm during low tide, but watch the tide lines!

🏞️ History

This site lies within the Cape Cleveland section of Bowling Green Bay National Park, a region named by Captain Cook in 1770. The headland holds longstanding Indigenous significance and was later used for tropical marine research. The area blends natural and cultural history, showcasing both heritage and biodiversity.

🧰 Facilities and Amenities

• 🔌 No built facilities (no toilets, showers, or power)

• 🌲 Three separate unnumbered sites among she-oaks on stable sand

• 🔥 Campfires allowed in above-ground containers only (except during fire bans)

• 🔇 No generators, no rubbish disposal—carry waste out

• 🪵 Take your own clean firewood and above-ground stove if preferred

• 🚫 No dump point on site

• 📶 Limited phone reception

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🚙 4WD vehicle access only via Big Beach, approximately 6 km from Cungulla

• 🌊 Avoid traveling during high tide ± 2 hours or at night

• 🏖️ Sandy beach track; bogging possible after rain

Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• 💰 Fees apply

• 📅 Booking essential; tag must be displayed

• 🏛️ Land managed by Queensland Parks & Wildlife

• 🏕️ Site type: bush camping (no defined plots)

• ⏳ Max stay limits: not specified

• 🐾 Pet policy: No pets

• 🚪 Gates/after-hours: open 24 hrs, though beach driving restricted around tides

• 🚿 Must bring all water, food, firewood, fuel stove—campers self-contained

• ⚠️ Operational note: beach access may close during turtle-nesting season or due to weather

🍺 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• 🍻 Cungulla Hotel (~7 km): classic Queensland country pub with meals and cold drinks, known for friendly locals and weekend specials

• 🏌️ Townsville Golf Club (~30 km): club atmosphere with meals and bar

• 🍺 Crystal Creek Tavern (~25 km): rustic venue on creek side; popular mid-week

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🏝️ Cocoa Creek Camping Area (within 5 km): similar beach-side bush camping, no amenities, 4WD access

• 🛶 Alligator Creek Campground (~42 km): formal vehicle-accessible campground with flush toilets and BBQs

🎣 Nearby Attractions

• 🏖️ Big Beach & Salmon Creek mouth: great for long walks at low tide

• 🎣 Estuarine and beach fishing—permit required

• 🐦 Cocoa Creek wetlands and mangrove walks—excellent bird-watching

• 🗺️ Cape Cleveland Lighthouse tours available (private access)

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• 🛍️ Cungulla: small general store for basics, limited hours

• 🏪 Townsville (~30 km): major supermarkets, fuel, clinic, hardware

• ⛽ Alligator Creek (~25 km): roadhouse/fuel and small shop

📋 Reviews Summary

👍 Positive

• 🧘‍♂️ Quiet, scenic, prime fishing spot

• 🚗 Beach drive is an adventure; hard sand at low tide

• 🌅 Great sunrise views

⚠️ Cautionary

• 🌊 Tidal risk: sites flood at high tide

• 🐊 Crocodile country—be Crocwise

• 🪼 Stingers in warmer months

• 🦟 Use insect repellent; bugs can be biting around creek

• 📶 Poor mobile reception

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• ☎️ Emergency: Dial 000

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

• ⛽ Fuel/resupply: manage with Cungulla or Townsville

• 📴 Mobile: minimal, bring satellite/emergency comms if needed

• 🔧 Auto repair: Townsville nearest

• 🧭 Remote-safety tips: tell someone your itinerary, tide-aware travel, inform about crocodiles and stingers

🧭 Final Note

If you're driving in with your 4WD and want a quiet beach escape that's perfect for fishing or sunrise watching, Salmon Creek is a hidden gem—just bring everything, watch the tide, and be Croc-wise. Ideal for self-sufficient couples or small groups after a night or two of solitude. In the warmer months, a fuel stove is wise, and swim only with care.