St Helens Camping Reserve

🏕️ St Helens Camping Reserve – St Helens Beach QLD

🗺️ Description & Location

St Helens Camping Reserve nestles at the waters’ edge of St Helens Beach, a quiet coastal hamlet about 68 km north-west of Mackay. This grassy beachfront reserve offers shaded spots under towering gums and occasional mango trees, with the calming soundtrack of lapping waves. Ideal for fishing lovers, it’s close to a well-kept boat ramp and sprawling tidal flats—perfect for launching a tinny or casting a line at sunrise.

📜 History

This area lies on traditional Yuwibara Country, with long-standing cultural ties to the coastal wetlands and marine environment. European settlement followed pastoral development in the 1870s, when early runs like Wootaroo Station dominated the landscape. The community gradually evolved into the laid-back village now known as St Helens Beach, officially named in 1989. The campground itself reflects the local push to maintain public coastal access while protecting natural and cultural values.

🛠️ Facilities and Amenities

• Covered picnic shelters and tables

• Barbecue facilities throughout the reserve

• Wheelchair-accessible toilets

• Coin-operated hot showers (20 ¢ for approx. 4 mins)

• Fresh water point available (requires a key)

• Rubbish bins on-site

• Nearby public boat ramp

• Generators allowed (max 65 dB between 7 am and 7 pm)

• No powered sites; unpowered grassy areas only

🚗 Vehicle Access

• Access via Murrays Road, with approx. 1.5 km of unsealed surface

• Gravel and sandy sections—2WD accessible in dry weather

• Caution recommended in wet conditions due to potential bogging

• Suitable for caravans, camper trailers, and boats

• Drive-through space available but not formally marked

🏕️ Stay Information

• Formal campground managed by Mackay Regional Council

• Fees apply (unpowered sites only)

• Booking not required

• Site type: beachside campground

• Maximum stay: 7 nights in any 21-day period

• Pets not permitted

• Open access—no gate code or caretaker onsite

• Contact: Mackay Regional Council, 1300 622 529

• This is a semi-formal campsite and some detail may not be entirely accurate due to changes over time by the operator. Contact Mackay Regional Council for clarity on detail/s that could be an issue for you.

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• Calen Tavern (approx. 12 km): Classic country pub with meals and beer garden

• Calen Sports Club (approx. 12 km): Casual venue with bistro and occasional local events

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• Ball Bay Camping Reserve (~30 km): Coastal reserve with similar amenities

• Seaforth Camping Reserve (~20 km): Beachfront area with barbecue facilities and picnic spaces

🌿 Nearby Attractions

• Excellent estuary fishing for barramundi and mangrove jack

• Tidal flats and mud-crabbing nearby

• Cape Hillsborough National Park: beach walks, sunrise wallabies, and rainforest trails

• Seasonal cane harvests inland—striking visuals during June–December

🛍️ Nearest Supplies

• Calen (12 km south):

  • General store with groceries and café

  • Fuel station

  • Medical clinic and police

• Mackay (68 km):

  • Full supermarkets, auto parts, and hardware

  • Larger medical and fuel facilities

🌟 Reviews Summary

Positive:

• Stunning beachfront location

• Clean toilet and shower blocks

• Peaceful and quiet most of the year

• Boat-friendly setup and shady areas

Caution:

• Mosquitoes can be intense—bring repellent

• Road may become slippery in rain

• No powered sites or potable tap water

• Coins required for hot showers

• Popular during holidays—may get crowded

📞 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: Triple 000

• Nearest fuel: Calen service station

• Mechanical repairs: Mackay

• Mobile signal: Telstra strong, Optus mixed

• UHF: Road = Channel 40 / Emergency = Channel 5

• Backup tips: carry drinking water, check weather during wet season, use caution near estuaries

📝 Final Note

St Helens Camping Reserve is a peaceful escape for beachside campers, fishers, and nature seekers looking for a quiet slice of Queensland’s coast. While facilities are basic, the charm lies in its simplicity. Bring your own water, a bag of coins, and a good mozzie strategy, and you’re set for a few restful days surrounded by sea breeze and shady trees.