The Block Camping - Mt Pelion

⛺ The Block Camping – Mount Pelion QLD

📍 Description & Location

A lush, open paddock-style campsite set on approximately 160 acres of bushland at Mount Pelion, around 20 km from Townsville. Established under ghost gums and ironbark, the site offers tranquil mountain vistas and ample space between camps.

🕰️ History

Privately run by Janet & David, this soft ‘glamping-style’ bush camp evolved to provide a family-friendly, social yet spacious retreat with a focus on rustic charm beside a small mango orchard.

🚻 Facilities and Amenities

• Fire pits and communal fire area

• Dump point available

• Bush shower (solar or water-fed)

• No toilets or potable water—in campers must be fully self-contained

• Solar lights at each site

🚐 Vehicle Access

• Flat paddock terrain; suitable for tents, trailers, caravans, and motorhomes

• Gravel or grass track to site; regular towing rigs reported successful

• Drive‑in camping, simple layout without marked bays

🛏️ Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Site Type: Informal private bush campground

• Tariffs: Contact camp operators

• Booking: Essential (host-managed)

• Managing Authority: Private (Janet & David)

• Maximum Stay: Not specified

• Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on leash

• Self‑Contained: Must be fully self-contained

• Access Notes: Arrive anytime after 2 pm; lock-up after dark

• Contact Info: +61 419 787 288 (host Janet & David)

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• Mount Pelion Roadhouse – Café and fuel, ~10 min down the road

• Gargett Hotel – Country pub meals, ~15–20 min away

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• Jaxut Camping Area – No-cost sites in Cathu State Forest, ~15 min east

• O’Connell River Tourist Park – Powered sites and full facilities, ~20 min south

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• Mount Pelion lookout trails – Scenic bushwalks and panoramic views

• Pinnacle Range drives – Winding roads through cane fields and ridgelines

• Local produce farms – Spot mango orchards and seasonal farming activity

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Mount Pelion Roadhouse: Fuel, snacks, basic groceries (~10 min)

• Mirani: Supermarkets, hardware, medical, ~25 min away

💬 Reviews Summary

Positive Aspects:

• Expansive, family-friendly sites with room for big rigs and trailers

• Communal fire area praised by winter campers

• Solar-lit paddocks offer convenience without compromising bush feel

• Dump point rare for self-contained sites

Cautionary Aspects:

• No toilets or drinking water—must be self-contained & bring supplies

• Road noise from Bruce Highway audible in some paddocks

• Not suitable for non-self-contained campers due to lack of facilities

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: Call 000

• Nearest hospital: Townsville (~30–40 min drive)

• Fuel: At Mount Pelion Roadhouse

• Mobile Coverage: Variable; Telstra best likely

• Auto Services: Located in Mirani (25 min) or Townsville

• UHF Channels: Road = 40 | Emergency Only = 5

🧭 Final Note

The Block offers a serene, off-grid bush camping experience with communal warmth and host-managed amenities. Ideal for self-contained travellers seeking space, fireside camaraderie, and mountain tranquillity—just remember to come fully prepared.