The Leap Campground

🏕️ The Leap Campground (The Leap Hotel Free Camp)

🌄 Description & Location

Just 20 km northwest of Mackay along the Bruce Highway, The Leap Campground sits behind the historic Leap Hotel, nestled at the foot of Mount Mandurana—commonly called "The Leap." Campers are treated to a grassy area shaded by banana trees and palms, with a trickling creek nearby. The site is rustic and relaxed, though it does back onto the highway, meaning road noise is a likely companion overnight. Still, it’s a scenic and easy stop with rich storytelling to its name.

🏺 History

The Leap takes its name from a profound local legend. In 1867, an Aboriginal woman named Kowaha leapt from the cliff with her infant in her arms to avoid capture. The child reportedly survived, and a striking statue out front of the hotel commemorates the tale. The Leap Hotel itself opened in 1882 and continues to honour this story. The area also has significance as a marker in early settler movements and cross-cultural contact in Central Queensland’s coastal corridor.

🧰 Facilities and Amenities

• Pub toilets available 24 hours

• Grass-based camping area with picnic tables

• Pet-friendly site

• No power, no potable water—BYO required

• No bins—please pack out all rubbish

• Telstra mobile reception generally reliable

• Shaded spaces beside creek and palm trees

• Picnic shelter available

🚐 Vehicle Access

• Fully sealed road access directly off Bruce Highway

• Suitable for 2WD, campervans, caravans, and larger rigs

• Flat, open parking with manoeuvring space

• Road noise may be significant during daytime but eases overnight

• Access not weather-affected

🛏 Stay Information

• Site type: Informal pub campground

• Fees: Free for 24 hrs when supporting the hotel (e.g. purchase of drink or meal)

• Booking: None required — first-come, first-served

• Managing authority: The Leap Hotel (private)

• Maximum stay: 24 hrs

• Pets: Allowed

• Access notes: No gate or code needed; informal stay monitored by pub

• Contact information: Phone – (07) 4954 0993; Email – theleaphotel@bigpond.com

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

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• The Leap Hotel (on-site): Historic pub offering meals, cold drinks, and a friendly chat—campers welcome with purchase.

• Mackay pubs and clubs: Around 20 minutes away for broader dining and nightlife options.

🏞 Nearby Campgrounds

• Kuttabul Caravan Park (~10 km): Formal caravan park with powered sites, toilets, showers, and water; pet-friendly and suited for longer stays.

🎒 Nearby Attractions

• The Leap Lookout Track: A moderately challenging return walk offering sweeping views over cane fields and the coast.

• Statue of Kowaha: Located out front of the pub, this striking sculpture honours the area's namesake legend.

• Sapphire Place: Small artisan gem store across the highway with handmade jewellery and local stories.

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Mackay (20 min drive): Full-service town with groceries, fuel, water refill, chemists, and medical centre

• On-site: Pub offers meals, drinks, and limited snacks

• Showers: May be available inside hotel for a small fee—ask at bar

• Water: Not available at campground—bring your own supply

📝 Reviews Summary

👍 Positives

• Free overnight spot with friendly pub staff

• Good access and space for larger vehicles

• Shady, grassy spot with creek nearby

• Clean toilets and reliable mobile coverage

• Pet-friendly and welcoming to respectful travellers

⚠️ Cautions

• No water, power, or bins—fully self-contained setup required

• Highway noise noticeable, especially during day

• Maximum stay enforced at 24 hours

• Showers may not be accessible to campers

• Private site—conditions can shift without notice

📡 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• UHF Channels: Road channel 40 / Emergency only channel 5

• Mobile Signal: Telstra reliable, Optus variable

• Fuel: Nearest fuel stations in Mackay

• Vehicle Repairs: Mackay has multiple mechanical and tyre services

• Emergency Services: Dial 000 for police, fire or ambulance

• Remote Safety Tips: Bring drinking water and rubbish bags; creek water not safe for consumption

📝 Final Note

The Leap Campground is a rustic, easy overnight for those rolling up the coast who appreciate a good yarn and a cold beer. Don’t expect polished facilities, but do enjoy a grassy sleep spot with legend-rich surroundings. Support the pub, come self-sufficient, and you’ll be welcomed in this unique and memorable roadside stop.