zig zag station camp grounds

🏕️ Zig Zag Station Campgrounds – Paluma QLD

PAID CAMP

📍 Description & Location

Zig Zag Station is a vast working cattle property near Paluma in North Queensland, offering secluded bush camping along Running River and its tributaries. With access to creekside sites via unsealed tracks, this remote setting delivers a peaceful, off-grid escape approximately 150 km west of Townsville.

🏞️ History

Privately owned and operated, Zig Zag Station has opened select riverside areas to campers seeking raw nature, solitude, and self-contained adventure. The area forms part of historic tracks linked to the wider Paluma and Hidden Valley region.

🛁 Facilities and Amenities

• 🔌 No powered sites—unpowered bush camping only

• 🚻 No toilets or showers provided

• 💧 No potable water—campers must bring their own

• 🪵 Natural shade, sandy ground, and riverside setting

• 🗑️ No bins—carry in, carry out policy applies

• 🐕 Dogs not permitted

• ♻️ No dump point onsite; nearest public facility not confirmed

🚐 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Access via sealed road to Paluma, then unsealed tracks on private station land

• 🚙 2WD possible in dry season, though 4WD recommended

• 🌉 River crossings and creek approaches require caution—drive slowly and check surface

⭐ Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• ✨ Unpowered Sites: From Tariff Rate 2(Tariff Price Chart at bottom of page)

• 📞 Booking: Essential—To book, call or email Zig Zag Station and speak with Brad or Rosie Howe. Phone: 4770 0848. They can also be reached on UHF channel 11.

• 📍 Land Manager: Private station (Zig Zag Station)

• 🏕️ Site Type: Informal bush camp on private pastoral land

• ⌛ Max Stay: Not specified—enquire upon booking

• 🐕 Pet Policy: Dogs not permitted

• ✅ Must be fully self-contained

• 🔑 After‑hours Access: Permitted with prior communication

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• 🍺 Hidden Valley Inn (~30 km): closest licensed venue with meals and fuel (seasonal access)

• 🍽️ Paluma township (~15 km): limited supplies, café options when open

⛺ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🌳 Paluma Dam Campground: state-managed bush camp with toilets (no bookings required)

• 🏞️ Jourama Falls camping area: formal sites in Paluma Range NP, accessible via Bruce Highway

🌟 Nearby Attractions

• 🏊 Swimming holes at Running River and Deception Creek

• 🥾 Bushwalks and gorges along the historic Bicentennial National Trail

• 🚵 Scenic 4WD touring from Hervey Range to Hidden Valley

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• 🛍️ Limited basics at Paluma (15 km)

• ⛽ Full groceries, fuel, and supplies in Townsville (~150 km)

🗣️ Reviews Summary

👍 Positive:

• 🌿 Remote riverside sites surrounded by peaceful bushland

• 🏕️ Ideal for self-contained off-grid campers and 4WD travellers

• 🏞️ Access to clear creek water for swimming and relaxation

⚠️ Cautionary:

• 🌧️ Tracks may be inaccessible after rain—check before arriving

• 📵 No mobile reception at camp

• ⛔ No facilities—must be entirely self-sufficient

❓ Breakdown & Emergency Info

• 🆘 Emergency: Dial 000

• 🏥 Nearest Hospital: Townsville (~150 km)

• ⛽ Fuel & Repairs: Townsville only

• 📶 Mobile: No signal at camp; weak Telstra signal near Paluma

• 📢 UHF Channels: Road—40, Emergency—5; contact station on Channel 11

✨ Final Note

Zig Zag Station offers a unique opportunity for genuine bush camping on private riverfront land. With no amenities and full self-reliance required, it’s perfect for travellers seeking solitude and outback charm. Just book ahead, pack everything you need, and get ready to unplug.