Camping on the Isaac Coast

From St Lawrence through to Cape Palmerston you can view great wildlife, enjoy fishing, snorkelling, beach walking and swimming opportunities. Some of Queensland’s most picturesque places are in The Isaac Region and it is a perfect location for nature lovers to get a glimpse of this relatively untouched paradise.

There are plenty of rustic camping options that take advantage of the abundant nature surrounds. Well worth the time to stop and savour the moment and explore each stretch as you go, you won’t be disappointed.

St Lawrence

One of the oldest towns on the Queensland Coast and provides exciting fishing and crabbing opportunities in the nearby creeks and inlets. A bird-watcher’s paradise, the St Lawrence Wetlands are listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.

Facilities:

Camping grounds (max. 14 nights), toilets, showers, barbecues, picnic tables and shelters, a dump point. Access to all vehicles. More information and booking via Isaac Regional Council.

How to get there:

Approximately 155km south of Mackay, 6km east of the Bruce Highway.
Tip: Drive up Connors Range to Schneider’s Inn Lookout for panoramic views of the wetlands (not recommended for caravans).

Clairview

This seaside community is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing. It’s also home to a fully protected dugong sanctuary. Dugongs can often be spotted when they surface to breathe from the shore, or in the water, when in a kayak, boat or other recreational vessel. Be sure to slow down your vessel in areas dugongs are known to inhabit.
Barracrab Caravan Park is well-maintained with kiosk, camping, caravan and bungalows. For more information contact the Mackay Isaac Visitor Information Centre.

Facilities:

The caravan park offers beachfront dining, laundry, convenience store with bait and tackle and boat ramp nearby.

How to get there:

Approximately 130km south of Mackay, follow the slight deviation off the Bruce Highway along Colonial Drive.

Flaggy Rock

The flat to undulating ground is perfect overnight accommodation for self-contained vehicles and provides excellent access for large rigs. Fees, maximum stay and seasonal closures may apply. More information can be found via Isaac Regional Council

Carmila Beach

Go off the beaten track at Carmila Beach, an uncrowded stretch of coastline, perfect for fishing enthusiasts with access to the creeks nearby. An ideal place to launch a boat, otherwise cast a line from land, near the creek mouth. Sunset fishing is particularly good here for barramundi, mangrove jack, trevally and flathead.

Facilities:

Camping area (max 14 nights, small fee), toilets, barbecue, picnic tables, boat ramps. No potable or drinking water available. Accommodation is also available at Carmila Caravan Park and Cabins.

How to get there:

Access to the campground is along 1km of dirt tracks and 300m of sandy, narrow track. More information and booking can be made via Isaac Regional Council

Notch Point

Experience the quiet beauty of the most scenic area of the Isaac Coast. An idyllic location with wonderful views of the ocean and surrounding district. With access via high-clearance four-wheel drive only, Yarrawonga and Notch Point Reserve is one of the best fishing spots on the Central Queensland Coast famous for whiting and flathead. 

Cape Palmerston’s National Park

This national park covers 7,200 hectares and boasts sandy dunes, unspoilt beaches and rocky headlands. Cape Palmerston’s pristine coastal environment is seemingly untouched, making the surrounding water rich in an abundance of marine life. Bream, flathead and cod are popular chases in this area, with anglers also reporting catching slender Tomhead’s mangrove jacks and queenfish. Fishing off the rocks or off the coast in a tinny will increase your chances of reeling in reef fish or mackerel.
Cape Palmerston Holiday Park is also nearby, providing caravan, camping and glamping sites. Set on 63 acres and adjacent the beach, the park has camp-kitchen and excellent amenities. For more information contact the Mackay Isaac Visitor Information Centre. 

Facilities:

Self-sufficient campers can set up at Windmill Bay, Cape Creek or sleep under the stars right on the beach. Pit toilets and picnic tables. Camping fees apply. 4WD vehicles only.

How to get there:

Approximately 115km south-east of Mackay. Turn off the Bruce Highway at Ilbilbie and drive east towards Greenhill. Before Greenhill, turn left onto Cape Palmerston Road.