Cardwell

Bush Telegraph Heritage Centre This complex comprises the old post office and telegraph station, in operation 1870–1982, and the original magistrates court and gaol cells. An informative history of communications and the region is provided through interpretive displays. Open 10am–1pm Mon–Fri, 9am–12pm Sat, other times by appt; Bruce Hwy; (07) 4066 2412. Rainforest and Reef Information Centre: interpretive centre that acquaints visitors with landscape, flora and fauna of northern Queensland; Bruce Hwy, near jetty. Coral Sea Battle Memorial Park: large war memorial that commemorates the WW II battle off the coast between Australian/US forces and the Japanese; beachfront. Boat hire and cruises: explore the tropical waters and islands to the east at the helm of a yacht, houseboat or cruiser, or travel with an organised cruise; details from visitor centre. Snorkelling and scuba-diving tours: details from visitor centre.

Hinchinbrook Island National Park An amazing variety of vegetation covers this island park, including rainforest, wetlands, forests and woodlands. The 32 km Thorsborne Trail on the east coast is renowned for its spectacular scenery as it winds past waterfalls and along pristine beaches. Many people allow 4 days or more for the walk, camping on a different beach each night. Hikers must be self-sufficient and bookings are essential (limited number of walkers allowed). Shorter walks are from the camping areas at Macushla and The Haven. Small, low-key resort (maximum 45 people); Access the island via ferry from Cardwell or Lucinda; (07) 4066 8601; 26 km SE. Scenic drive in Cardwell State Forest: this 26 km circuit from Cardwell takes in a lookout, waterfalls, swimming holes and picnic spots; begins on Braesnose St. Edmund Kennedy National Park: boardwalk through extensive mangrove forests and variety of other vegetation to beach, with spectacular view of islands. This park is a habitat of the endangered mahogany glider; (07) 4066 8601; 4 km N. Five Mile Swimming Hole: attractive picnic and swimming spot safe from crocodiles, sharks and stingers; 7 km S. Dalrymple's Gap: original service path and stone bridge through range; 15 km S. Brook Islands: nesting area for Torresian imperial pigeons (Sept–Feb). Excellent snorkelling on reef of northern 3 islands. Sea access only; 30 km NE. Murray Falls: climb the steep 1 km path to viewing platform over falls and surrounds; 42 km NW. Girringun (Lumholtz) National Park: travel through World Heritage rainforest on road (dry weather only) to the 3-tier 91 m Blencoe Falls; (07) 4066 8601; 71 km W; see Ingham for southern parts of park.

Russell Heads 115 km

Russell Heads is the junction and estuary system of the Russell and Mulgrave Rivers, south of Cairns. I was fishing with Kieran Livingstone who had a Cairns Custom Craft aluminium, a solid boat ideal for river and... Find out more

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Lake Tinaroo 130 km

Lake Tinaroo is built across the Barron River Gorge in the Atherton Tablelands; about two hours’ drive from Cairns via Gordonvale and Yungaburra. The lake was the first of Queensland’s impoundments stocked... Find out more

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Trinity Inlet 146 km

The Cairns region offers more than gamefishing. South of the city are rivers like the Russell and Mulgrave; to the north are the Daintree and Mowbray Rivers. Anglers heading inland will find opportunities like the famous... Find out more

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Cairns 151 km

Many international game anglers regard Cairns as the game fish capital of the world, with plenty of big black marlin – the Holy Grail of gamefishing. Granders or Julies, call them what you will, these huge female... Find out more

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Julatten 199 km

Fishing is where you find it, and sometimes you find it in unlikely places. Between Mount Molloy and Mossman in the Rex Ranges at a place called Julatten, I came across a couple of people fishing in a pond. I pulled over... Find out more

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Bushwalking around Townsville and Cairns

This entire region offers great delights to bushwalkers, although you are likely to get damp, either from the humidity or from a tropical shower (it is not called ‘rainforest’ for nothing). The Rainforest and... Find out more

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Hiking the Thorsborne Trail 31 km

The 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail is a classic tropical bushwalk that weaves along the east coast of the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island National Park. There is a maximum of 40 people allowed on the track at a... Find out more

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Birdwatching - Townsville to Cairns 45 km

You do not need to be a bird nerd to appreciate Tyto Wetlands near Ingham. It is a beautiful, peaceful spot for a picnic, a pleasant walk or a pre-dinner drink. But if you stop at one of the benches or bird hides and... Find out more

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Swimming around Townsville and Cairns 84 km

Not far from Townsville there are a couple of popular swimming holes: Big Crystal Creek near Mutarnee, the icy Little Crystal Creek on the road to Paluma, and under the Rollingstone Bridge. Near Tully, you can cool off... Find out more

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Cheese-tasting - Millaa Millaa 94 km

In the lush highlands of Millaa Millaa, overlooking Mount Bartle Frere, the certified biodynamic Mungalli Creek Dairy has a superb range of organic cheeses and yoghurts for sale and tastings. You can watch the delectable... Find out more

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Bushwalking on Magnetic Island 131 km

Magnetic Island has about 25 kilometres of walking tracks, many with outstanding views of the coast, or ending at isolated beaches. Do not miss the 2-kilometre Forts Walk, with a good chance of seeing a koala or two, and... Find out more

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Reef HQ, Townsville 138 km

This eco-accredited, non-profit aquarium is a great spot to go before or after you visit the reef itself, as it will introduce you to some of the main characters out there and give you lots of great information about... Find out more

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Savannahlander 151 km

This small two- or three-carriage train heads out across the savannah country from Cairns to Forsayth on a four-day round trip, allowing you to get off at towns and see key places, such as Undara, along the way. You can... Find out more

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Wildlife experience - Cairns 165 km

Combine several of the Cairns area’s main wildlife attractions into one seamless day out: the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail, Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Book through... Find out more

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Chillagoe Observatory and Eco Lodges 201 km

Join a guided tour of the heavens, with closeup views of nebulas and star clusters from two large telescopes. There is camping and cabin accommodation here as well.... Find out more

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Paradise Palms Country Club 168 km

‘Paradise’ is appropriately named. Situated 25 minutes north of Cairns, and just off the Captain Cook Highway, this is a beautiful golf course. The rainforest-covered Great Dividing Range dominates the... Find out more

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Sea Temple Golf & Country Club 201 km

Technological advancements in agronomy and construction equipment have opened up new frontiers and landscapes for golf course designers during the past 40 years. One course designer who has never shirked a tough... Find out more

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Townsville Brewing Company 138 km

Based in an historic former post office building, Townsville Brewing Company has been brewing six regular beers (Townsville Bitter, Lager Lout, Burdekin Gold, Digger’s Pale Ale, Ned’s Red Ale and... Find out more

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Blue Sky Brewery 150 km

After a significant period between drinks, Cairns once again has a working brewery with the opening of Blue Sky Brewery in 2008. Located in the heart of the city, the microbrewery, bar and restaurant complex has six... Find out more

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The Haven camping area (boat-based camping) 9 km

The Haven is on the west coast of the island in Hinchinbrook Channel. Access is by charter or private boat and there is a maximum 7-night stay. Bring supplies for self-sufficient camping.... Find out more

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Western Beach camping area 18 km

Also known as The Spit campground, this site on the island’s west coast has a maximum capacity of 50 campers; the surface is sand and grass and there are some shady trees. Walkers can attempt the beach walk around... Find out more

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Broadwater camping area 20 km

Endangered riparian rainforest lines the clear waters of Broadwater Creek, and open eucalypt forest dominates the visitor areas in Broadwater campground, 47 km west of Ingham and 16 km of unsealed road from the forest... Find out more

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Macushla camping areas (boat-based camping) 22 km

Macushla North and South are just 100 m apart in the north of the island, on the east coast of Missionary Bay accessed by boat. A maximum 7-night stay applies. Bring drinking water and gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more

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Murray Falls camping area 27 km

Campers here can enjoy the 930 m walk through a rainforest gully that leads into open forest and finishes with amazing views over the falls and Murray Valley. The first 75 m section of the boardwalk at the top end of the... Find out more

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Nina Bay camping area (walk-in camping) 29 km

Nina Bay has a maximum 2-night stay. It is 4 km south of the Ramsay Bay trackhead for the Thorsborne Trail. Creek water must be boiled or treated before drinking.... Find out more

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Coombe Island 30 km

Fancy staying at your own exclusive, secluded bush campground? This site, about 13 km east of Tully Heads, only permits 1 group at a one time. There are, however, no facilities at the campground so you’ll need to... Find out more

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Hull Heads recreation area 30 km

Estuary and reef fishing from an all-weather boat ramp and pontoon makes Hull Heads an excellent destination for anglers. The campground is next to the coastguard on Luff St in Hull Heads, 15 km east of the Bruce Hwy.... Find out more

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Wheeler Island 30 km

Located 12 km east of Tully Heads, Wheeler Island is accessed by private boat from Mission Beach. The campground’s only facilities are pit toilets and picnic tables, so campers will need to bring all... Find out more

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Little Ramsay Bay camping area (walk-in camping) 31 km

This site is 2.5 km south of Nina Bay. Water from the nearby creek must be boiled or treated before drinking. A maximum 2-night stay applies. The site is gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more

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Cardwell Beachcomber 1 km

The park is centrally located just a short distance from the centre of town and across the road from the beach (ideal for fishing). The park has good facilities and a licensed restaurant/cafe in the attached motel.... Find out more

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Googarra Beach Caravan Park 29 km

The park, close to Tully Heads, has a cafe and a well-stocked shop and also sells fuel. This is a convenient overnight stop or a good base for exploring the area. Bookings are required in peak periods. Pets are not... Find out more

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Beachcomber Coconut Caravan Village 37 km

Mission Beach is a dream holiday destination and this park is the perfect place to stay. It is set in a fabulous location just across the road from the beach. The shops are within walking distance. Bookings are required... Find out more

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Wanderers Holiday Village 44 km

Close to the centre of town, this park is a popular holiday destination for those keen on fishing. There are covered barbecues and a boat parking area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village 45 km

This is an excellent park at the heart of a very popular tourist destination and just a short walk to the beach, the shops or the local restaurants. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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King Reef Resort 54 km

This beachside caravan park is part of a hotel complex. It has good basic facilities and is very popular during holiday periods. Meals and normal hotel services are available. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Flying Fish Point Tourist Park 85 km

This quality owner-operated place is across the road from the beach in this small community about 7 km from Innisfail. The park puts on cooked dinners on Saturday nights and has happy hour on Wednesday. It also offers... Find out more

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Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort 91 km

This is a very new park with a fabulous beachfront outlook. It has a wide range of facilities, a selection of sites and a camping area. It does lack shade, but would be a great winter destination. Bookings are required... Find out more

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Innot Hot Springs Leisure and Caravan Park 106 km

Located in the centre of the small township, this place has good facilities and the local hotel is just a short walk away. A relaxing dip in the spring-fed pools in the park is most enjoyable at the end of the day.... Find out more

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Mount Garnet Travellers Park 117 km

This is a spacious park with shade and green grass in a quieter off-highway position. It has good amenities. Bookings required at Easter and long weekends.... Find out more

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Cardwell Beachfront Motel and Holiday Units

The nearest motel to the centre of town, and an easy walk to restaurants, pubs, clubs and the jetty, this spot is on the highway but its six air-conditioned motel units are only 20 metres from the beach. The units... Find out more

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Mudbrick Manor

A lot of love and skill went into the building of this adobe B&B by owners Ken and Bev Stephens. Guest facilities include plenty of board games as well as big screen TV, and you can make your own music on the antique... Find out more

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Port Hinchinbrook Resort

This marina resort offers accommodation ranging from luxury ensuite cabins, some with mini kitchens, to one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The 220-berth marina offers access to the spectacular Hinchinbrook Passage... Find out more

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Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge and Resort 23 km

Revolutionary in terms of minimal-impact tourism when it was first established in 1974, this classy resort has no more than a toehold on the 393-square-kilometre Hinchinbrook Island, and you can hardly see the treetop... Find out more

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Hidden Valley Cabins, Hidden Valley 79 km

Acclaimed as being Australia’s first completely solar-powered resort, with a restaurant, pool and room for 31 guests, this serious environmental resort is in secluded dry forest well off the Bruce Highway. It is... Find out more

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Possum Valley Rainforest Cottages 103 km

Near Millaa Millaa, the two secluded bush cabins here, on 62 hectares of bushland and rainforest, can sleep up to eight people each, and are completely powered by solar technology and a small water turbine in Possum... Find out more

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The Canopy, near Malanda 104 km

Located at Tarzali, this place comprises six beautiful glass and timber treehouses set in 40 hectares of rainforest that has never been logged, with Lumholtz tree-kangaroos creeping around, green ringtail possums,... Find out more

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Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat 111 km

By renting out nine elegant eco-accredited treehouses (near Malanda), the owners have funded a massive weed-clearing and revegetation program – including planting 20 000 trees – on their 92-hectare property,... Find out more

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Bungalow Bay Koala Village 130 km

Declared Australia’s best backpacker accommodation, this low-key eco-accredited resort, with pool and family-style restaurant, has 2.8 hectares of camping area and 30 A-frame bungalows, 25 of which are... Find out more

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Kingfisher Park Birdwatcher’s Lodge 199 km

Guaranteed to get keen birdwatchers excited, this eco-accredited establishment at Julatten is renowned as one of the best birdwatching spots north of Cairns, with rare endemic species seen around the pool. For six months... Find out more

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Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa 233 km

If you are in need of some pampering, this is the place to go. With strong and proud links to the Aboriginal heritage of the site – a women’s healing place – the Eco Lodge has 15 sumptuous villas set... Find out more

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Daintree Rainforest Retreat, near Cow Bay 234 km

When the owners here decided to reduce their carbon footprint by installing 48 solar panels, the generator’s monthly diesel consumption changed from 1600 litres to 200 litres. By revegetating a rainforest on their... Find out more

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Daintree Wilderness Lodge, Alexandra Bay 236 km

Set in fan-palm rainforest, the eight bungalows here, accessed by raised boardwalks to protect the forest floor, are partially solar-powered by 20 solar panels, and a biocycle system breaks down all waste on site. As... Find out more

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Cardwell Park Area 1 km

Middle of town Parking area on the foreshore. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 16.159 E146 02.051... Find out more

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Five Mile Creek Rest Area 7 km

45 km N of Ingham (L) or 8 km S of Cardwell (R) Secluded area located 700 metres west of the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S18 19.387 E146 02.439... Find out more

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Bilyana Rest Area 20 km

21 km N of Cardwell (L) or 22 km S of Tully (R) Small area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S18 07.074 E145 54.437  ... Find out more

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Murray Falls Camp Area 25 km

T/O 22 km N of Cardwell (L) or 15 km S of Tully (R) Large grassed campground located 20 kilometres west of the highway in a pleasant bush setting among numerous small trees near the falls in Murray Falls State Forest.... Find out more

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Mission Beach Camp Area 45 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Small campground located 24 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the north end of the village. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 51.871 E146... Find out more

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Bingil Bay Camp Area 49 km

T/O 3 km N of Tully (R) or 49 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small campground located 28 kilometres east of the highway among dense vegetation on the foreshore, 4 kilometres north of Mission Beach. Good shade. GPS: S17... Find out more

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Diggers Creek Rest Area 52 km

18 km N of Tully (R) or 34 km S of Innisfail (L) Very small area adjacent to the road. Good shade. GPS: S17 47.441 E146 00.363 ... Find out more

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Frances Creek Rest Area 55 km

100 km N of Townsville (L) or 11 km S of Ingham (R) Large area adjacent to the road. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S18 44.533 E146 08.159... Find out more

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Tully Gorge Camp Area 62 km

T/O into main street through Tully Pleasant campground located in Tully Gorge State Forest, surrounded by rainforest on the banks of the Tully River, 40 kilometres north-west of town. Good facilities and shade. ... Find out more

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Jourama Falls Camp Area 66 km

T/O 88 km N of Townsville (L) or 23 km S of Ingham (R) Small secluded campground situated 6 kilometres east of the highway in the forest of Paluma Range National Park. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Booking... Find out more

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Fred Drew Rest Area 83 km

4 km N of Innisfail (L) or 26 km S of Babinda (R) Small area just off the road at the junction with the Palmerston Highway. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S17 30.897 E145 59.624... Find out more

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Balgal Beach Camp Area 92 km

T/O 52 km N of Townsville (R) or 59 km S of Ingham (L) Small foreshore campground located 5 kilometres east of the highway at the northern end of the road through the village. Good facilities but only limited shade. ... Find out more

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Rollingstone Rest Area 95 km

53 km N of Townsville (R) or 58 km S of Ingham (L) Large grassed area well off the highway accessed via the service road through Rollingstone. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S19 02.732 E146 23.664... Find out more

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Bramston Beach Camp Area 101 km

T/O 23 km N of Innisfail (R) or 7 km S of Babinda (L) Idyllic foreshore campground situated 17 kilometres east of the highway on the beach. Good shade and facilities. Store nearby. GPS: S17 21.076 E146 01.262... Find out more

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Babinda Rest Area 102 km

T/O opposite the main street into Babinda Large secluded area located 500 metres south-east of the highway on the old road. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S17 20.924 E145 55 541... Find out more

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Toomulla Beach Camp Area 103 km

T/O 43 km N of Townsville (R) or 68 km S of Ingham (L) Small grassy camp area located 2 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the south end of the village. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S19 05.0013... Find out more

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The Boulders Camp Area 103 km

T/O into the main street through Babinda Small campground located 6 kilometres west of the highway near a very pleasant picnic area in the rainforest. Good facilities. NOTE: Limited sites available. GPS: S17 20.394... Find out more

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Bluewater Rest Area 115 km

30 km N of Townsville (L) or 81 km S of Ingham (R) Large area well off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S19 10.512 E146 33.083... Find out more

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Saunders Beach Camp Area 116 km

T/O 24 km N of Townsville (R) or 87 km S of Ingham (L) Small coastal camp area located 7 kilometres east of the highway on the foreshore at the northern end of the village. Good facilities but shade is limited. ... Find out more

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Gordonvale Park Area 131 km

33 km N of Babinda (R) or 27 km S of Cairns (L) Large area just off the highway at Mulgrave River. GPS: S17 05.998 E145 47.246 ... Find out more

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