Our choice of Bowen Caravan Park accommodation was the Big 4 Beachfront Holiday Park.

This is an exceptionally well located caravan park overlooking the ocean and our site had clear unrestricted views.  In the afternoons we enjoyed some spectacular sunsets across the bay.

Bowen has so many beautiful beaches and they are all very close to town.

We were delighted to stay at a Bowen Caravan Park with such fabulous water views directly in front of our Motorhome.

Bowen Caravan Park Facilities

This fabulous Bowen Caravan Park has a big swimming pool which allowed me to do some laps and fitness work plus keep cool in the North Queensland heat.

There are very good amenities available, functional and clean and the staff are also friendly and helpful too.

The park has shaded BBQ areas and a fully equipped camp kitchen which is great for travellers and holiday makers.

Fun for the kids is everywhere with a play room with TV and games to keep them entertained when they are not swimming or fishing.

Plus, there is an outdoor cinema and go-kart hire which makes this caravan park very family friendly.

Another great feature of this Bowen Big 4 Caravan Park is their drive through bays which makes parking up your Caravan, Motorhome or RV and rolling out so much easier.

There is a Dump Point on site and they do gas bottle refills as well.

You will find the shops are just a short drive away and Bowen has so much to see and do.

Is this Bowen Caravan Park Pet Friendly?

The Big 4 Bowen Caravan park is pet friendly which was great as we had MACKS travelling with us.

MACKS certainly felt relaxed during our stay as she would sleep out on the grass in the shade of the Picnic Shelter alongside us while we took in the magnificent views of Queens Bay.

Dog access is seasonal so check prior to arrival or when booking.

We had good Telstra, Vodafone and Optus coverage at the Big 4 Bowen Caravan Park so there is no problem with phone coverage – you can be with any phone network provider.

Cost to stay for 3 adults was $49.50 per night after our 10% discount for being Big 4 members.
Updated Feb 2021:
Waterfront sites start at $51 a night. During June, July and August prices go to $62-64 a night for powered waterfront site for 2 adults.
Powered sites away from waterfront start at $42 a night. During June, July and August prices go to $52-55.50 a night for powered waterfront site for 2 adults.

Our stay here was 17-19th May 2016

Click on the video below for a walk through look at the caravan park which we rate as one of our Best Caravan Parks around Australia.

Contact Details for NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park

Phone: 1800 602 469
Website:
Address: Cnr Horseshoe Bay & The Soldiers Roads, Bowen Queensland

How to get to the Big 4 Bowen Caravan Park

As you come into Bowen on the Bruce Highway/A1, you will go past the Big Mango on the left. Continue along until the Bruce Highway becomes Don Street.

Continue along Don Street before turning left onto Livingstone Street. In 450m at the roundabout continue straight to stay on Livingstone Street for another 240m.

Then take the 1st exit at the next roundabout onto Herbert Street. Follow Herbert Street for 650m then turn left onto The Soldiers Road.

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on The Soldiers Road. In 900m on the right, you will reach the NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park formerly the Big 4 Beachfront Holiday Park Bowen.

Things to see and do in Bowen

The Big Mango

One of the well known attractions in Bowen and one of the many Big Things of Australia is The Big Mango.

You can’t miss it, it is right on the Bruce Highway outside the Bowen Information Centre which is just 4 kms south of Bowen.

Not only is it fun to stop in for a photo with 10 metre giant mango, try the delicious mango sorbet while you are there as well!

Check out more of our: Big Things of Australia

The Site of the Movie Set – Australia

We were excited to see where in Bowen ‘Australia‘ was filmed.

Hundreds of tonnes of red gravel was laid over the roads and the Bowen Beachfront and Wharf were transformed to look like Darwin in the 1940s.

Existing buildings were retro-fitted and old style buildings were quickly built so there were no signs of modern construction.

The 16ha set took a couple of months to create before filming began and 4 weeks to return Bowen to the 21st Century once filming had ended.

It is believed to be one of the largest outdoor movie sets ever made.

Bowen Fishing

Bowen has an abundance of good fishing in the creek systems, nearby coral studded islands and offshore reefs. Mangrove-Jack, Bream, Whiting and Barra are known to be plentiful in the many creek systems.

Kev and Matt spent a night fishing from the Bowen Jetty.  Matt was hooked onto this small Trevally but he missed something much bigger.

Bowen Beaches

Bowen is known for its beautiful Beaches and there are actually 8 beaches within 10 minutes of the town.

We checked out just three of the 8 beaches on our visit – Horseshoe Bay, Greys Bay and Rose Bay as well as admired the views of Queens Bay daily from the camping site at the Big 4 Bowen Caravan Park.

Horsehoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay Beach is one of Bowen’s most iconic beaches. Set between two granite rocky outcrops, the beach is shaped like a horseshoe.

Take the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Tracks for spectacular views of Horseshoe Bay from the Rotary Lookout.

Continue along the track to other lookouts including the Greys Bay Lookout, the World War II Radar Side Lookout and the Mother Beddock Lookout.

Horseshoe Bay is a popular place for swimming for locals and visitors.

Also if you swim just out from the beach you can dive or snorkel amongst a haven of fish and coral.

Greys Bay

Greys Bay, another of Bowen’s beautiful beaches.

The sheltered bay is great for stand up paddleboarders as well as a popular spot for water-skiing, tubing and wakeboarding.

There is also a two-lane boat ramp providing easy access to launch boats and jet skis.

Rose Bay

Rose Bay has great views of Gloucester Island along with BBQs and picnic tables making it a a great spot for families.

At low tide, it’s a great place for kids to explore the rock pools.

The northern end of Rose Bay is not only ideal for people to launch their paddle boards and kayaks, it is very popular with divers and snorkellers as the reef is not far from the shoreline.

Flagstaff Hill

For 360 degree panoramic views of Bowen and the coastline, head to Flagstaff Hill.

The lookout is just a short drive from the main part of town where you can marvel at the magnificent views of the islands, the historic lighthouse, the beaches, the marina and jetty, Bowen township and more.

It is also an ideal whale watching vantage point in the winter months.

Bowen Murals

Check out the historic murals in Bowen. There are 19 murals in total depicting events over the past 150 years.

The locals are quick to claim Bowen as the ‘Mural Capital of Australia’!

Bowen Water Park

The kids will love the Bowen Water Park which is ideally located right on the foreshore at the end of the main street of town.

Perfect to cool off under the splash of the big bucket especially on a hot day!

Pin – Bowen Caravan Park Accommodation

Other great places to stay in the North Queensland region:

Safe travels   

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

_______________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

_______________________________________________________________________

Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/

Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.

One of the best things about camping at Inskip Point is the location.

You are only a 10 minute ferry ride away from stunning Fraser Island and it is just over 8 kms to beautiful Rainbow Beach which makes Inskip Point Camping very popular.

It is an ideal stopover if you are heading over or stopping off on your way back from Fraser Island as well as a great spot to just chill out while you camp beside the beach and do some fishing.

If you want an early start on the Manta Ray Fraser Island Barge, Inskip Point is the departure point and therefore the perfect place to camp overnight so you can get up bright and early in the morning to catch the first barge.

Inskip Point Camping Grounds & Facilities

There are 7 different camping grounds to choose from when camping at Inskip Point:

• Sarawak West Camping Area
• M.V. Sarawak Camping Area
• M.V. Beagle Camping Area
• M.V. Natone Camping Area
• S.S. Dorrigo Camping Area
• Dorrigo South Camping
• Pelican Bay Camping Area

Sarawak West Camping Area

Access:   2WD Accessible only in normal conditions, 4WD is recommended

Vehicle Access to the Beach:   Via signed tracks only. No driving, parking or camping on dunes

Toilets:   Yes

Sites:  No set campsites. Limited number for caravans, campervans and camper trailers

Views: A few campsites have ocean views overlooking Fraser Island

Beach: Some sites within close proximity to the beach

M.V. Sarawak Camping Area

Access:   2WD Accessible only in normal conditions, 4WD is recommended

Vehicle Access to the Beach:   Via signed tracks only. No driving, parking or camping on the dunes

Toilets:   Yes

Sites:  No set campsites. Limited number for caravans, campervans and camper trailers

Views: A few campsites have ocean views overlooking Fraser Island

Beach: Beautiful beach only metres away

M.V. Beagle Camping Area

Access:   4WD is strongly recommended. 2WD is very limited even in good conditions

Vehicle Access to the Beach:   Via signed tracks only. No driving, parking or camping on the dunes

Toilets:   Three Hybrid Toilet Blocks. One with a ramp for Wheelchair access

Sites:  Small Camping area behind the foredunes. No defined campsites. Limited sites suitable for large caravans or buses

Views: A few campsites may have ocean views overlooking Fraser Island

Beach: Camping area is right on the beach

M.V. Natone Camping Area

Access:   4WD access only. 4th Camping area from the entrance to the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area.

Vehicle Access to the Beach:   Via signed tracks only. No driving, parking or camping on the dunes

Toilets:   Yes

Sites:  Open camping area. No defined sites. Not suitable for camper trailers, caravans or buses

Views: A few campsites may have ocean views overlooking Fraser Island

Beach: Short Walk from Camping Area

S.S. Dorrigo Camping Area

Access:   4WD access recommended, some sites close to road accessible with 2WD in normal conditions

Vehicle Access to the Beach:  Easy access at the entrance to the campground to get 4WD on and off the beach

Toilets:   Yes

Sites:  No formally defined campsites. Sites closer to the road are more sheltered from the ocean winds

Views: Amazing views from some sites

Beach: Walking distance to the beach or you can camp close to the beach but tracks are sandy

Dorrigo South Camping

Access:   4WD access recommended, some sites close to road accessible with 2WD in normal conditions

Vehicle Access to the Beach:  No vehicle access to/from the beach within the Dorrigo South Campground

Toilets:   Yes

Sites:  No formally defined campsites. Best suited to smaller vans. Restricted access for caravans, buses and camper trailers.

Views: Views of Double Island Point from some sites. Camping closer to road provides a little  more shelter from wind

Beach: A short walk to the surf beach or to Pelican Bay which is more sheltered

Pelican Bay Camping Area

Access:   Definitely 4WD access only

Vehicle Access to the Beach:  Right on the water’s edge and soft in parts

Toilets:   No toilets or bins. You also need to take your rubbish with you. Use toilets in the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area approx 500 metres away on Inskip Point Road. No bush toileting – digging pit toilets is not permitted

Sites:  Only 5 campsites

Views: Pelican Bay Camping Area has estuary views

Beach: A short walk to the surf beach

General Campground Information

There are a number of sites suitable for caravans, campervans and camper trailers . Camping in tents is permitted in all areas. Some camping grounds are strictly 4WD only and only minimal areas that are accessible by 2WD.

All sites are unpowered and many areas are shaded. There are plenty of bins provided, let’s all ensure we use them.

Toilets are available in most camping areas, not all. Contents of portable toilets must not be emptied in the Camping areas. There is a Dump Point Facility on Clarkson Drive in nearby Rainbow Beach.

Drinking Water is not available so bring plenty of water with you.

Water can obtained at Clarkson Drive within Rainbow Beach just a few metres along from the Dump Point so be sure to bring along portable refillable containers to top up your supply if needed.

The maximum stay at Inskip Point camping grounds is 30 days.

Generators up to 2.0Kva are allowed only until 9pm at which time they must be turned off. All noise must be kept to a minimum after 9pm.

Chainsaws cannot be used in the Inskip Point Camping areas.

Mobile Phone coverage is limited and unreliable. At times you may get a slightly stronger signal from the beach.

Midges and Sandflies can be bad camping at Inskip Point so ensure you take plenty of insect repellent and relief.

Contact Details for Inskip Point Camping

Phone: 13 74 68
Website
Email: info@des.qld.gov.au
Address: Inskip Point Road, Inskip Point Queensland

How to get to the Camping Grounds

From the Bruce Highway/A1 turn right onto Brisbane Road/State Route 15 and continue for 3.4kms before turning right onto Cootharaba Road/State Route 15.

After 42kms, turn right onto Rainbow Beach Road and follow it along for 30km.

Then turn left onto Clarkson Drive. In 1.8kms, at the roundabout take the 2nd exit to stay on Inskip Avenue.

Finally, turn right into Inskip Point Road and all camping grounds are on the right hand side off Inskip Point Road with the exception of Pelican Bay.

To access Pelican Bay Camping Area, continue straight on Inskip Avenue and do not turn right into Inskip Point Road.

Inskip Point Camping Permit

A camping permit is required and must be obtained before arrival at the campgrounds.

You do not require a Vehicle Access permit when camping in any of the Inskip Point Camping areas.

A Vehicle Access Permit is however required to drive on the beach both at Fraser Island and in the Cooloola Recreation Area. There are separate permits for each or a combined one for both.

How to Book a Camping Site

Individual camping sites cannot be booked and it is on a ‘first in’ basis. There are no defined camping sites.

To book a site at any of the Inskip Point Camping grounds, you can book on-line; over the counter at a booking office; at a self-service kiosk or by calling 13 74 68.

A permit tag with your booking number must be displayed clearly at your campsite at all times.

Inskip Point Camping Map

Download a copy of the Inskip Point Camping Map outlining the campgrounds in the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/164285/inskip-peninsula-map.pdf

Inskip Point Camping Fees

Currently as of 1 July 2020, the cost for camping fees is $6.75 per person per night and families are $27.00 per night.

A Family can consist of up to 8 people in total made up of either 1 or 2 Adults and children under the age of 18. Kids under the age of 5 are free.

Is Inskip Point Camping Dog Friendly?

It is dog friendly in the Inskip Point Camping Areas however dogs must be kept under control and on a leash at all times. Please ensure you also wrap and place dog droppings in the bins provided.

You are not permitted to have dogs in your vehicle while driving along the beach and on beach access tracks at Double Island Point, Teewah Beach and Freshwater Road.

You are allowed to travel with dogs to or from Inskip Point however this must be via the Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach sealed roads.

Other domestic animals including birds are prohibited while camping at Inskip Point.

Are Campfires permitted in the Campgrounds

Open campfires are permitted in the Inskip Point Camping grounds except when fire bans are in place.

Please use an existing campfire site and ensure campfires are fully extinguished with water.

Do not place sand over a campfire as the area will remain extremely hot for a long time and can cause very serious burns or injury if walked on.

All clean untreated firewood, kindling and fire lighters must be brought in. Bush timber is not to be brought in as it may contain pests that could be carrying diseases which can kill native plants.

It is illegal to collect and burn leaves, twigs and wood from the recreational reserve and penalties do apply.

Inskip Point Tides

The tides are very important when visiting Inskip Point especially if you intend to head over to Fraser Island.

Driving on any beach is best at low tide or 2 hrs either side of low tide.

Inskip Point Weather

As Inskip Point is right on the peninsula, it can be quite windy. To escape the windy Inskip Point weather you may need to camp back from the beach behind the dunes or in areas of the campgrounds closer to the road.

There are a number of weather apps to check on the upcoming weather if you are planning to camp at Inskip Point with Willy Weather and BOM just to name a couple.

Inskip Point Sinkhole

In late September 2015, just a few months before our stay at Inskip Point in early February 2016, a huge 150 metre x 50 metre wide, 3 metre deep sinkhole opened up at the M.V. Beagle campground.

At around 10.30pm the sinkhole slowly began opening up. Close to midnight, approximately 140 people had to be evacuated from the campground.

It resulted in a Caravan, a car, tents and camping equipment being swallowed by the sinkhole.

In March 2016, there was a second landslip. Again 3 years later in September 2018, another large portion of the beach collapsed into the ocean.

The three sinkholes have all been in the same area.

What else is there to do in the area?

Inskip Point Fishing

For most people, Inskip Point Camping includes spending time fishing. With the beach and estuary right at your doorstep, it is the ideal place to catch Bream, Flathead, Tailor and Whiting.

Plus, you have Fraser Island only a 10 minute barge ride away and the fishing on Fraser is sensational.

Visit Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world

Fraser Island is one place your absolutely cannot miss visiting!!

As it is the world’s largest sand island, the only way to access this stunning piece of paradise is by 4WD.

If you don’t have a 4WD, you can hire one or take a day tour over to Fraser Island from Rainbow Beach or there are also 2 day camping or 2 day resort tours.

There is so much to see and do on the island but Lake Mackenzie, Eli Creek, the S.S. Maheno and Champagne Pools are everyone’s favourite ‘must sees’.

For more information about Fraser Island, check out these other blogs:

Drive along Rainbow Beach to Double Island Point

Take a drive along the Beach past the spectacular coloured sands to Double Island Point. The colours in the sandy cliffs are amazing.

You will need to purchase a permit to drive on the beach and you definitely need to check the tide times carefully as the beach is only accessible at low tide.

Purchase your Cooloola Recreation Vehicle Access Permit online.

Check out Carlo Sand Blow

The magnificent Carlo Sand Blow is one of the popular attractions at Rainbow Beach.

Carlo Sand Blow has a ‘moonscape’ appearance and is massive with the sand covering 15 hectares. It is named after Carlo, one of Captain Cook’s crew.

Take a walk throught the rainforest to the top of the Sand Blow and take in the stunning views over Rainbow Beach including the coloured sands, Double Island Point, Inskip Point and Fraser Island.

Feed the Dolphins at Tin Can Bay

For the best chance of feeding wild dolphins, go to the Barnacles Cafe and Dolphin Centre in Tin Can Bay.

Wild dolphins have been coming into this area for many, many years and it offers a great dolphin experience.

Volunteers provide information on the dolphins and arrange viewing times where small groups can each go into the water.

You have the not only the opportunity to see the dolphins up close but you can also feed a wild Australian Humpback Dolphin.

• Don’t miss this one on one dolphin experience!

Read more: Feeding the Dolphins at Barnacles Café Tin Can Bay

Other great places to stay in the region:

Pin – Inskip Point Camping

Rainbow Beach was our very first destination on our road trip adventure around Australia. Our second stop was Inskip Point where we camped in the M.V. Sarawak Camping Ground for one night on 4 February, 2016.

Back then, we only had our motorhome and it was the only Inskip Point Camping area we could access.

Have you camped at any of the Inskip Point Camping grounds? Tell us about your experience.

Safe travels   

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

_______________________________________________________________________

Follow us, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/

Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3

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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.

The Proserpine Dam or the Peter Faust Dam as it is also commonly known offers a great camping ground right alongside the water’s edge of Lake Proserpine.

The dam is 20kms west of the town of Proserpine in North Queensland. The Peter Faust Dam is only a 45 minute drive from Airlie Beach in the magnificent Whitsundays.

Lake Proserpine Camping area at the Peter Faust Dam is owned and operated by the Whitsunday Regional Council.

It is fabulous to see a proactive council providing camping facilities for RV travellers and encouraging people to visit and spend money in their town by offering free or low cost camping grounds.

Not only is there the Peter Faust Dam Free Camping area, there is also a free RV Park right in the heart of Proserpine as well.

There is also a master plan to continue to upgrade the facilities with the inclusion of Peter Faust Dam cabins, walking tracks and more. Check out the future plans for the Peter Faust Dam here.

Peter Faust Dam Free Camping Facilities

The Peter Faust Dam Camping area is an awesome place to camp. The views of the lake are stunning especially at sunset.

It is accessible for all types of vehicles and available for all styles of camping – tents, motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers, roof top tents and big rigs.

There’s heaps of wide open space but it can get windy at times so keep an eye on the wind as to whether you leave your awning out.

Amenities have recently been upgraded and the toilets and showers are kept very clean and reportedly better than some caravan parks.

There are plenty of bins for campers to place their rubbish so please keep this awesome campground neat and tidy.

Although there is no Dump Point at Proserpine Dam, there is one at the RV Park in Proserpine.

Fires are permitted at the Peter Faust free campground and there are a number of fire pits scattered around the camping area. We have our own foldaway fire pit but we just shared a campfire with our neighbours each night.

Generators are allowed while camping here at Proserpine Dam.

The maximum stay allowed is 72 hours.

They are currently proposing to have a caretaker on-site which may also impose a low cost camping fee but it would still not change the fact that it is a magnificent spot to camp.

There is no phone reception with any network at the Campground however you can get coverage by taking a walk or short drive around the corner up next to the dam wall.

We enjoyed 2 nights free camping at the Peter Faust Dam but didn’t stay a third night and it was mainly due to there being no phone coverage at all in the campground that stopped us from staying one more night.

The cost to stay is Free

Our stay was 18 & 19 October, 2020.

Read more: Our Best Free Camps in Australia

Are pets allowed at Peter Faust Dam Camping Ground?

Yes, pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Dog bags are even provided at the campground which is a bonus.

There are roaming cows and a number of geese some of which can get bit feisty so best to keep your pets close by.

Contact Details for the Peter Faust Dam Campground

Phone: 1300 972 753
Website:
Facebook:
Address: Crystal Brook Road, Lake Proserpine Queensland
Email: info@whitusndaysrc.qld.gov.au

How to get to the Peter Faust Dam Free Camping Area

From the Bruce Highway go through the Main Street of  Proserpine and continue straight on Faust Street.

Turn right and follow Crystalbrook Road past Camp Kanga. The road then becomes Station Road. Wind around past the Picnic Area and Boat Ramp.

You will find the Peter Faust Free Camping Area a couple of hundred metres further along with the gateway on the right taking you down to the lakeside.

Are there crocodiles in the Peter Faust Dam?

Just around the time of our stay at the Peter Faust Dam Free Camp, a fisherman captured a 1.7m estaurine crocodile while fishing at night in his boat at the Proserpine Dam.

After restraining the croc, the man took it home but later contacted the Department of Environment and Science who retrieved the crocodile and then placed it in a zoo.

There have been other reports of crocodiles and people are urged to report any sightings. Always be Crocwise, understand the potential extremely serious risk posed by crocs and strictly adhere to warning signs.

Things to see and do while free camping at the Peter Faust Dam

Fresh Water Fishing

Lake Proserpine is awesome for fishing. Each year the dam is re-stocked with Barramundi fingerlings. Reportedly the lake at the Peter Faust Dam is home to 1 metre+ Barramundi which is great if you are a keen fisherman or fisherwoman.

Besides the Peter Faust Dam being great for barra fishing, the lake is also home to Sooty Grunter and Saratoga.

On-shore fishing is not permitted on or near the dam. This is due to Sunwater regulations.

Anyone over the age of 18 will need a Stocked Impoundment Permit to fish at Lake Proserpine. For more information and to obtain a Peter Faust Dam Fishing Permit, go to the Queensland Government website – https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/dams

Peter Faust Dam Red Claw

Red Claw and fresh water crayfish can be found at the Peter Faust Dam also, however we did not see many being caught during our stay.

Definitely none around the lake edge but others with a boat were a little more successful as they were able to drop their pots in on the other side of the dam.

Boating on Peter Faust Dam

Access to Lake Proserpine is great for boaties as there are 3 pontoons, a jetty and a boat ramp. Water craft up to 8 metres are able to access the lake via the Peter Faust Dam Boat Ramp near  the picnic area.

The lake is a popular spot for water sports as well. You will often see people with jet skies, canoes and kayaks out on the water.

Crocodile Safari Proserpine

On our first visit up through the Whitsundays, we took a trip on the wild side and went on the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari in Proserpine. This exceptional tour gave us a very up close look at crocodiles in the wild.

The Proserpine River is rated as having the best chance of spotting a salt water crocodile in Queensland. It is spot on, we saw plenty in and out of the water, ranging in different sizes and age.

This was a fabulous introduction into crocodiles which proved invaluable to us.

For us, it was great to learn so much about crocs in the early stages of our travels around Australia. An excellent tour where you are absolutely sure to have an up close encounter, the crocs are prolific in this area.

Check out Colour Me Crazy, Proserpine

If you love all things colourful, be sure to check out Colour Me Crazy in Proserpine.

This fabulous and unusual little shop is located down Dobbins Lane in Main Street, Proserpine. You’are sure to find something colourful for your motorhome or caravan.

Plus, pick up some great gifts for family and friends.

Visit nearby Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls are just 20kms out from Proserpine. Set in a beautiful tropical rainforest, a visit to the falls is well worth it. Naturally the best time to visit Cedar Creek Falls is during the wet season months of December through to April.

The falls are spectacular after any rainfall.

Even in dry season, water cascades into the beautiful natural lagoon below. This natural fresh water lagoon is a great and safe spot for swimming especially in the hotter months.

Unfortunately when we visited it was exceptionally dry and there was no water falling at all. It is an easy walk in from the carpark and was still great to see the natural rock amphitheatre and spot some turtles.

Other great blogs you may enjoy reading:

Pin – Peter Faust Dam Camping

Other great free or low cost places to stay in the region:

Proserpine makes a great base to explore nearby Airlie Beach.

Have you enjoyed the magnificent views and tranquil surrounds of Lake Proserpine and free camped at the Peter Faust Dam?

Safe travels   

Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.

Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.

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Photography and Socials

Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:

Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – https://ebay.to/2XOjXhi – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.

Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.

Lenses

Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/2yQwPed  This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.to/3eCueUo This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/2XlOZ0I – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – https://ebay.to/2TWt0vA  – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.

Our Go Pro 7 Hero Black – https://ebay.to/38wMc7V  –  is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.

Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo  This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.

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