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.

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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.

________________________________________________________________________________

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/

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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.

Wow, the Notch Point Free Camping at Yarrawonga Park in Central Queensland is absolutely top notch!!

This magical little piece of paradise is located 270kms north of Rockhampton and just over 84kms south of Mackay.

Yarrawonga Park, not to be confused with Yarrawonga on the Murray River in Victoria and Notch Point Reserve is not to be confused with Notch Point Campground on Dirk Hartog Island in Western Australia.

Notch Point Reserve, Yarrawonga Park in Central Queensland is located alongside a cattle property and cattle roam freely throughout the camping ground.

It’s not every day you are able to free camp with the most amazing absolute beachfront views.

The Notch Point Free Camping area is one of the best free camping grounds in Queensland and even Australia.

Check out our: 16 Great Queensland Free Camps from Brisbane to Cairns

Notch Point Free Camping Facilities

Although there are no facilities at the Notch Point Free Camping ground, it is an ideal place to get away from it all and unwind.

There are no toilets or showers so bring a portable toilet if you are in a tent. Apparently, there are showers at the Ilbilbie Roadhouse.

Please take all of your rubbish with you as there are no bins. Bring an adequate supply of water for both drinking and general use. Water bladders are excellent and so are the collapsible water containers like we use to help store water and make for easy access.

Due to the road in to Notch Point this awesome free camping ground is best accessed by 4WD therefore it is mainly suitable for camping in tents, Camper trailers and possibly Caravans.

We did however see a Campervan there so it is possible in 2WD but watch our video for what to look out for.

According to WikiCamps, open campfires are prohibited. We did see some fire pits however please follow the any rules and ensure any campfires are properly extinguished.

When we visited Notch Point for the afternoon we had phone coverage with our Samsung Phones. We were able to receive two bars with Telstra and also we had 1 bar with Vodafone.

There is a Dump Point at Sarina in the car park of the Visitor’s Information Centre which is next to The Sugar Shed.

Midges can be troublesome at times at the Notch Point Free Camping ground so be sure to take plenty of insect repellent and relief for any bites.

Read more: Winning the War against Midges or Sand Flies

Closest Fuel, Food and Bait

As there are no facilities at Notch Point Free Camp you will need to stock up on everything including water before you head into free camp especially if you are planning to stay the full 7 days.

The closest fuel, food and bait is available at the Ilbilbie Roadhouse back on the highway at Ilbilbie.

Can you take dogs to Notch Point?

Dogs are allowed when free camping at Notch Point Reserve in the Yarrawonga Park.

There are cattle roaming freely and there was this sign so probably best to keep your dog under control at all times.

Best to make sure your dogs remain safe and don’t wander on to the surrounding private property.

Beware of the cattle wandering through the camping ground with regards to your food as we witnessed a cheeky cow stealing a loaf of bread while the owners were away from their camp.

Ensure you do not leave any food out overnight or while your site is unattended.

We tried to stop the cow from stealing the food but it wasn’t having a bar of my attempts to dissuade it and I wasn’t going to argue with a big cow.

Access to the Notch Point Free Camping Ground

The road in from Ilbilbie is tight in some places and definitely requires a 4WD to access.

There is no way we would get our Motorhome in through some areas of the track which were filled with water, the soft sand in some other parts and finally a water crossing.

Also due to the narrow access, it is not suitable for big rigs. Some larger caravans will struggle with the some narrow sections.

Most caravans make it through to Notch Point but be aware the narrow tracks and overhanging branches may scratch the sides of your van.

Sadly for us, it is definitely not suitable for Motorhomes so we will look to take a tent and portable toilet so we can actually stay next time we come through the Central Queensland region.

Fortunately, we were able to check out Notch Point in the Triton while Darwinny stayed back at the Riverside RV Camping at Ilbilbie. This is why we travel in two vehicles – the Motorhome and the Triton.

View our video below for more information on how we travel with both vehicles:

There is a gate that you need to open to enter Notch Point Reserve, Yarrawonga Park but the gate must be immediately closed behind you as cattle freely roam the property.

In wet conditions the tracks can be slippery and hazardous.

Also there are some sections of the track that fill with water and a water crossing just before reaching the campground. Therefore access to the Notch Point Free Camp is best at low tide.

Notch Point Free Camping – Booking Requirements

There is no need to book a site when free camping at Notch Point.

You’ll find no shortage of places to camp where you can enjoy absolute beachfront views with swaying palms and coconuts making it feel like you are on a tropical island.

To access the beachfront area in a caravan, head around to the left as you get to the hill. Do not go up and over the hill with a van, Adele found it scary just in the 4WD.

The maximum stay at Notch Point Reserve, Yarrawonga Park is 7 nights in any 21 day period.

The cost to stay is Free

We didn’t stay but the video was taken on 16th October 2020

Contact Details for Notch Point Reserve

Phone: 1300 472 227
Website:
Email: records@isaac.qld.gov.au 
Address: Notch Point Road, Notch Point

Directions to Notch Point Free Camping Area

Depending on which way you are travelling on the Bruce Highway/A1, turn right onto Greenhill Road if you are heading north or should you be heading south, turn left onto Greenhill Road.

After 4.4km turn right onto Notch Point Road. Continue along Notch Point Road for 7.7km past the Australian Prawn Farms before turning right at the sign.

Follow the dirt road and tracks. You will come to a gate, please close the gate behind you. Continue on the track through to the Notch Point Free Camping ground.

Check out our video on getting in to Notch Point:

Notch Point Fishing

Notch Point is considered one of the best fishing spots on the coast in the Central Queensland region.  

You can fish off the beach, in the estuary as well as head out to the reef in a boat. It’s a good spot for Mackeral, Queenies, Trevally if you have a boat or flathead, whiting and crabs from the shore as well as live bait.

Are there crocodiles at Notch Point?

There are several Crocodile Warning Signs around the Notch Point Free Camping area. A memorial has been set up under a tree for a 69 year old man who went missing on 16 December 2014.

It is feared to have been a crocodile attack after the man’s boat was found abandoned on the shore.

The boat trailer attached to the man’s vehicle with the engine running were also found at the boat ramp. Very sadly, the man has not been seen since launching his boat.

Please be aware of crocodiles, stingers and sharks in this area.

Things to see and do in the Notch Point Reserve Area

Cape Palmerston National Park

Cape Palmerston National Park is around an hour’s drive south of Mackay.

Like Notch Point, access to Cape Palmerston National Park is best by 4wd.

Cape Palmerston features rocky headlands, beautiful bushland and beaches that adjoin the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Mount Funnel, at 344 metres, is also a distinctive feature to the Cape Palmerston National Park.

The views of the ocean are magnificent, the on-shore and off-shore fishing is great and there are a number of bush walking tracks.

Camping at Cape Palmerston National Park

A permit is required to camp in the Cape Palmerston National Park and camping fees apply.

As at 1 July 2020, camping fees are $6.75 per person per night or $27.00 per night for a family of 2 Adults and up to 8 children under 18yrs. Children under 5 are free.

You will need to book a camping site and arrange your camping permit before you arrive.

Bookings can be made on-line via the Queensland Parks website; at a self-service kiosk or over the counter at a booking office. Alternatively, you can phone 13 74 68.

Sarina Sugar Shed

A tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed suits all ages.  You will learn about the growing, harvesting and the process of crushing the sugar cane which is very interesting.

The tour goes for approx 1 hour and you will also have an opportunity to taste sugar in a number of different forms as well as sample some sweet treats.

Even the big kids like ourselves were delighted to sample the free fairy floss at the end of the tour.

The Sugar Shed is open 7 days from 9am – 4pm except for Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and there are 4 tours each day starting at 9.30am with the last tour commencing at 2pm.

Read more: Mackay – Whitsundays region, so much to see and do

The Big Cane Toad

Sarina is approx 48kms north of Notch Point and is home to The Big Cane Toad. The locals have called it Buffy due to Bufo Marinus being the scientific name for a cane toad.

Originally, The Big Cane Toad was made out of paper mache in 1983 for a float in a sugar festival. It was later cast in fibre glass and is now a feature in the main street of Sarina.

It’s one of the many big things that we have discovered on our travels around Australia.

Check out more: Big Things of Australia

Carmila Beach

Just a half an hour’s drive south of Notch Point is Carmila Beach which has another great absolute beachfront camping ground.

Carmila Beach is another unspoiled piece of paradise but does have toilets, barbecues and picnic tables.

You can camp at Carmila Beach for up to maximum of 14 nights. Simply book using the Park Mobile website or App or call Isaac Council on 1300 472 227.

Read more about: Carmila Beach Campground

Also check out our video on how we almost bogged the Motorhome at Carmila Beach:

Check out these other interesting blogs:

Pin – Notch Point Free Camping!

Other great places to stay in the 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.

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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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