Smalleys Beach Camp – Cape Hillsborough – Queensland

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Having checked out a couple of island beach camps we headed to Smalleys beach on the mainland. Smalleys Beach is at Cape Hillsborough National Park. This stunning location is less than 7pp.

About 45 minutes NE of Mackay you hit the narrow 4km gravel road that will take you to the entrance. This is fine for most vans, campers and tenter’s. We were glad we hadn’t brought our 21ft van though. We would not want to be caught with traffic coming the other way. And the turning circle at the camp looked a little to tight for us personally.

Smalleys Beach Camp

The parking areas are large circles set back in native trees and shrub. You look down and out to the white sandy beach and beautiful blue ocean. The ground is dirt/grass, not sand so no need to worry about getting stuck.

It seamed everyone camping here loved fishing. A gazebo had been set up on the beach for the fishermen, women and children. If you like your fishing this is the place to camp.

As well as sea life you will spot bush turkeys. Not forgetting roos on the beach at sunrise.

If you have a kayak Smalleys would be a beaut spot to take it out. Watch the tides so you don’t get stuck carrying it back in.

Toilets, water and picnic benches are available. Fires are also allowed as long as it’s contained and off the ground.

Near By Activities

• Mangrove Board Walk – Wander through the mangroves and Xanthorroea grass on this meandering 1.2km board walk.

• Cape Hillsbrough Beach – Famous for it’s friendly roos/wallabies at sunset and sunrise.
• Seaforth – Markets on a Sunday, Great beach, Fishing and launch your boat.
• Halliday Bay Golf Club – This is also a well priced camp site next to the beach. See our write up on Halliday Bay and photos here 

Booking

Smalleys Beach has 11 camps. I have read, sites 10,11 and 1 are the best pics. They are at each ends of the camp and so are more secluded.

Booking numbers must be displayed at your camp site.

The cost is less than $7 pp pn which you can book at Queensland National Parks. Visit Site here to book online or call 13 74 68. Phone reception at the site is not the best so booking should be made ahead of arrival.

If you like Beach camping, see our two post on  Steens Beach camp here  or Maureens Cove camp (see here) Both are on Hook island, one of the Whitsunday islands.

More information

• Location : Smalleys Beach – Cape Hillsborough National Park
• Click for Google map location
• State: Queensland
• Pets: No
• Camp type : National Park
• Price : Just over $6.00 pp pn
• Water ? :Yes
• Power ? : No
• Will suit: Most sized vehicles
• Is it on Wikicamps ?: Yes
• WIFI (tested with boost): Limited
• Amenities : Toilet
• Other : Fishing, Beach, Picnic bench, Bring insect repellent.
• WIFI & Phone Reception – Tested with Boost Mobile:  Limited reception

Boost Mobile while travelling around Australia as it has 3G & 4G coverage on the Telstra Mobile network