Camping, Caravan & RV Sites
Lake Paluma Access Update - 4 June 2025
The normal access route via the Bruce Highway, up Mount Spec Road through Paluma is not yet open to general traffic.
- Alternative access is possible via the Ingham – Mount Fox – Hidden Valley – Paluma Dam Route or the Herveys Range Development Road – Hidden Valley – Paluma Dam Routes.
- Both of these routes are approximately 100 kilometres longer than the normal access route and travel times will be increased to 3 to 4 hours one way.
- It will include travel on gravel roads with no mobile telephone coverage for much of the journey.
- High clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles would be recommended and to exercise caution due to roaming stock, wildlife, and truck traffic.
- Road conditions can change rapidly, particularly during adverse weather so persons wishing to camp at Paluma Dam should plan accordingly.
- The bridge over Running River at Hidden Valley currently has a 4.5 T load limit and 5 kph speed limit for vehicles.
- The BBQ facilities at Paluma Dam are currently not available.
To ensure all camping visitors to Townsville have a comfortable stay, Council has adopted a policy for camping on public reserves. This policy applies to camping in vehicles, tents and the like on public reserves, parks, beaches, and foreshores controlled by Council.
Camping is prohibited in all areas of Townsville, except for those areas designated as camping areas and at approved caravan parks.
The maximum number of stays at any of these sites is once per week. Council officers routinely visit camping areas to check on how long people have stayed. If it is found that campers are not complying with this policy, campers will be asked to move on.
Those who do not comply may be evicted from the camping area.
All campgrounds and vehicle sites require a booking which can be made on Bookable:
Camping at Lake Paluma
Lake Paluma is nestled among world heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest. Access to the lake is via a 12 kilometre gravel road from the township of Paluma. Lake Paluma is a popular camping destination.
There are a limited number of camp sites available and you must have a pre-paid permit. Without a pre-paid permit you are not guaranteed a camp site. Council Rangers patrol the area daily. People who camp without a permit can be fined. Camp sites must be vacated by midday on the day of departure. Schools and large groups are encouraged to use Magar Yamba, the large group camping area.
For more information about Lake Paluma camping, visit our Lake Paluma page.
Camping on Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Help us protest this significant natural wonder by camping in designated campgrounds.
No camping or occupying a parked vehicle overnight including caravans, campervans, placement of temporary structures / shelters or tents on local government controlled area or roads on Magnetic Island.
It is illegal to camp overnight or occupy a vehicle overnight^ in Local Government controlled areas, which include but are not limited to:
- road verges
- next to a road
- in a car park
- in a park
- on a beach.
Illegal camping can negatively impact the community. Threats can include public safety issues, litter, and damage to protected environmental areas such as harming fragile ecosystems or contributing to soil erosion. It’s important to preserve the natural beauty of Magnetic Island.
Camping on a Road, Park, or Beach
Council officers conduct regular patrols and respond to complaints of illegal camping across the region. If you camp overnight in a non-camping area (on a road, park or beach), you may be issued with a penalty infringement notice.
Penalty Infringement amount exceeds $300.
Reporting Illegal Camping
Illegal camping is a significant issue from both an amenity and a compliance perspective.
If you see someone camping illegally you can report it by calling or emailing our customer service team.
To learn where you can camp legally on Magnetic Island or in the Townsville region:
- Talk to your camper van hire company, Townsville Visitor Information Centre or local Magnetic Island businesses.
- To ensure all camping visitors to Townsville City have a comfortable stay, Council has adopted a policy for camping on public reserves. To book your campsite visit Bookable.
For more information about camping on Magnetic Island:
- Magnetic Island Camping Factsheet (PDF, 672.6 KB)
Wastewater Dump Point Locations
Caravanners who do not stay in caravan parks for the entirety of their holiday may need to access public dump points during the trip to dispose of grey and black water, as well as sewage waste. Visiting a dump point is the most environmentally friendly method of emptying waste from a caravan.
Available locations within the Townsville region:
Balgal Beach Park
Balgal Beach Park is located at 3 Tooth Street, Balgal Beach.
Dump-Ezy sewage dump point is located beside the public toilet block at Tooth Street, Balgal Beach.
GPS: -19.010111373686215, 146.4050033940123 (map)
Bluewater Park and Urban Forest
Bluewater Park and Urban Forest is located at 14 Forestry Road, Bluewater.
Dump-Ezy sewage dump point with a water hose (unpotable water) located about halfway along the camping area.
GPS: -19.17722847085454, 146.55083836204005 (map)
Ross River Dam Park
Ross River Dam Park is located at Riverway Drive, Kelso.
Cassette only, dump point public, length limit under 11m. Left-hand side of bitumen side road. Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
GPS: -19.407630769542678, 146.73347089268242 (map)
Vincent 'Bushy' Parker Park
Vincent 'Bushy' Parker Park is located at 40 Rollingstone Street, Rollingstone.
Dump-Ezy sewage dump point, with a water tap for rinsing, is located near the toilets. Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
GPS: -19.045334614458607, 146.3942446881637 (map)
Definition of Camping Under the Local Laws
Camping at a place –
- means physically occupying the place, whether in a caravan, motorhome, motor vehicle, tent, swag or otherwise for 3 hours or more on any day after 9pm but before 7am; and
- for the purpose of determining whether a place is physically occupied by a person, a minor interruption to the physical occupation of the place by the person is to be disregarded; but
- does not include the parking of a motor vehicle by a person at the place if the person leaves the motor vehicle unattended at the place.
Camping Rules
In order to protect the comfort of local residents and other visitors it is asked that all campers keep their site clean and tidy and not behave in an unruly manner.
Please do not set up your camp (whether in a campervan or tent) in a way that restricts public use or access to any fixture of fittings. This includes any structure, pole, gazebo, barbeque, fence, tap, table, seat, etc. which has been provided for the use and enjoyment of all.
The maximum number of stays at any of these sites is once per week. Council officers routinely visit camping areas to check on how long people have stayed. If it is found that campers are not complying with this policy campers will be asked to move on. Those who do not comply may be evicted from the camping area.
Dogs are allowed at Council’s Designated Camping Areas however they must remain leashed at all times. The dog/s owner/keeper is responsible for the removal of any animal waste and to ensure the animal does not cause a nuisance to other campers.
Visit the Lake Paluma page for rules governing camping at Lake Paluma.
More Information
Please note, most other parks do not allow camping.
To find out more information about other Townsville parks and camping grounds, visit:
For more information, please phone 13 48 10.
