Molongle Creek Caravan Park – The Ultimate Gateway for Cape Upstart Anglers

Tucked away on the remote Burdekin coastline, Molongle Creek Caravan Park is a name spoken with reverence among serious North Queensland anglers. This is not your typical tourist park; it is a true fishing and boating mecca, run by the passionate local boat club and dedicated to the pursuit of the ultimate catch. Situated at the mouth of the mangrove-lined Molongle Creek, the park is the primary launching point for adventures into the pristine, unspoiled waters of Cape Upstart National Park and the wider Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The atmosphere here is one of community and shared passion, a classic, no-frills fishing camp where the daily rhythm is set by the tides and the air buzzes with tales of trophy fish and secret spots.The park’s location is its crown jewel. The all-tide boat ramp provides direct access to a labyrinth of productive creeks teeming with Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, and giant mud crabs. A short boat ride opens up a world of bluewater sportfishing, with Spanish Mackerel, Coral Trout, and Giant Trevally waiting around the headlands and reefs of Cape Upstart. The park itself offers a comfortable and friendly base to return to after a long day on the water. The sites are spacious and shady, and the facilities, while simple, are clean and perfectly suited to the needs of a fishing-focused holiday, including an excellent fish cleaning station. For those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience dedicated to world-class fishing and boating, in a friendly and welcoming community setting, Molongle Creek Caravan Park is an unmissable destination.

Molongle Creek Caravan Park – QLD Location Map

Molongle Creek Caravan Park

Address: 573 Molongle Beach Rd, Gumlu QLD 4805
Website: Facebook
GPS Coordinates: -19.83671, 147.69909

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Site Details and Facilities

Location: At the mouth of Molongle Creek, providing direct access to Cape Upstart.
Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes, especially those with boats.
Road Access: Sealed road to the park turn-off, then a good quality unsealed road.
Site Surface: Primarily spacious grass and dirt/sand sites.
Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites are available.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Caters to tourists and fishing holidaymakers.
Facilities: Amenities block with hot showers and toilets, laundry, camp kitchen, fish cleaning station, adjacent all-tide boat ramp.
Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
Potable Water: Yes.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited; primarily Telstra service.
TV Reception: Satellite equipment (VAST) is essential.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Drive Through Sites: Yes, some available.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Permitted in your own off-the-ground fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others (check for preferred times).

Activities & Essentials

Essentials to Bring: A boat is essential to fully experience the area. Bring extensive fishing and crabbing gear, a cast net, and strong insect repellent. Be aware of marine stingers and crocodiles.
Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly. Please confirm their policy upon booking.
Fishing: World-class river, estuary, and reef fishing and crabbing.
Short Walks: Enjoy peaceful walks along the foreshore and around the quiet local area.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Restaurants

Gumlu Tavern: Approx. 20 km
Bowen Hotels (e.g., Grand View Hotel): Approx. 60 km
Home Hill Hotel: Approx. 65 km

Local Attractions

Cape Upstart National Park: Accessible by boat from the park.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Accessible by boat.
Molongle Creek: Onsite.

Camping & Travel Resources

Nearest Caravan Parks: This is the only park at Molongle Creek. Parks are available in Bowen and Home Hill.
Next Free Camps: Very limited formal free camps in the immediate area.
Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Gumlu (approx. 20 km).
Nearest Petrol Station: Available at Gumlu on the Bruce Highway (20 km).
Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
Public Toilets: Onsite for guests.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Burdekin Coast (Dry Tropics)

Wet Season (Nov-Apr): Hot and humid with a high chance of heavy rain and cyclones. The best time for Barramundi fishing. Marine stingers are a major consideration. Averages range from 24°C to 32°C.
Dry Season (May-Oct): The peak tourist season. Beautiful, warm, and sunny days with low humidity and pleasant sea breezes. Ideal conditions for offshore fishing. Average temperatures from 16°C to 29°C.