Toomulla Campsite – Free 48hr Beach Camping Near Townsville QLD

Escape the crowds at Toomulla Campsite, a quiet and tranquil free camping area located just 45 minutes north of Townsville. Managed by the Townsville City Council, this beachside rest area is a favourite for those who love fishing, crabbing, and a peaceful coastal atmosphere. Nestled at the end of a sealed road, the grassy, shaded park sits right on the edge of the Toomulla estuary and beach, offering a fantastic spot for a short stay.

This is a **free campground**, but just like other popular council parks in the region, **online bookings are essential**. Camping is strictly limited to a **maximum stay of 48 hours** (2 nights), a rule enforced by council rangers to ensure availability for all travellers. Bookings must be made via the Townsville City Council website.

The site is easily accessible via a sealed road (Toomulla Rd), making it suitable for all 2WD vehicles, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. The campground features a large, open, grassy area with unmarked sites, allowing you to choose your own spot.

Facilities are excellent for a free camp, including a public toilet block with **cold beach showers** and **flushing toilets**. Rubbish bins are provided, as are picnic tables. A major drawcard is the public boat ramp, providing direct access to the estuary and creek system, which is renowned for its excellent fishing and crabbing.

The park is **pet-friendly** (on-leash), but open fires are **not permitted**. You must bring your own gas or electric cooking equipment. While there are water taps, it is highly recommended to **bring your own potable (drinking) water**, as the on-site supply is not guaranteed to be drinkable. Due to the coastal estuary location, be sure to pack strong insect repellent for sandflies and mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk.

Toomulla Campsite – QLD Location Map

Toomulla Campsite / Toomulla Beach Campground

Address: Toomulla Rd, Toomulla QLD 4816
GPS Coordinates: -19.08286, 146.47544
Website: **Bookings essential via Townsville City Council:** Townsville City Council Parks

Site Features

• Location: Council park on the coast/estuary, north of Townsville.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, motorhomes, and large caravans (big rigs).
• Road Access: Sealed road, 2WD accessible.
• Site Surface: Grass, dirt, sand. Generally level.
• Camping Permitted: **Yes,** free, but **online bookings are essential.**
• Maximum Overnight Stays: **48 hours (2 nights).**
• Picnic Tables: **Yes.**
• Potable Water: **No.** Taps on site, but water is not certified as potable. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: **Yes,** can be patchy (Telstra is best).
• TV Reception: **Yes.**
• Onsite Public Toilets: **Yes,** flushing toilets and **cold showers.**
• Ullage (Dump Point): **No.** Nearest public dump point is at Bluewater Park or Rollingstone.
• Drive Through: Large open area suitable for big rigs.
• Rubbish Bins: **Yes.**
• Open Fires: **No.** Prohibited. Gas/electric BBQs only.
• Generator Use: **Yes,** considerate use permitted (daytime hours).
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, but bookings are limited.
• Essentials to Bring: **Booking confirmation,** potable water, strong insect repellent (sandflies).
• Pet Friendly: **Yes,** on-leash.
• Fishing: **Yes,** excellent. Boat ramp on-site.
• Short Walks: **Yes,** along the beach and estuary.

Local Amenities

Note: The nearest reliable services are in **Rollingstone** (approx. 10-12 km) or **Bluewater** (approx. 18 km).

• Local Pubs:
  • Rollingstone Hotel (approx. 12 km)
  • Bluewater Hotel (approx. 18 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Rollingstone Hotel (Pub meals) (approx. 12 km)
  • BP Roadhouse Rollingstone (Takeaway) (approx. 12 km)
  • Bluewater Hotel (approx. 18 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Toomulla Beach (on-site)
  • Paluma Range National Park / Crystal Creek (approx. 25 km)
  • Balgal Beach (approx. 15 km)
  • Saunders Beach (approx. 20 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort (approx. 10 km)
  • Bluewater Caravan Park (approx. 18 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Balgal Beach Campground (48hr limit) (approx. 15 km)
  • Saunders Beach Park Rest Area (48hr limit) (approx. 20 km)
  • Bluewater Park Camping Rest Area (48hr limit) (approx. 18 km)
• Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
  • Bluewater Park Camping Rest Area (Public) (approx. 18 km)
  • Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort (for patrons, or fee) (approx. 10 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Rollingstone (approx. 12 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bluewater Park Camping Rest Area (approx. 18 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
  • **On-site at Toomulla Campsite.**

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Toomulla has a tropical climate defined by two distinct seasons.

• Wet Season (Nov – Apr): **Hot, humid, and wet.** Average temperatures are 25°C – 32°C. This period sees the majority of rainfall, often in heavy downpours. High risk of mosquitoes and sandflies.
• Dry Season (May – Oct): **Warm and dry.** This is the peak travel season. Days are sunny and warm (average 18°C – 28°C) with low humidity and very little rain, making for perfect camping weather.