Camping near Mackay with swimming

Spot the elusive platypus and other wildlife while camping near Queensland's "sugar city.

96% (5166 reviews)
96% (5166 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Mackay with swimming

99%
(5694)

Hold It Flats

152 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Yalboroo, QLD
Hold it Flats is a 120 acre property that borders the beautiful O'Connell River that has water all year round. Take a walk around the property to check out some of the creatures that have been built out of scrap metal and bush bars that have been built all around the property. There is nice shady trees, green grass and flat camping sites right beside the river with hot showers and flushing toilets. There is plenty of room and some great tracks for the kids and the big kids to ride their push bikes on. The swimming hole is about 2 meters deep and has big shady trees on the edge. There is also enough room for kids to bring their kayaks and have a paddle along the river. We have some hiking tracks up around the hills of our property that have amazing views of the area. All campsites can be provided with their own fire pit. You just pick your spot and we will bring a portable fire pit to you. Fire wood can be purchased at the property. All rubbish must be taken when you, there are no rubbish bins provided.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
AU$15
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(110)

Platypus Bush Camp

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Finch Hatton, QLD
Hi Everyone and Welcome to our home and a very special property called Platypus Bush Camp. The property has been operating as a bushcamp / rainforest retreat for 40 years and from what we hear regularly it is one of Australia's most unique campsites and it feels nice too :) The bushcamp feels like you are going back in time and has a hint of Asia / South America with the building style and nature but you are in the Aussie rainforest / bush and then we trow in some country hospitality and humour so we can all enjoy our time. There are 4 creeks that flow all year into an absolutely stunning swimming hole that is the largest and deepest in Finch Hatton Gorge. We are off grid but with all the modern amenities like flushing toilets, stunning hot showers with rainforest views (if you like), large fully equipped camp kitchens with everything you need, there is even a pizza oven and usb charging ports and you can see and hear the water from the kitchens and the dining areas. Accomodation options include:
 - 10 unpowered sites available which suit a variety of set ups including sites with your own private deck looking over the creek, shaded sites and sites with sun for solar - please refer to each site description for specific site size and photos. - 6 unpowered tent sites in our grassed where the main fire pit is located - no vehicles are permitted on the grassed area but parking is close by. - 3 private creekside huts / tree houses with stunning views, comfortable beds and bedding. Pets are welcome - as long as they are well behaved and owners clean up after them. There is a central fire pit with seating and cooking plate and an undercover fireplace / dining room as well if there is any rain or bring your own fire pit and use at your site. The property is located in the Pioneer Valley just outside Mackay, Queensland. We are 2 kilometres from the breathtaking Finch Hatton Gorge in the Eungella National Park. Just 1 hour drive from Mackay and 2 hours from Airlie Beach and the drive here is beautiful too. Two or three nights is a good amount of time to be able to explore the area including Eungella National Park, Finch Hatton Gorge (Araluen Cascades & Wheel of Fire) while still having time to relax at the Bushcamp. It will be nice to meet you. Shane and Family.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$38
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(929)

Creek and Antique Camping

55 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Calen, QLD
We have a selection of beautiful creek side locations where you can enjoy the clear, fresh running water and a selection of other sites only a short walk from the water. Conveniently located just a short drive off the Bruce Highway our sites are not designated, you choose your own on arrival While staying, you will have the opportunity to take a walk into the past to view a private collection of Australiana, including a working stationary, engine display and vintage kitchen with wood stoves. Access to the property is via a creek crossing so it is advisable to phone ahead if there has been recent rain or rainfall is forecast. Toilets are located on the property but campers will need their own shower facilities and take all waste with them on departure. Campfires are permitted but must be contained at all times in a fire pits that we also have for your use Calen is a small cane growing and cattle town with a general store, pharmacy, service station, butcher and the local pub. Zarby's cafe is a short drive away if you would like to dine in for breakfast or lunch in a retro style setting. Each site fee is for 2 adults and kids stay at no cost Pets are welcome.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(312)

Jarravale Farm Stay

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents19 acres · Marian, QLD
Jarravale farm stay is located in the picturesque pioneer valley amongst the peace and tranquillity of sugar cane fields. No Check ins after 5.30 PM will be accepted, so plan your trip to arrive before 5.30 pm. Book in officer will be gone home for the day. No Check ins before 2pm Please, We do guide Tours of the Animal farm. So, for safety reason we do not want campers parking their van before the families leave. So please don't ask Josie for an early check in to jeopardize safety of these families. Check out 10am. If you want to visit the animal farm Closed in shoes Please. This is an insurance requirement. Set amongst the peace and quiet of the cane fields, Jarravale offers mountain views, beautiful sunsets and that fantastic country feeling. Jarravale offers free access to the miniature animal farm for Hipcampers. Jarravale has a wide range of aviary birds and farm animals for children and animal lovers to enjoy. You are welcome to help Josie with the daily running of the farm, all you have to do is ask her. We are perfectly situated if you want to explore the Mackay region and what the Pioneer Valley has to offer. Come and watch Platypus and turtles play in the billabong. No fires allowed at all, not even for cooking, except in winter. Fire pits will be provided, in winter, not individual fires allowed. We have fire pits to keep you warm on the cool winter nights as you sit around and share your travel stories. Sit back in tranquility as you watch the platypus, turtles and wild life gather in and around the billabong as the sun sets. It's a great way to finish the day. We also offer indoor accommodation for those who prefer all the mod cons. There are toilets and hot showers for campers, and access to the laundry. We have potable water hookups at most camp sites and we also offer four powered sites. You can use one of the two camp kitchens to cook your meals and use the picnic table for meals. Power is available at one of the camp kitchens to recharge your phones and appliances.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(152)

Valley View Camping

10 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Finch Hatton, QLD
Valley View Camping is a 10-acre property, bordered by the magical Eungella National Park. Our place makes a great base to explore the remarkable Finch Hatton Gorge and its many waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulders. We have two large, flat, grassed paddocks with sweeping mountain views. We offer up to six campsites, all accessible for any type of vehicle, and you choose where you want to pitch/park on arrival. Both paddocks have easy access to flushing toilets and hot showers. However, the lower paddock has our playground and undercover areas. Your own pets are welcome, we just ask you to please pick up after them. Campfires are permitted only if you have your own firepit, brazier or similar and you bring your own firewood. We welcome campers here to enjoy our stunning and peaceful corner of the world, so no loud music please and generators off between the hours of 10pm - 8am.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$22
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(72)

Ups n Downs, Bushland with Lagoon

11 sites · RVs, Tents56 acres · Mackay, QLD
Enjoy a hobby farm experience whilst camping amongst beautiful bushland of shady trees or overlooking a lagoon. Peace and quiet is guaranteed on this 56 acre property located only 15 minutes to Mackay. Enjoy a bush walk on the property or take a 2 minute walk to river where you can try your luck catching a fish or two. (No fishing allowed in property lagoon as its for swimming and paddling etc). Our property has horses and cattle, creating many photo opportunities as they like to socialise with visitors across the fence. You will need to be a self-contained camper who brings their own camping toilet/shower. Potable water is available on property if you're running low. Bring your own fire pit its lovely to enjoy a fire and quiet drink relaxing. Don't feel like cooking? That's ok because you can take a 5-minute drive to the local watering hole, the General Gordon Hotel for a meal and beverage. This property is a great base to explore the tourist attractions around Mackay, Sarina and Pioneer Vally and the Whitsunday Islands. Various locations on property for you to choose from. Lagoon front amongst the paperbarks, lagoon side view which requires 4WD access for slight hill to access view. Once up top plenty of flat land to choose from.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(102)

Cameron's Pocket Creek Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Mount Charlton, QLD
Located in the hinterland northwest of Mackay, our campground is very private with a maximum of only 2 campsites on our 100 metre long flat lawn. The site is fringed with rainforest and not visible from the road. A private track leads through the rainforest to a swimming hole. We are on beautiful St Helen's creek below Mount Dalrymple, just outside of Eungella National park's eastern boundary. Walk to the creek for a swim or walk around the gardens. Bring your goggles as the creek is clear and there are fish and turtles. There are many tropical butterflies including Cairns Birdwings and Ulysses to be seen. Birdwatching is also great here with many tropical species including the Wompoo and Rose-crowned fruit doves, azure kingfisher and torresian pigeons. ​The campsite has its own toilet, showers and drinking water. Campers can enjoy the "Tiki Hut" camp kitchen with BBQ, offset smoker, some comfy chairs, hot showers, flushing toilet, colourful lighting, kitchen bench with hot water and some 240v power available for light duties such as charging phones or running laptops. Power is all battery stored off-grid solar and can't provide heavy power such as cooking, heating or air-conditioning.​ Walk to the Strawberry farm for pick-your-own strawberries (available at certain times of the year only). Hang out in a hammock in the Tiki Hut or walk to another local swimming hole nearby. In the evenings, warm your feet by the campfire. You will need to BYO firewood. ​Please note that there is no mobile phone coverage here. You will be "Offline" throughout your stay in paradise. We have a landline at our house which can be used in an emergency.​​ ​We are "friendly dog" friendly. So if your dog greets strangers and other dogs with a smile and a tail wag, they are welcome. If they bark or don't get on well with other people and dogs, then please leave them at home.
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Toilets
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Showers
from 
AU$80
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(52)

Tony and Liz's Block

4 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Ilbilbie, QLD
The town of Ilbilbie is located in the center of the locality. However, the larger town of Greenhill is located on the coast of the locality.The Bruce Highway passes through the locality from south to north passing through the town of Ilbilbie. The North Coast railway line passes through the locality from south to north, very close to the highway. The Ilbilbie railway station served the town (21.7035°S 149.3557°E). The Koota railway station to the south of the town (21.7213°S 149.3596°E) is now abandoned.The land to the east of the highway and railway line is close to the coast and is low-lying land mostly used to grow sugarcane. There is a sugarcane tramway through this area.The land to the west of the highway and railway is more mountainous, rising to 430 metres at Bulls Head Bluff. The West Hill State Forest is in the far west of the locality
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(148)

Forest Flying Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Mackay, QLD
If you want to get away from the rat race for a while this is your ideal location. We take one booking at any one time. You have the site all to yourselves. Your site is three acres of privacy and seclusion, rainforest and a beautiful freshwater creek. Close to walks to Araluen Cascades and the Wheel of fire falls at Finch Hatton Gorge. There are no facilities here, so you need to be fully self-contained. No wifi. No mobile coverage (great to get the kids off the screens). There is plenty of water, firewood and wildlife though. Sometimes you won't be able to access the site as creek floods in heavy rain - can be cut off. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Please note check in is between 2 pm and 5 pm unless arranged otherwise. Access is best suited to 4WD or High Clearance vehicles. Not suitable for small cars. The site is suitable for caravans/trailers 6 metres long or smaller. We can accommodate up to six vehicles on the site (for a large group. travelling together). Forest Flying rainforest activity is next door. ($90 per person - booking essential). Please see www.forestflying.com for details. NOTE: check our directions once your booking is confirmed.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(37)

Dalrymple Heights Rainforest Stay

1 site · RV, Tent150 acres · Dalrymple Heights, QLD
If you want to get away from it all and relax beside a beautiful crystal clear spring-fed creek with a rainforest backdrop while clouds float by, then this is a place for you. We have one private creek site with or without power, you will have the place to yourselves. Ammenities are at the main residence up the hill, a small usage fee per stay per couple applies. We are not a commercial campground and are in process of restoring the property back to its glory and bring back the native animals after being effected by bushfires in 2018. There are BBQ and fire pit areas setup for your use at the site and firewood is readily available at fee. The property is located 800m above sea level 11km up Dalrymple Road in Eungella. The property entrance is concealed and on the left side were wheelie bins are located and opposite a traffic mirror. From the front gate which is on your left and has a Land for Wildlife sign is a locked gate. Eungella National Park is boarding the back of the property where the cloud rainforest and creek are located. Nights can be cold and rain sometimes unpredictable. We have a 150 acre property, 50 acres of which is rainforest with a magical creek winding through it. Rainforest walks have been marked or you can just follow the creek and discover secluded swimming holes with small waterfalls. There are leaches in the rainforest and we recommend that you bring insect repellent and adequate hiking gear. You will love the bird watching, sighting the native animals with many rare species around. Forest bathing is a must with areas setup to sit and relax. During November firefly´s drift through the property at dusk. Rosellas, King Parrots and Finch's are popular on the property and Cockatoos make a regular visit. After a good rain, a frog fest starts and can be heard all night. There are chickens free ranging and Kookaburras have a good laugh at them most days. Access to the property is by booking only, we recommend, 4WD and AWD during the wet season but 2WD is ok during the dry times. High clearance caravans up to 7m or medium size campers are ok, we have a long gravel entry road into the property with inclines and tight bends as shown in photos. It is recommended with towing a trailer that you have a 4WD or AWD vehicle. A tractor is available on site if needed in wet conditions. Campers are preferred to have own amenities and all waste has to be collected and taken off the property. Use of the amenity block is available at the main residence on request. Washing machine and dryer are available for a fee. Please contact us if you need further information. This is a dog and horse friendly property. We have many ground feeding birds, free range chickens and wallabies and request that animals do not wonder unattended. If your pet is well trained and can be restrained from casing wildlife then all is good to bring them. If in doubt please ask for confirmation to bring them along. Please note that we have parasite ticks on the property and recommend that you give your pet a tick treatment prior to arriving. We have no mobile phone coverage on the camp site, limited coverage if you drive up the hill at the highest point. Internet is available at the main residence at a fee per stay.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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Camping near Mackay with swimming guide

Overview

If you're looking for a camping experience near Mackay, Queensland in Australia, with a focus on swimming, Hipcamp has over 690 options available. With prices ranging from as low as $15 per night and an average price of $25 per night, there's a campsite to fit every budget. Some of the top campsites in the area,, include Hold It Flats (2379 reviews), Mushroom Valley Eco Camp (358 reviews), and Creek and Antique Camping (233 reviews). Popular facilities at these campsites include toilets, potable water, and rubbish facilities. And if you're looking for more than just swimming, popular activities in the area include surfing, paddling, and wind sports.

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