If the words ‘free camping’ is music to your ears then you should seriously consider a visit to the Notch Point Reserve.
Situated about an hour’s drive south of Mackay in Far North Queensland, the site ranks up there as one of the best free campgrounds in Australia.
Residing in a little piece of paradise within the magnificent Yarrawonga Park, the campground is located right by the magnificent golden sands of the beach.
It is also adjacent to a cattle farm, where many of its cows roam freely in the campground. So it undoubtedly offers the best of both worlds.
Not to be confused with the town of Yarrawonga which lies on the Murray River in Victoria, Yarrawonga Park features a stunning and pristine landscape of sparkling waters, sandy beaches and stark bushland.
It’s a lovely spot for a digital detox, or to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, without having to spend a cent on camping fees.
So, if a stay at the Notch Point Reserve campground sounds like your idea of a relaxing getaway, then you had better read on!
About the Campground
It is worth stating right off the bat that there are no facilities whatsoever at the Notch Point Campground.
This means no power, no toilets, no showers, no bins and no drinking water – it is a free site after all.
However, if you are an experienced self-sufficient camper then you will love the area, as it provides you with an opportunity to completely switch off, relax and rest in an environment where swaying palm trees and coconuts provide a distinctly tropical island feel.
It is also a pet-friendly park too, though as cattle do roam freely, you should keep your dog under control at all times.
As the road into the Notch Point campground is fairly rough it is best accessed by 4WD. This means it is most suitable for camping in tents, as well as camper trailers and maybe caravans too.
Midges can be a bit of an issue, so be sure to take lots of insect repellent and bite cream with you. If you need to top up on these supplies the nearby Ilbilbie Roadhouse should sell them (although you can always use vinegar or lemon to treat bites naturally).
They also sell food, fuel and bait, as well as offer the use of hot showers. In addition, there is a Dump Point in the car park of the Visitors Information Centre in Sarina, which is adjacent to The Sugar Shed.
How to get to the Notch Point Campground
The Notch Point Campground is located on the Notch Point Road in Ilbilbie about 75 km south of Mackay in Far North Queensland.
To get to the Notch Point Campground you will need to travel along the Bruce Highway until you get to Greenhill Road.
If you are approaching from a northern destination like Cairns or Mackay, it will be a right turn for you, and consequently, if you are approaching from a southern destination like Brisbane or Rockhampton, it will be a left turn.
After around 4.4 km of driving along this road, you will then turn right onto Notch Point Road, at which point you will need to carry on for another 7.7 km.
This will take you past the Australian Prawn Farms, before turning right at the sign, which will lead you down a dirt road to where the entrance gate to the campground is located.
Notch Point Crocodile Warning Signs
One thing you will see prominently around Notch Point is Crocodile warning signs.
This is not a scare tactic, but rather a genuine request to be vigilant.
Unfortunately, a 69-year-old man was believed to have been taken by a crocodile on December 16th 2014, when he was reported missing and his boat was later found abandoned by the shoreline.
A memorial that honours him, serves as a reminder. So if you do visit the area please be mindful of crocodiles, stingers and sharks.
Things to see and do near the Notch Point Campground
While there are quite a few things to do in and around the immediate area of the Notch Point Campground, if you are able to fit it into your schedule, we would highly recommend a visit to the following places:
Fishing
Notch Point is required as one of the leading spots for fishing spots around the Central Queensland coastal region.
A terrific spot to catch whiting, crabs, flathead or live bait from the shore, as well as Trevally, Queenies or Mackerel from out in the middle of the water, you can also fish directly off the beach too. Alternatively, the estuary is also a great spot to cast a line, as well as by the reef if you head out there in a boat.
If you do go fishing here, be sure to comply with the zoning regulations.
The Big Cane Toad
Around Australia, there are lots of ‘Big’ things, including The Big Banana at Coffs Harbour, The Big Pineapple at Woombye and the Big Mango in Bowen.
In Sarina, around 48 km north of Notch Point, you will find their offering of The Big Cane Toad.
Called ‘Buffy’ by locals, due to the scientific name for cane toads being Bufo Marinus, this is a major feature within the main street of Sarina.
Originally, it was made out of paper mache for a float at the Sugar Festival in 1983. However, it was later cast in fibreglass and moved to its permanent home.
If you are passing, or fancy a day trip to Sarina, a selfie next to the Big Cane Toad is a must.
Sarina Sugar Shed
Sugar has traditionally been a major industry in Sarina, so a tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed is an excellent idea.
Appropriate for all ages, during this one-hour tour you will learn all about the entire process of sugar cane production, from the process of growing and harvesting it, to the act of crushing the sugar cane.
You will get plenty of opportunities to try various sugar-related products including sweet treats like free fairy floss.
The Sugar Shed is open from 9 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week, except for Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Four tours a day operate, starting from 9.30 am with the final one beginning at 2 pm.
Cape Palmerston National Park
Beautiful Cape Palmerston National Park is situated about a 90 km drive to the south of Mackay.
Best reached via 4WD, it boasts a fantastic landscape of stunning bushland, jagged headlands and sensational beaches that link to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which are well worth checking out.
The imperious 344-metre-high Mount Funnel, is also an impressive feature, while the views of the ocean and coastline are magnificent.
If you love hiking or fishing the park affords plenty of opportunities for that too, as well as excellent stargazing and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Should you wish to stay overnight, there is a campsite here that requires a permit and pre-booking.
Camping at Carmila Beach
Located about a 30-minute drive south from Notch Point you will find Carmila Beach.
Another terrific coastal area that boasts a spectacular beachfront camping ground, you will be able to enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming, beach combing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing here.
Those who spend a couple of nights here will find plenty of facilities and amenities at the nearby campground including toilets, barbecues and picnic tables.