Rugged mountains rise abruptly from the wetlands, saltpans and mangrove forests of the coastal plain. Alligator Creek descends in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls.
Location
Alligator Creek 25km south of Townsville; Cape Cleveland 33km south of Townsville; Bowling Green Bay 64km south of Townsville and 26km north of Ayr.
Welcome
The Bindal people welcome you to Bowling Green Bay National Park, and ask that you respect and travel lightly through Country.
Park facilities
- Toilets
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
- Tent camping
- Camper trailer camping
- Hiking
- Walking
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![A creek running through a valley]()
Alligator Creek valley, Bowling Green Bay National Park
Photo credit: Phill Copp © Queensland Government
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![Fragile saltpans]()
Fragile saltpans, Cape Cleveland section
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Two birds standing on a beach]()
Caspian Tern Hydropogne caspia, Ramsar site Cape Cleveland section
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![A beach with grass and water]()
Sheltered cove in the Cape Cleveland section of the national park
Photo credit: Craig Dunk © Queensland Government
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![A creek flowing through a forest]()
Alligator Creek from lookout, Bowling Green Bay National Park
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![Mangroves]()
Mangroves and the tidal Cocoa Creek, Cape Cleveland section of the national park
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![A rainforest with trees and rocks]()
The Mount Elliot rainforest is an important refuge for local wildlife
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Coastal wetlands and rainforest on mountain tops]()
Bowling Green Bay National Park—a stunning mosaic of coastal wetlands and rainforest on mountain tops
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![Two people wearing backpacks looking at signage]()
If you are well prepared spend the night camping under the stars at Cockatoo Creek camping area
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Wear sturdy walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun when walking on the national park trails.]()
Wear sturdy walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun when walking on the national park trails
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![The yellow waxy flowers of the kapok tree bloom from August to October.]()
The yellow waxy flowers of the kapok tree bloom from August to October
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![People sitting on a beach by a body of water]()
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![From the boardwalk follow the wheelchair accessible Alligator Creek walk to the bank of the creek.]()
From the boardwalk follow the wheelchair accessible Alligator Creek walk to the bank of the creek
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![A lookout platform amongst trees]()
Snap a canopy panorama of Alligator Creek from the lookout
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![Rock pools surrounded by trees and mountains]()
Tranquil rock pools at Cockatoo Creek
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![The dark green leathery leaves of the Cycad <em>Cycas media</em>.]()
The dark green leathery leaves of the Cycad Cycas media
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![Take care on the creek crossing along the Alligator Falls trail.]()
Take care on the creek crossing along the Alligator Falls trail
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![The cascading water of Alligator Falls]()
The cascading water of Alligator Falls
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Take heed of all safety advice along the trail]()
Take heed of all safety advice along the trail
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![Follow the trail markers to arrive at the base of Alligator Falls]()
Follow the trail markers to arrive at the base of Alligator Falls
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Enjoy a BBQ or picnic in the shady Alligator Creek day-use area.]()
Enjoy a BBQ or picnic in the shady Alligator Creek day-use area
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Take a post picnic wonder along the wheelchair accessible Alligator Creek boardwalk.]()
Take a post picnic wonder along the wheelchair accessible Alligator Creek boardwalk
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Picnic platform, Alligator Creek day-use area]()
Picnic platform, Alligator Creek day-use area
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Weeping bottlebrush, Alligator Creek]()
Weeping bottlebrush, Alligator Creek
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Tidal creek with mangroves]()
Tidal creeks and mangrove communities, Cape Cleveland section
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Warning sign that crocodiles inhabit this area]()
Heed all warning signage whilst visiting the national park
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
- Wet Season safety information: significant stream rises Alligator Creek, Bowling Green Bay National Park 20 December 2024 to 31 March 2025