Bowling Green Bay National Park Townsville

Alligator Creek valley, Bowling Green Bay National Park Photo credit: Phill Copp © Queensland Government

Bowling Green Bay National Park—a stunning mosaic of coastal wetlands and rainforest on mountain tops Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government

Journeys

Formal walking track/trails are only provided at Alligator Creek, in the Mount Elliot section of the park.

Explore lush riparian creek lines that dissect the savanna woodlands on the lower slopes of Mount Elliot. Choose from short, easy wheelchair accessible walks to rugged extended day hikes suitable for experienced and well-prepared walkers.

Natural hazards at Alligator Creek, such as steep cliffs, slippery rocks and submerged objects, can lead to serious injury or death.

  • Do not climb the cliff faces.
  • Never jump or dive into the water.
  • Remain behind lookout barriers at all times.

Important information: During and after rain, creek conditions can change and become very dangerous. Fast flowing, rapidly rising water can occur. To stay safe, do not enter the water. Please take note of all safety advice.

  • Meander through shady riparian forest along Alligator Creek on a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    550m
    Time suggested
    Allow 20min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 1 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Catch a canopy-level view of the lower section of the Alligator Creek from the lookout.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    690m return from the Alligator Creek day-use area trail head
    Time suggested
    Allow 30min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 2 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Filled with boulders and clear rock pools fringed with red flowering bottlebrush tress, Cockatoo Creek is a tranquil rest spot.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    3.2km return from the Alligator Creek day-use area trail head
    Time suggested
    Allow up to 2 hours walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 3 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Wade across creeks, venture through eucalypt woodlands and scramble over boulders in the rainforest for a view of Alligator Falls.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    17km return from the Alligator Creek day-use area trail head
    Time suggested
    Allow 5-6hr walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 5 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive