Cape Hillsborough National Park Mackay

Relax in large, shady camp sites just behind the beach at Smalleys Beach camping area. Photo credit: John Atkinson © Queensland Government

The ruggedly scenic landscape of Cape Hillsborough National Park. Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government

Smalleys Beach

You will need to stay for a few days to fully unwind and experience all this magical part of the world has to offer.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Camping area facilities

  • Anchoring allowed
  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Tent camping
  • Caravan camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Campervan camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Always check

You’ll feel right at home in this shady camping area that is right on the beach.

Launch your boat nearby at the Cape Hillsborough day-use area and spend your days exploring the coves, islands and reefs of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Discover nearby beaches, ridge-top lookouts and mangrove forests (see Journeys) and watch the sunset splash across the sky as Cape Hillsborough’s agile wallabies visit the broad beach.

At night, gaze at the star-studded sky as the waves gently roll up the broad beach.

Getting there and getting around

Smalleys Beach camping area is in Cape Hillsborough National Park, 50km north-west of Mackay on the Central Queensland coast.

The camping area is located 1.5km along Smalleys Beach Road.

  • From Yakapari Seaforth Road turn onto the Cape Hillsborough Road, travel approximately 6km along Cape Hillsborough Road and turn left onto Smalleys Beach Road.
  • Smalleys Beach Road is gravel and suitable for conventional vehicles.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Smalleys Beach camping area is open all year round. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure. The camping area maybe closed at times due to severe weather or management activities.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Camping area features: shaded under eucalypt trees, this north-facing camping area has large camp sites and easy access to the beach.

Access: conventional vehicles, caravans, campervans and camper trailers.

Number of sites: 11 numbered sites.

Camp sites are suitable for: caravans, camper trailers and tent camping beside your vehicle.

Camp site surface: dirt and grass.

Facilities: toilets and drinking water.

Open fires: Camp fires are permitted (except when fire prohibitions and fire bans apply). Camp fires must be contained in above ground fire containers. Bring your own fire container and clean, milled firewood. Extinguish your camp fire with water and remove your fire container when you leave. It is recommended to use a fuel or gas stove.

Generators: not permitted.

Essentials to bring: sturdy rubbish bags and sealable containers, insect repellent, sun protection, first-aid kit and a reliable torch.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.

Mobile phone coverage: poor.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Cape Hillsborough safely and camp with care.