Check park alerts for the latest on access, closures and conditions, following recent severe weather events in Queensland. Rangers are working hard to safely reopen affected parks.
Things to do
Queensland National Parks Booking System Update
The new Queensland National Parks Booking Service is live for bookings.
Customer account login
If you are making your first booking since 1 July 2024, a new customer account will be created automatically as part of your next booking. Please note your previous login credentials will no longer be valid.
Customers who have made a booking after 1 July 2024, please use your email address to reset your password to access your account.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Basic camping is available at Smalleys Beach camping area, which can be reached via a signposted gravel road off Cape Hillsborough Road.
Camping permits are required and fees apply.
- Find out more about camping in Cape Hillsborough National Park.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other accommodation
You can also stay in commercial camping areas or cabin-style accommodation at the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park, or private accommodation at Seaforth. For more information see the tourism information links.
Walking
Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, hike a track offering a series of lookouts, venture to a secluded beach or learn about the diversity of habitats in this stunning coastal national park. Remember to wear insect repellent, a hat and sunscreen, and carry drinking water for your journey.
View the journeys information for more details.
Picnic and day-use areas
Visitors can enjoy a picnic at the Cape Hillsborough day-use area on the foreshore at the end of the main access road. Electric barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and water are provided. Picnickers often see kangaroos on the beach in the late afternoon, or brush-turkeys strutting around the day-use area. Please do not feed these animals as they can become aggressive.
Boating and fishing
The adjacent waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park offer boating and fishing opportunities. Fisheries regulations apply—information on bag and size limits, restricted species and seasonal closures is available from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. A boat launching area is provided by the Mackay Regional Council at the southern end of the beach adjacent to the Cape Hillsborough day-use area. Boat-users need to beware of estuarine crocodiles, sharks, box jellyfish and other marine stingers year round (though stingers are most common from October to May). Wear a stinger suit when wading.
Marine park zoning regulations protect the inter-tidal zone and waters surrounding Cape Hillsborough National Park. Zoning regulations specify how you can use particular sites and the permits you might require. For detailed information on activities such as fishing and crabbing, consult the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority zoning map.
Viewing wildlife
Around the day-use area, you can quietly observe wildlife such as agile wallabies, orange-footed scrubfowl and Australian brush-turkeys. The park contains a wide variety of habitats and bird species, making birdwatching a rewarding activity.
Please do not feed any native animals in the park. Feeding can make them sick or aggressive, and can also increase the population of some species, with negative effects on vegetation and other animals.
Other things to do
Explore the tidal rock pools. Relax and enjoy nature or spend time photographing the park’s spectacular scenery.