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Big Crystal Creek camping area, Mount Spec section
Big Crystal Creek camping area is located beside Big Crystal Creek, in the Mount Spec section of Paluma Range National Park. This is a popular camping area and a good place for viewing native wildlife. It is close to the Big Crystal Creek day-use area, where swimming is available at a close walking distance.
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Camping area facilities
- Electric/fuel barbecue (free of charge)
- Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
- Generators allowed (conditions apply)
- Picnic tables
- Toilets (flush)
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
- Tent camping
- Camper trailer camping
- Campervan camping
- Cold showers
- Tent camping beside car
- Walking
- Swimming
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.
Always check
- Park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
- Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts.
- Current bushfire warnings and incidents and also fire bans and restrictions.
- Your camping permit is booked.
- Any park-specific camping information for
Paluma Range.
- Visiting Paluma Range safely for important safety information.
Pitch your tent in Big Crystal Creek camping area, Mount Spec section, Paluma Range National Park
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
Getting there and getting around
The Mount Spec section of Paluma Range National Park is easily accessible from both Townsville and Ingham. There are 2 turn-offs (northern and southern) onto Barrett Road from the Bruce Highway. From Barrett Road, turn onto Spiegelhauer Road and drive a further 5km to the Big Crystal Creek day-use area and camping area.
Wheelchair access
The toilets, shelter shed and one picnic table at Big Crystal Creek day-use area are wheelchair-accessible with assistance.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Big Crystal Creek camping area, Mount Spec section is open 24 hours a day.
Camping area features
Located beside Big Crystal Creek, in the Mount Spec section of Paluma Range National Park. This is a popular camping area, a good place for viewing native wildlife and close to the Big Crystal day-use area, where swimming is available at a close walking distance.
Location: 5km along Spiegelhauer Road, which turns off from Barrett Road.
Map: Big Crystal Creek camping area map
Access: the camping area can be reached by conventional vehicles. It is accessible to camper trailers. Large caravans and buses larger than 22 seaters are not recommended because it is a relatively small area with a narrow access road through the camping area.
Number of sites: open area without separately defined sites.
Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car, walk-in camping, camper trailers, campervans and motorhomes.
Camp site surface: sand, dirt or grass.
Facilities: flushing toilets, cold showers, picnic tables and gas barbecues.
Open fires: allowed in fire rings only (except when fire bans apply).
Generators: permitted, but must only be operated at less than 65dB(A), when measured 7m from the generator and only between 9am and 12pm (midday).
Essentials to bring: drinking water, rubbish bags and insect repellent. Read more about before you visit.
Mobile phone coverage: Mobile phone service is good in all areas. A public phone is also available at the amenities block.
Bookings
Book online or learn about our camping booking options. Advance bookings are recommended for holiday periods.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Paluma Range safely and camp with care.
- Visitor facilities update: Mount Spec section, Paluma Range National Park 7 February to 6 June 2025
- Temporary closure: Rockslides waterhole and walking track, Spiegelhauer Road, Mount Spec section, Paluma Range National Park 10 March to 6 June 2025
- Temporary walking track closure: Jourama Falls lookout walk, Paluma Range National Park 8 April to 11 July 2025