Cape Hillsborough National Park Mackay Isaac

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
Motor home camping
Fishing

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 Cape Hillsborough.
Visiting Cape Hillsborough safely for important safety information.

Discover nearby beaches, ridge-top lookouts and mangrove forests (see Journeys) and watch the colours of sunset 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.

Launch your boat at a nearby boat ramp and spend your days exploring the coves, islands and reefs of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

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.

Camping area features

Shaded under eucalypt trees, this north-facing camping area has 10 large camp sites with easy walking access to the beach.

Access: 2WD vehicle.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping, camper trailers, campervans, motorhomes and caravans.

Number of sites: 10 numbered sites (1 to 4 and 6 to 11), refer to the camping area summary table below for camp site suitability.

Camping area summary table
Site number	Suitable for	Site size (width/length)	Capacity (number of people)	Max vehicle per site	Camp site notes
1	Tent, camper trailer, campervan, caravan or motorhome	20m x 10m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.
2	Tent, camper trailer, campervan, caravan or motorhome	20m x 14m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.
3	Tent, camper trailer or campervan	10m x 12m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.
4	Tent, camper trailer, campervan, caravan or motorhome	15m x 17m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.
6	Tent, camper trailer or campervan	12m x 15m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.
7	Tent, camper trailer or campervan	24m x 12m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.
8	Tent, camper trailer, campervan, caravan or motorhome	15m x 19m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.
9	Tent, camper trailer, campervan, caravan or motorhome	14m x 15m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.
10	Tent, camper trailer, campervan, caravan or motorhome	20m x 10m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.
11	Tent, camper trailer, campervan, caravan or motorhome	12m x 15m	8 people	2	Access 2WD. Fire ring provided.

Camp site surface: dirt and sand.

Facilities: toilets (non-flush) and drinking water.

Open fires: Camp fires are permitted in the fire rings provided at each camp site (except when fire prohibition and fire bans apply). Bring your own clean, milled firewood. Extinguish your camp fire with water when you leave. It is recommended to use a fuel or gas stove.

Generators: prohibited.

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

Mobile phone coverage: poor.