Rugged mountains rise abruptly from the wetlands, saltpans and mangrove forests of the coastal plain. Alligator Creek descends in a series of cascades, deep pools and waterfalls.
Location
Alligator Creek 25km south of Townsville; Cape Cleveland 33km south of Townsville; Bowling Green Bay 64km south of Townsville and 26km north of Ayr.
Welcome
The Bindal people welcome you to Bowling Green Bay National Park, and ask that you respect and travel lightly through Country.
Park facilities
- Toilets
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
- Tent camping
- Camper trailer camping
- Hiking
- Walking
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![Alligator Creek valley, Bowling Green Bay National Park.]()
Alligator Creek valley, Bowling Green Bay National Park.
Photo credit: Phill Copp © Queensland Government
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![Fragile saltpans, Cape Cleveland sections.]()
Fragile saltpans, Cape Cleveland sections.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Caspian Tern <em>Hydropogne caspia</em>, Ramsar site Cape Cleveland section.]()
Caspian Tern Hydropogne caspia, Ramsar site Cape Cleveland section.
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![Sheltered cove in the Cape Cleveland section of the national park.]()
Sheltered cove in the Cape Cleveland section of the national park.
Photo credit: Craig Dunk © Queensland Government
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![Alligator Creek from lookout, Bowling Green Bay National Park.]()
Alligator Creek from lookout, Bowling Green Bay National Park.
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![Mangroves and the tidal Cocoa Creek, Cape Cleveland section of the national park.]()
Mangroves and the tidal Cocoa Creek, Cape Cleveland section of the national park.
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![The Mount Elliot rainforest is an important refuge for local wildlife.]()
The Mount Elliot rainforest is an important refuge for local wildlife.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Bowling Green Bay National Park—a stunning a mosaic of coastal wetlands and rainforest on mountain tops.]()
Bowling Green Bay National Park—a stunning a mosaic of coastal wetlands and rainforest on mountain tops.
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![If you are well prepared spend the night camping under the stars at Cockatoo Creek camping area.]()
If you are well prepared spend the night camping under the stars at Cockatoo Creek camping area.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Wear sturdy walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun when walking on the national park trails.]()
Wear sturdy walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun when walking on the national park trails.
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![The yellow waxy flowers of the kapok tree bloom from August to October.]()
The yellow waxy flowers of the kapok tree bloom from August to October.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![From the boardwalk follow the wheelchair accessible Alligator Creek walk to the bank of the creek.]()
From the boardwalk follow the wheelchair accessible Alligator Creek walk to the bank of the creek.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Snap a canopy panorama of Alligator Creek from the lookout.]()
Snap a canopy panorama of Alligator Creek from the lookout.
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![Tranquil rock pools at Cockatoo Creek.]()
Tranquil rock pools at Cockatoo Creek.
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![The dark green leathery leaves of the Cycad <em>Cycas media</em>.]()
The dark green leathery leaves of the Cycad Cycas media.
Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government
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![Take care on the creek crossing along the Alligator Falls trail.]()
Take care on the creek crossing along the Alligator Falls trail.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![The cascading water of Alligator Falls.]()
The cascading water of Alligator Falls.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Take heed of all safety advice along the trail.]()
Take heed of all safety advice along the trail.
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![Follow the trail markers to arrive at the base of Alligator Falls.]()
Follow the trail markers to arrive at the base of Alligator Falls.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Enjoy a BBQ or picnic in the shady Alligator Creek day-use area.]()
Enjoy a BBQ or picnic in the shady Alligator Creek day-use area.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Take a post picnic wonder along the wheelchair accessible Alligator Creek boardwalk.]()
Take a post picnic wonder along the wheelchair accessible Alligator Creek boardwalk.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Picnic platform, Alligator Creek day-use area.]()
Picnic platform, Alligator Creek day-use area.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Weeping bottlebrush, Alligator Creek.]()
Weeping bottlebrush, Alligator Creek.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Image of tidal creeks and mangrove communities within the Cape Cleveland section of Bowling Green Bay National Park.]()
Tidal creeks and mangrove communities, Cape Cleveland section.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
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![Image of warning sign warning that crocodiles inhabit this area, to keep away from the water's edge and do not enter the water, take extreme care when launching and retrieving boats, do not clean fish or leave fish waste near the water's edge and camp well away from the water.]()
For your safety heed all warning signage whilst visiting the national park.
Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government
- Cape Cleveland section of Bowling Green Bay National Park aerial burning 30 March to 30 June 2023
- Townsville Scenic Rim and Bowling Green Bay National Park aerial burning program 10 March to 30 June 2023