Bowling Green Bay National Park Townsville

Alligator Creek valley, Bowling Green Bay National Park Photo credit: Phill Copp © Queensland Government

Bowling Green Bay National Park—a stunning mosaic of coastal wetlands and rainforest on mountain tops Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government

About Bowling Green Bay

    Park features

    Alligator Creek valley, Bowling Green Bay National Park.Open larger image

    Alligator Creek valley, Bowling Green Bay National Park.

    Photo credit: Phill Copp © Queensland Government

    Bowling Green Bay National Park covers 57,900ha of coastal and mountainous country. A mosaic of habitats that range from coastal wetlands, including mangrove and saltmarsh communities, to rainforests on mountain tops.

    The national park includes a wetland that has gained international recognition as a significant coastal habitat for waterfowl and varied birdlife, and has been listed under the Ramsar Convention. In the summer months at least 30 different species of birds migrate to the park from various parts of the world.

    Within the park, Mount Elliot reaches a lofty height of 1221m, jutting out of the surrounding coastal plain and dominating the landscape.

    Read more information about the natural environment of Bowling Green Bay National Park.

    Looking after the park

    Parks and forests protect Queensland's outstanding natural and cultural values. National parks, including heritage sites and artefacts, are protected areas under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Penalties apply for offences under the Act.

    Please help keep these places special for future generations. During your visit to the national park please follow these guidelines.

    • Respect First Nation Peoples culture. Bowling Green Bay represent thousands of years living culture of special significance to the Bindal people. This landscape is easily damaged and irreplaceable. We ask that you travel lightly through Country.
    • Everything in the national park is protected. Please leave everything as you found it.
    • Do not feed the wildlife—it is harmful to their health and can upset the population balance.
    • Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted in the national park. Please observe the before you visit guidelines for dogs and pets.
    Fragile saltpans, Cape Cleveland sections.Open larger image

    Fragile saltpans, Cape Cleveland sections.

    Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government

    Two birds standing on a beachOpen larger image

    Caspian Tern Hydropogne caspia, Ramsar site Cape Cleveland section

    Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government

    • Rubbish bins are not provided. Pack strong rubbish bags for storing rubbish during your visit. Do not bury rubbish—please take it with you when you leave.
    • Where toilets are not available bury all faecal matter and toilet paper at least 15cm deep and well away (at least 100m) from camp sites, tracks/trails and watercourses to guard against pollution and the spread of disease.
    • Take care with fire. Camp fires are permitted at Cocoa Creek, Salmon Creek and Barratta camping areas only (conditions apply). Preferably use a portable gas or fuel stove.
    • Stop the spread of pests and soil pathogens. New introductions can spread and displace resident species and alter the local ecology. Before you arrive ensure all camping equipment, walking gear and your vehicle is clean and free of seeds, soil and insects (including ants and their eggs).
    • Keep on the formed roads and tracks. The coastal mangrove and wetland environments of Cape Cleveland and Bowling Green Bay contain significant regional ecosystems that are fragile and easily damaged. Take special care when driving, please do not drive on the sand dunes and saltpans—remember we all have a role to play in looking after the environment.
    • Stay well back from nesting sea turtles and seabirds. The sandy foreshores on Cape Cleveland and Bowling Green Bay are vital habitat for nesting sea turtles and roosting waders and seabirds. Easily alarmed, any disturbance can affect their survival.
    • Protect sea turtles and dugongs. Both animals feed among the seagrass beds surrounding the shores of Cape Cleveland. If you are boating in the area, please watch out for these animals and go slowly to avoid a collision—propeller injuries can be fatal.

    See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

    Park management

    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages Bowling Green Bay National Park for its natural and cultural values. Please help by following all park guidelines and regulations.

    Bowling Green Bay National Park was first declared in 1979, as an amalgamation of the existing Mount Elliot (1940), Mount Burrumbush (1950), Cape Cleveland (1977) parks and part of the Bowling Green Bay wetlands.

    The Bowling Green Bay wetland area has international recognition as a significant habitat for waterfowl and was listed under the Ramsar Convention in 1993.

    Tourism information links

    Townsville Visitor Information Centre - City
    www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au
    Townsville Bulletin Square, 340 Flinders Street, Townsville Qld 4810
    Phone: (07) 4721 3660
    Email: hello@townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au

    Burdekin Visitor Information Centre
    www.visitburdekin.com.au
    Plantation Park, Bruce Highway, Ayr Qld 4807
    Phone: (07) 4783 5988
    Email: tourism@burdekin.qld.gov.au

    For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see Queensland Holidays.