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 a mosaic of coastal wetlands and rainforest on mountain tops. Photo credit: Phil Copp © Queensland Government

Alligator Creek day-use area, Mount Elliot

Enjoy a picnic or barbecue lunch with family and friends in this spacious day-use area situated in the cool mountainous refuge of Alligator Creek.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Attraction facilities

  • Electric/fuel barbecue (free of charge)
  • Picnic tables (some sheltered)
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)

Alligator Creek is a refreshing retreat for wildlife and humans alike!

Enjoy a shady picnic by the creek or a barbecue lunch and family game in this spacious day-use area.

Picnic tables (some sheltered), picnic platforms, electric barbecues and a toilet are provided. The toilet and some of the picnic facilities are accessible for mobility-impaired visitors.

Encounter a variety of local wildlife. Listen for the birdcalls of kookaburras, flycatchers, honeyeaters and cuckoo-shrikes. Spot large jungle perch cruising in the creek or watch wallabies feeding on the grassy open spaces.

From the day-use area follow the creek line through the riparian forest along a shaded wheelchair accessible boardwalk then take a rejuvenating dip in Alligator Creek.

During and after rain, creek conditions can change and become very dangerous. Fast flowing, rapidly rising water can occur. To stay safe, do not enter the water. Please take note of all safety advice.

Getting there and getting around

The Alligator Creek day-use area is in the Mount Elliot section of Bowling Green Bay National Park about 25km south of Townsville on the Bruce Highway (there is no public transport).

  • Turn off the Bruce Highway on to Alligator Creek Road.
  • Travel 6km south on Alligator Creek Road to the day-use area.

Wheelchair accessibility

The Alligator Creek day-use area toilets, some of the picnic facilities and the Alligator Creek walk are wheelchair accessible.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Access to the Alligator Creek day-use area may be closed at times due to localised flooding, extreme weather conditions or park management activities.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Bowling Green Bay safely.