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

Cockatoo Creek camping area, Mount Elliot

Spend the night camping under stars close to Cockatoo Creek at this walk-in only bush camping area.

Accessible by

  • Walk-in

Camping area facilities

  • Tent camping
  • Long walk to tent
  • Walking

Always check

Spend the night camping under the stars close to Cockatoo Creek at this walk-in only bush camping area.

Be lulled asleep by the sound of water over rocks and wake up to a glorious dawn chorus. This small bush camping area is located just across Cockatoo Creek. There are no facilities provided and campers must be totally self-sufficient.

Important information! Do not camp at Cockatoo Creek camping area during or after rain or if heavy rain is forecast. Water levels in the creek can rise rapidly and without warning (flash flood), making creek crossings dangerous. You could also become stranded between the creek crossing.

Getting there and getting around

Cockatoo Creek camping area is a 1.6km one way hike from the Alligator Creek day use area.

  • From the Alligator Creek day use area follow the walking track to the Cockatoo Creek trail junction.
  • Follow the walking trail until you arrive at Cockatoo Creek.
  • Cross Cockatoo Creek, the bush camping area is located along the trail a short distance from the creek crossing.

Wheelchair access

Wheelchair facilities are not provided.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Cockatoo Creek camping area is open 24 hours a day.

Seasonal closures

Access to Cockatoo Creek camping area may be closed at times due to localised flooding, severe weather conditions or park management activities.

Camping area features

Access: on foot only. Walk 1.6km one way from the Alligator Creek day use area via the Cockatoo Creek trail.

Number of sites: small area without separately defined sites. Up to six people in total are allowed at any one time.

Camp sites are suitable for: walk-in camping.

Facilities: none.

Open fires: prohibited. Bring a fuel or gas stove.

Generators: not permitted.

Essentials to bring: campers must be completely self-sufficient, carry food and water, and a fuel stove. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.

Mobile phone coverage: poor.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Bowling Green Bay safely and camp with care.