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
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.
Before planning to hike in and camp the night check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts. And park alerts for the latest information on parks and forest access, closures and conditions .
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.
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 area 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, extreme weather conditions or park management activities.
Upcoming camping area availability
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Bowling Green Bay safely and camp with care.
- 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