Princess Hills, Girringun National Park Townsville | Tropical North Queensland

Herbert River near camp site 1. Photo credit: Tahn Lawson © Queensland Government

Things to do

    Image of a sunrise over the Herbert River.

    Sunrise over the Herbert River.

    Photo credit: Andrew Millerd © Queensland Government

    Image of a Sugar glider.

    Sugar glider.

    Photo credit: © Queensland Government

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Princess Hills camping area has 2 separate and shady sites beside the Herbert River.

    The camping area is closed throughout the wet season every year from 1 December to 31 March inclusive.

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. Your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

    Other accommodation

    A range of holiday accommodation is located in and around Mount Garnet and Ravenshoe. Blencoe Falls camping area, on the other side of the Herbert River, is 105km by road from Princess Hills camping area.

    For more information, see the tourism information links.

    Walking

    There are no formal walking tracks at Princess Hills but you can walk alongside the Herbert River. Look for freshwater crocodiles and turtles basking in the sun, and see how many species of fish you can identify.

    Fishing

    Fishing is permitted in Girringun National Park. Size, take and possession limits apply. Contact Fisheries Queensland for further information. Estuarine crocodiles live in the Herbert River and have been seen near the base of the Herbert River Falls—always remember to be crocwise in croc country.

    Fisheries regulations apply—information on bag and size limits, restricted species and seasonal closures is available from Fisheries Queensland.

    Viewing wildlife

    Spotlighting at Princess Hills can be very rewarding. Three species of glider are seen in the park—squirrel, greater and sugar gliders. Commonly observed birds include—southern boobook and barn owls, Papuan and tawny frogmouths and spotted nightjar.

    When spotlighting remember to:

    • bring binoculars
    • keep bulb wattage to 30 or less—this increases the chance of finding animals (by not warning them) and will extend your viewing times
    • use a white light to explore the forest. When viewing wildlife, add a red or orange (cellophane) filter
    • use all your senses to find wildlife—look for eye shine, listen for leaves rustling and inhale the smells.