Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park Townsville

Photo credit: Briony Masters © Queensland Government

Things to do

    Camping and accommodation

    Image of a mangrove-lined brackish waterhole that Camping area 2 is close to.

    Camping area 2 is close to a mangrove-lined brackish waterhole.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    Camping

    Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park has 2 separate and shady camping areas. From the park boundary, Camping area 1 is 4km to the north and Camping area 2 is 2.5km to the east.

    The camping areas are closed throughout the wet season every year from 1 December to 31 March inclusive. These dates may vary depending on weather and road conditions.

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

    Find out more about camping in Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park.

    Other accommodation

    A range of accommodation, including hotels, campgrounds and caravan parks, can be found at Cardwell and Ingham.

    For more information, see the tourism information links.

    Image of the endangered great knot at Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park which birdwatchers may be lucky to see.

    Birdwatchers may be rewarded by seeing the endangered great knot at Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park.

    Photo credit: © Ken Jones

    Walking

    There are no formal walking tracks at Halifax Bay Wetland National Park but you can walk along the creeks and around the mangrove lined swamps. Look for estuarine crocodiles and barramundi basking in the sun. Remember to Be crocwise in croc country. See how many species of birds you can identify from the majestic brolga to the flocks of finches.

    Fishing

    Fishing is permitted in Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park. Size, take and possession limits apply. Contact Fisheries Queensland for further information. Estuarine crocodiles live in the creek systems and have been seen in the creeks near the camping areas—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.

    Image of 2 brolgas which are commonly seen in the Halifax Bay wetlands.

    Brolgas are commonly seen in the Halifax Bay wetlands.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    Viewing wildlife

    Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park boasts great bird watching opportunities, with numerous migratory waders and shorebirds. Commonly observed birds include white bellied sea eagles, kites, finches and brolgas.

    Spotlighting at Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park can be rewarding. Sugar gliders and agile wallabies are seen in the park. 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.