Jardine River National Park, Heathlands Resources Reserve and Jardine River Resources Reserve Tropical North Queensland

Eliot Falls access, crossing Scrubby Creek

Access to Eliot Falls camping and day-use area is via the Overland Telegraph Track and involves crossing Scrubby Creek. Photo credit: © John Augusteyn

Camping in Jardine Heathlands

The self-service kiosk at this park has been decommissioned.

Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

All camping must be booked

All camping in Jardine River National Park, Heathlands Resources Reserve and Jardine River Resources Reserve must be booked in advance. Campers must purchase an e-permit before arriving at the camping area. Self-registration is not available and there is no mobile phone coverage on site.

To obtain an e-permit, you can:

The demand for camping on Cape York Peninsula parks and reserves is growing. The use of online bookings and e-permits will manage this demand sustainably.

Eliot Falls access, crossing Scrubby Creek

Access to Eliot Falls camping and day-use area is via the Overland Telegraph Track and involves crossing Scrubby Creek. The creek can be more than 1 metre deep in sections and driving through the creek is only recommended for experienced four-wheel drivers. Please note:

  • Eliot Falls camping area and day-use area can only be reached by high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, off-road campervans and camper trailers.
  • Access is not suitable for buses, caravans or low clearance vehicles.

Road conditions vary throughout the season and can change rapidly, depending on weather. Always check road conditions before travelling.

Image of sunrise at Ussher Point.

Sunrise at Ussher Point.

Photo credit: © Stuart Swanson

Camping is permitted in Jardine River National Park at North and South Jardine River, in Heathlands Resources Reserve at Eliot Falls and Captain Billy Landing and in Jardine River Resources Reserve at Ussher Point. Camping is not permitted in other areas, including Fruit Bat Falls, which has day-use facilities only.

Camping permits are required and fees apply. A tag must be displayed at your camp site.

Camp sites in Jardine River National Park, Heathlands Resources Reserve and Jardine River Resources Reserve are popular during peak periods. Campers should plan their visit and obtain an e-permit well in advance.

Park-specific conditions

Campers must be self-sufficient in this remote area as fuel, supplies and first aid are not readily available.

The maximum length of stay at all camping areas is 21 consecutive nights and bookings can be made up to six months in advance.

Fires are allowed in existing fireplaces only. Do not collect firewood in the national park. Fuel stoves are recommended.

Generators that operate at a noise level less than 65dB(A) measured at a distance of 7m from the generator are permitted between 8.00am and 7.00pm at North Jardine River, South Jardine River and Ussher Point camping areas only. Generators are not permitted at Eliot Falls and Captain Billy Landing camping areas.

Read more about staying safe and looking after the park.

  • North Jardine River camping area

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    North Jardine River camping area features sandy sites on the northern bank of the Jardine River, on Telegraph Road, 32km south of Injinoo.

  • South Jardine River camping area

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    South Jardine River camping area features sandy sites on the southern bank of the Jardine River, on the old Telegraph Road, 24km south of the Jardine River Ferry Crossing.

  • Eliot Falls camping area

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    Eliot Falls camping area is nestled in woodland between Canal and Eliot creeks, close to the famed scenic Eliot and Twin falls, this popular camping area is an oasis for…

  • Captain Billy Landing camping area

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    Captain Billy Landing camping area is located directly beside the beach, offering opportunities for beach walking and fishing.

  • Ussher Point camping area

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    Ussher Point camping area is very remote and isolated. Close to the beach and cliffs and surrounded by coastal heath vegetation.