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Palmer Goldfield Resources Reserve Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: Nick Smith © Queensland Government

North Palmer River camping area

North Palmer River camping area is located beside the North Palmer River in a remote bush setting.

Accessible by

  • 4WD
  • Trail bike

Camping area facilities

  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Tent camping beside car

Always check

The lower section of the North Palmer River camping area.

The lower section of the North Palmer River camping area.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

The upper section of the North Palmer River camping area.

The upper section of the North Palmer River camping area.

Photo credit: Jodie Eden, Queensland Government

All camping in Palmer Goldfield Resources Reserve must be booked in advance. Campers must purchase an e-permit before arriving at the camping areas—self-registration is not available and there is no mobile phone coverage on site.

To obtain an e-permit, you can:

Features: relax and refresh by the North Palmer River in this remote bush setting—the river may be dry, depending on the time of year and the rainfall received that year.

Location: on the southern bank of the North Palmer River—the upper and lower sections are 5.5km apart by road.

If travelling from the north, follow the Old Maytown-Laura Road (‘old coach road’) until you cross the North Palmer River, then follow the tracks to the right until you reach the signposted turn-offs for the camping area—the upper section of the camping area is accessed via the Chinese alluvial workings track, or continue further west to the lower section.

If travelling from the east, cross the Palmer River at Dog Leg Crossing. Follow the signs past the Ida Mine, Comet Mill and Louisa Mine sites, and then turn left at the intersection. Follow the rough track until you reach the signposted turn-offs for the camping area—the upper section of the camping area is accessed via the Chinese alluvial workings track or continue further west to the lower section.

Map: Palmer Goldfield Resources Reserve (PDF, 984.1KB)

Access: the camping area can be reached by 4WD only. Both the upper and lower sections are suitable for off-road camper trailers, but not accessible for caravans and buses.

Number of sites: both the upper and lower sections are open areas without separately defined sites—both sections are suitable for multiple groups. Visitors can choose to camp at either the upper or lower section on arrival.

Camp sites are suitable for: tents or off-road camper trailers.

Camp site surface: sand and dirt.

Shade: partial.

Facilities: no facilities.

Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply)—existing fireplaces should be used if provided. Firewood must not be collected from the reserve. Fuel stoves are recommended.

Generators: only generators that operate at or below 65dB(A) when measured 7m from the generator are allowed. Generators may be operated between 8.00am and 7.00pm only.

Essentials to bring: drinking water, rubbish bags, fuel stove. Read more about before you visit.

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

Mobile phone coverage: not available.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Palmer Goldfield safely and camp with care.