Bowling Green Bay National Park

Located 28km south of Townsville, Bowling Green Bay National Park covers 55 300ha of coastal and mountainous country. It has a diversity of habitat types ranging from mangroves at sea level to rainforests on the mountain tops. The national park encompasses a wetland that has gained international recognition as a significant habitat for waterfowl, and has been listed under the Ramsar Convention. There are at least thirty different species of birds that migrate to the park from various parts of the world in the winter months. Within the park is Mt Elliot, reaching a height of 1 342 metres making it one of the highest peaks in Queensland. A campground and day use area has been established at the base of Mt Elliot where people can come and experience the natural values the park has to offer. Park Access: Mt Elliot Section : Turn off the Bruce highway towards Alligator Creek 28km south of Townsville (or 59km north of Ayr). It is 6km from here to the entrance of Mt Elliot Section of Bowling Green Bay National Park. There is no public transport. The main gate to the camping/picnic area is open from 6.30am until 6.30pm daily. Cape Cleveland Section: Turn off the Bruce Highway on to Cape Cleveland Road (Australian Institute of Marine Science road) approximately 33km south of Townsville (54km north of Ayr). 4WD vehicles are recommended, especially during the wet season (October - April). Bowling Green Bay Section : Turn off the Bruce Highway on to Jerona Road, approximately 14km south of the Giru turnoff (approximately 50km south of Townsville, 37km north of Ayr). The first kilometre of the road is bitumen. The remainder is unsealed road which is susceptible to wash outs. 4WDs are recommended, especially during the wet season (October - April). The park boundary starts 9km along this road and extends for 6km until you get to the township of Jerona. Camping: Camping permits must be obtained in advance. Alligator Creek campground, located in Mt Elliot section, has a range of facilities availabile, including gas barbeques, toilets and showers. Bush camping is permitted in other sections of the park, however campers will need to be self sufficient and take water and a fuel stove. No facilities exist. Remote bushcamping permits are required. (See 'General campground information'). Estaurine crocodiles inhabitat the coastal sections of the park (Cape Cleveland and Bowling Green Bay sections.