South of Mackay is a small town that 99% of travellers would drive straight through.

But if you’re chasing a coastal camp, then turn off the Bruce highway at the Carmila service station, pass straight through town and head to the coast.

At $12.50/night for absolute beachfront sites it’s a great place to stop for a night or two.

The area is larger than you’d think and with a good all weather access road it does give you the chance to find a spot to yourself.

With that in mind, the first two areas are probably the most suitable for the larger vans and 2WD tow vehicles, as the sites do get sandier the further south you head. It does also get a bit tighter both overhead and to turn around.

“The area is larger than you’d think and with a good all weather access road it does give you the chance to find a spot to yourself.”

The area is equipped with a few toilet blocks, and a dump point, which when we stopped were surprisingly clean. There is no water available, but I’m sure the service station would carry bottles if you were desperate.

The area also has a large rubbish bin, which has aided in keeping the sites quite clean.

Fires are also permitted during the colder months.

With creeks at both ends of the camping area and long expanses of beach in between there is also plenty of options for catching dinner.

Only downfall for some will be that payment is only online or via the park mobile app. There is limited mobile signal, but worst case, you need to take a beer and sit down on the beach to pay 👍