Eurimbula Creek; the best coastal camping in Queensland?
There’s a small handful of camp sites in Australia that we rate so far above and beyond others that its almost comical, and today, we’re sharing a spot that we fell in love with, and rate as one of the best camp sites in Australia.
To date, we’ve camped at around 400 different locations in Australia, and amongst them all, we’ve discovered some gems that you won’t forget about in a hurry, and Eurimbula Creek near 1770 or Agnes Water is absolutely on that list. I’d comfortably say this competes in the top 5 for the best coastal camping in Queensland, and for a state that has more options than you can poke a stick at, that’s no small feat.
Where is Eurimbula Creek Campground?
You’ll find this magic part of the world literally a few kilometres from the stunning beach at Agnes Waters, or 1770. It’d be a few minute boat ride if you arrived that way, or it’s about a 30 minute drive from 1770 itself.
What makes it so good?
This camp site ticks so many boxes for us. It’s 4WD accessible only, its stunning, right next to a beautiful beach, and also next to a beautiful creek. A couple of the camp sites have absolutely cracker views, and the sunsets here are to die for.
It’s also very quiet during the week, and when you have a spot like this to yourselves (or a couple of others), its unreal.
Do you need a 4WD to get to Eurimbula Creek?
Yep, absolutely. You might sneak a high clearance AWD vehicle in, but I wouldn’t try it, and especially not if there’s been any rain in the last few weeks. The track itself is relatively easy, but it is lumpy, has a few puddles of water that can be relatively deep, and you absolutely need a decent amount of clearance.
We let our tyres down a fair bit, primarily for the rough roads, but there is some sand about that makes it nicer to have them lower.
Is it Caravan friendly?
I’ve read that people have taken vans in here, and I reckon it’d be a massive mission. The track isn’t short, its only barely wide enough for a 4WD, and trying to tow anything wider that doesn’t follow your wheel base exactly is going to mean struggle territory the whole way.
If you have a caravan that is short, not that tall and not that wide you might get away with it, but even our Reconn R2 was touching the odd branch. I certainly wouldn’t take any full size vans in here without driving it first.
What’s the track like?
The track starts off as a decent gravel road, and deteriorates pretty quickly, with lots of holes and ruts, some water over the road and then there’s a few muddy and sandy bits. Even towing our Reconn R2 there were no spots that I thought we were going to have issues, but perhaps after even more rain it’d be more challenging.
We did follow a couple of vehicles out that clearly hadn’t let their tyres down, and the ride looked absolutely awful.
What does it cost to camp?
This is a standard national park in Queensland, with the cost being $7 per adult per night. As a family, we pay $29 a night. Certainly not cheap, but not expensive either (especially compared to the caravan park a few kilometres away!).
Two of the camp sites are the best
Now, I will be quick to point out that your experience at this camp site will very much depend on what camp site you get, and how busy it is. When you first arrive, if you hug the left, the first two campgrounds on the left near the camp kitchen are by far the best, with great views, and easy access to the beach.
The other camp sites are fine, but they’re bush sites with a longer walk to the beach, and no real views.
What amenities are there?
Eurimbula Creek Campground has some running water (boil before drinking), and drop toilets. I never used the toilets so can’t comment on them, but they’re there if you need them.
Fishing at Eurimbula Creek
Eurimbula Creek is a popular fishing destination, much like the rest of 1770. You can fish in the creek for a variety of species, or head out onto the beach. We managed to get a handful of bream and whiting, and lots of little sand crabs that made for good bait.
We saw a monster flathead caught here, and some dedicated locals fished for hours from a kayak a number of days in a row. We didn’t see what they caught, but Mangrove Jack and big bream would be very likely. The creek is very tidal, so pick your times, but its pretty impressive to watch it empty out and then fill back up again each day.
Are there crocodiles?
We were told that Agnes water is the last surf break heading north due to crocodiles, and I’d say in general this is probably correct. However, they are in Rockhampton, and that’s not that much further north than Agnes Water, and it wouldn’t surprise me if salt water crocodiles do come past once in a blue moon.
They’ve been seen down at Exmouth on the Western Coast, which is well below Broome, where they are semi regularly seen at Cable Beach!
That said, I did use our stand up paddle board and had a ball. I think you’re probably fine, but who knows!
Midges and other bities
Now, it wouldn’t be fair of me to share all the good bits, and leave out the negatives. This place is on the coastline, in Upper Queensland, and midges or sandflies are virtually a given. You will get bitten, and they are annoying. We used the red lid Bushman spray, and a lotion from up north regularly and kept them at bay, but they are a bit of a pain.
Eurimbula Creek is a ripper
Out of all of the coastal camp sites we’ve done in Queensland, Eurimbula Creek probably takes the cake for us. It’s absolutely magnificent, and having both the beach and creek so close to camp is spectacular.
Whilst hundreds of people watch the sunset at Agnes Water, you can do it with your friends and family, and only a handful of others, just a couple of kilometres up the beach. If you’re after a magic campground, you won’t go past Eurimbula Creek!