Notch Point; the ultimate QLD Free Camping

When it comes to QLD Free Camping, there’s a few places that have massive reputations, and Notch Point is one of them.

We like to see things for ourselves, and whilst the reputation had built up a certain level of expectancy, I’ve been bitten many times by places that don’t live up to the hype and was a little apprehensive when we rolled in.

Suffice to say, my apprehension was quashed almost immediately, with Notch Point comfortably taking out the best Queensland Free Camping that we’ve been to so far.

It is beyond amazing on so many levels, and we ended up staying for 4 nights, which is unheard of for us. We’re normally on the move after 2 or 3 nights at the most, but this place is truly epic.

Where is Notch Point?

You’ll find this beautiful place on your way out to Cape Palmerston, roughly 30 minutes away from the beautiful town of Sarina. It’s located right next to a cattle farm, and you’ll regularly have cows roaming through the camp site, and within metres of your camp.

How do you get to Notch Point?

To get to Notch Point, turn off Bruce Highway onto Cape Palmerston Road, and continue until you see Notch Point Road on the right. This takes you on a narrow, bitumen road out past the prawn farm, and to the gate where three big bins are located. Beyond the gate is Notch Point, but stick to the main track, and stay off the private property.

Do you need a 4WD to get to Notch Point?

The track to get into Notch Point is no ordinary road. Whilst its nothing extreme for anyone who’s been off road, it is bumpy, and has a substantial number of ups and downs. I did see a small handful of high clearance two wheel drive vehicles at Notch Point, but to be honest, I was very surprised.

I’m going to say yes, you absolutely need a 4WD to get to Notch Point, and taking a 2WD (or even AWD) is likely going to end badly.

Can you take a Caravan to Notch Point?

I was also surprised to see an extensive number of caravans at Notch Point, some of which either had very limited clearance, or were massive. The track in is relatively narrow, and only has a few sections which are dual lane, so if you meet someone going the other way it will result in a fair bit of reversing.

There are a huge number of trees close to the track, and several tree stumps and rocks that stick out, waiting to catch the unsuspecting person out.

So, the answer is simple; yes, you can take a caravan to notch point, but it needs some clearance, a good driver with a 4WD, and due care. If you aren’t sure, leave it before the locked gate and go for a drive in.

We saw some very big off road vans, and even trucks with camper bodies on them at Notch Point, so its clearly doable with care.

Tides and salt water entering and exiting

Before you rush to head out to Notch Point, you should know that the track in goes through an area that is subject to tidal movement, and if you time it wrong, you will arrive in sections where the track is substantially wet.

As it was, when we visited there were two puddles that didn’t disappear for our entire stay, and despite the brown colour, I did have a tentative taste, and can confirm its absolutely salt water.

The first puddle on the way in was about 200 – 300mm deep in the ruts, but I discovered you could hang to the side and then it was only about 150mm deep, which is far more suitable.

The second puddle is huge, and if you had a big rig you’d have no choice but to drive through it. I didn’t see how deep it was, and instead manoeuvred our small setup to the side, where you can go through a much smaller puddle that is very shallow.

If you want to avoid driving through any salt water, don’t visit Notch Point. I was a bit surprised to see the salt water, and hesitant to go through it, as I know it does major damage, but we took it very slowly, and washed the vehicle and camper very thoroughly over the small amount that did get wet.

Camping areas at Notch Point

Notch Point has a heap of options for camping. When you first arrive, you’ll see areas to the right, and left, which are quite scenic, and have good access to the boat ramp.

If you continue around the hill (following the coast) which much less suitable for caravans, you’ll see a number of spots that you can camp on the edge of the hill, with amazing views. There’s even a spot that you can camp at on the northern side partly up the hill with an old concrete pad.

Alternatively, you can get down onto the north eastern side of Notch Point and camp there, but go over the centre of the hill if you are towing anything with limited clearance, as the descent from the coast side is very, very steep.

The north eastern side has camping on green grass up against the beach or rocks, and then more sites in the middle, and set back further.

No matter where you go, its incredibly beautiful, so pick something you’re happy with.

It is very popular, and busy

I was quite shocked at how many people were at Notch Point during the middle of the week. It is a big area, but it’s a very popular camp ground, and you are going to be disappointed if you arrive expecting no neighbours.

If I had to guess, I’d say there were around 30 – 50 setups every night that we stayed, and I can only imagine that it gets busier on the weekend.

That said, for a place that was quite busy, it was incredibly quiet, and a lot of people just chill in their vans and do a walk or two (or head out for a fish).

Can you have dogs at Notch Point?

Camping with dogs creates huge restrictions for where you can, and can’t go. Places like Notch Point are very popular as you’re allowed dogs.

However, you need to keep them under control, clean up after them and make sure you know where they are.

There are signs on the fences to the cattle station that state dogs found on private property will be shot, and that’s not what you want to happen.

Can you have a fire at Notch Point?

The sign at the entry says no ‘open fires’. I don’t know exactly what that refers to, as virtually every fire is open, but everyone had them in fire pits, or the makeshift rock pits that had been built. Be smart about how you have the fires, and you should be just fine.

Maximum stay limitations

You’re only allowed to stay at Notch Point for 7 days in every 21 days (1 week in every 3), and it looked like a lot of people were making use of this, and staying for longer periods rather than the normal turn over every day or two.

Sand flies and mosquitos

Queensland can be awfully cruel when it comes to little bugs that bite. Sand flies are a big problem in places, and mosquitos too. We were expecting to see a number of both, but had a really good run at Notch Point.

There were a very small number of sand flies around, and a couple of mosquitoes, but Sarah barely got touched, and she normally gets absolutely hammered.

Cape Palmerston was far worse out of the wind, and Carmila Beach was much worse, and they’re both not that far away from Notch Point, which is interesting. Admittedly, we didn’t camp on the mangrove side, and made sure we had a bit of wind (and were camped on grass), and maybe that makes all the difference.

Telstra Reception

The reception out at Notch Point is not amazing, but you will get reliable, but slow Telstra reception if you can see the Eastern part of the mainland. We were getting it right on the point of Notch Point, but the moment you go around it to the western side you’d lose it.

You want good weather

Like coastal camping anywhere in Australia, you really want good weather if you’re going to Notch Point. We were keeping an eye on the wind (which is the major concern), and saw we had a great window, so headed in.

The mornings are usually very calm, and then the wind picks up in the afternoon through to about 5PM, and then it dies off again, but if you have huge winds coming in from the North or South, its going to be unpleasant in places.

Fortunately, there’s a fair bit of variety in where you can camp, and there are a number of protected places that you can tuck into, but certainly look the weather up before you go, and if its going to be high winds, consider delaying!

What amenities are at Notch Point?

On your way into Notch Point, you’ll see three big bins, and asides from these, and a few firepits that have been made over the years, there are no other amenities at Notch Point.

You won’t find a dump point, fresh water, a shop or anything; its complete bush camping, and you need to take in everything you need in, and everything you used out.

Where can you find a dump point and water?

A lot of people won’t last 7 days without topping up with water or emptying the toilets, and that means you’ve either got to leave, or head into town for a drive.

The best place to head in to empty your toilet and fill up with water is Sarina, which is about an hours drive. Alternatively, you can empty your toilet at Carmila Beach in the dump point, and there are taps in Koumala, but you’d better ask before you use them!

Alternatively, you could probably stay at the Cape Palmerston Caravan Park and top up there, as needed.

What does it cost?

Notch Point is completely free, which is amazing. I was surprised to see that they don’t even have a recycling crate for people to put their 10c refundables in, or a donation point, as its absolutely worthy of a small cost.

What is there to do at Notch Point?

There’s really nothing at Notch Point, except for beauty beyond words and a truly incredible coastline to soak up. A lot of people (including us) seemed to just visit to kick back and enjoy the area. We spent a fair bit of time enjoying the views, and went on a heap of walks around the place.

The fishing and boating here is amazing, but realistically, its just a magic part of coastline that you absolutely should check out.

Whales, dolphins and turtles

If it could get any better, you’ve got a pretty good chance of seeing whales, dolphins and turtles here. We saw whales breaching a number of times, and whilst I struggled badly to get a decent photo, they’re amazing to watch.

Dolphins cruise by and are easy to spot when its calm, and if you’re lucky you might even see a turtle too.

Fishing at Notch Point

Notch Point is touted as one of the best fishing locations in Queensland, and I can see it has huge potential. There were a few boats out, but the reef running towards the point makes a channel that would be great for fishing, and we even saw some big fish jumping at one point.

We don’t do much fishing these days with the kids taking most of our time, but its still a great spot and would be a fisho’s paradise.

Are there Crocodiles at Notch Point?

Notch Point is still in the crocodile region, and whilst they are probably reasonably rare, they can be about. A man disappeared a few years back off the boat ramp and its presumed he was taken by a crocodile, so take due precautions and don’t risk it.

Can you swim at Notch Point?

We did see a few people having a quick dip at Notch Point, and there would be areas that are safer than others, with very clear water. That said, its still crocodile country and I’m going to suggest you don’t swim here. It’s just not worth the risk.

The only safe option, is to splash about in the rock pools at low tide, which our kids absolutely loved. You’re well away from the water edge and it would be virtually impossible for a crocodile to get near you.

Check out Cape Palmerston

We debated heavily whether to leave Notch Point and take the camper to Cape Palmerston (first world problems, eh?!). In the end we decided to just head in for the day and have a look, and it completely blew my mind.

We had nothing to complain about at Notch Point, with great views, no bugs, limited wind and issues, and of course its free, but Cape Palmerston comfortably gives it a run for its money.

You have to pay to camp here (about $22 a night for us, as a family), but the camp sites are beach front, and the coastline on the East side is nothing short of mind blowing.

We didn’t rate Windmill Bay or the Creek too much, but Cape Palmerston, Clarke Beach and north of Windmill Bay is nothing short of spectacular, and up there with the most scenic coastal places we’ve ever been to in Queensland.

Is Notch Point worthy of its reputation?

Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. This is one of the best camp sites that we’ve been to in Queensland, and that’s no small feat. Want to find more great Queensland Camp Sites? We’ve got you covered.

Yes, there’s a lot of people (because its so good), and you need good weather to really enjoy it, but there are very, very few camp sites around these days that are as awesome as Notch Point, and you’re missing out if you don’t visit.

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