Eurimbula National Park Gladstone

Anchor your boat and enjoy the secluded campsite views. Photo credit: Jess McKenzie © Queensland Government

Bustard Head camping area is a great spot for ocean lovers. Photo credit: Cathy Gatley © Queensland Government

Eurimbula National Park includes the beautiful coastline where Captain James Cook made his first landing in Queensland. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Bustard Head camping area

Remote and scenic, this bush camp is perfect for adventurous paddlers on the Eurimbula sea trail and boaties keen for a fishing escape.

Accessible by

  • Boat
  • Canoe or kayak

Camping area facilities

  • Anchoring allowed
  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Tent camping
  • Short walk to tent
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Always check

A great spot for ocean lovers touring the Eurimbula sea trail, Bustard Head camping area is set close to the sheltered waters of Bustard Head Island, near the mouth of Pancake Creek.

Set up camp on the flat, grassy area above the high-tide mark, nestled beneath a low woodland canopy of wattles, bloodwoods and Moreton Bay ash. Play in the sand, stroll along the beach, or go rock-hopping along the boulders.. Soak up the views over calm Pancake Creek and watch sea-eagles soaring above the waters.

Soak up the views over calm Pancake Creek and watch sea-eagles soaring above the waters. If you’re feeling energetic, enjoy a 5km return walk from the camping area to the privately-managed Bustard Head Lighthouse.

Getting there and getting around

Bustard Head camping area is in Eurimbula National Park, 14km west of Agnes Water, on the Central Queensland coast. You can access the camping area by boat, canoe or kayak only.

  • GPS location is Zone 56J, Easting 371984 and Northing 7343494. Map location is latitude S24º00'55" and longitude E151º44'28".
  • From the Agnes Water township, follow Captain Cook Drive for 6.6km to the town of Seventeen Seventy.
  • Roads to the town of Seventeen Seventy are sealed and suitable for all vehicles and trailers.
  • Park at the public car park at the 1770 marina and launch your vessel at the boat ramp. Alternatively, there is an area next to the 1770 caravan park which provides beach access to launch a canoe or kayak. Follow the Eurimbula sea trail and Middle and Pancake creeks for a 36.3km trip to the camping area.
  • You can also drive to Middle Creek campground and park in the designated area. Use the boat ramp at the camping area to launch your vessel.
  • You can also access Middle and Pancake creeks via Turkey Beach powerline track for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only. Turn right approximately 18–20km along Turkey Beach Road from the Bruce Highway. Follow the Danube/powerline track until it meets the water. There is an open area to park your car and a ramp to launch your vessel.
  • Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.
  • Read water safety for important information about staying safe in and near water and caring for parks.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Bustard Head camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Camping area features: boat-based camping by the water's edge.

Location: southern side of Pancake Creek on Bustard Head.

Access: the camping area can be reached only by boat. The nearest boat ramps for conventional (2WD) vehicles are located at Seventeen Seventy and Turkey Beach. Nearby Middle Creek boat ramp is accessible by high-clearance 4WD vehicles only.

Number of sites: open area with no separately defined sites.

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping.

Camp site surfaces: sand.

Facilities: none.

Open fires: Allowed (except when fire bans apply*). Bring your own clean-milled firewood. Collection of firewood and the use of chainsaws are prohibited. Fuel or gas stoves are recommended.
*Check park alerts before camping.

Generators: Allowed between 8am–9pm; must have a sound rating of less than 65 decibels (2.0Kva).

Essentials to bring: rubbish bags (no bins are provided), insect repellent, clean-milled firewood, fuel, or gas stove, food, drinking water, fuel, emergency beacon and medical supplies. Read more about before you visit.

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

Mobile phone coverage: generally not available.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

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