TOP 10 TROPICAL BEACHES FOR WET SEASON ESCAPES
1. TOOMULLA BEACH
This shady beachfront camp north of Townsville is a stellar find, perched on the edge of Halifax Bay with estuary fishing on one side and miles of squeaky white sand out the front.
It’s spacious, free-range and cooled by towering gum trees, and you’ll love the kids’ playground, barbecue shelters and the dazzling free price-tag.
There’s a boat ramp for tinny adventures across to Magnetic Island and offshore reefs on clear, calm days, and at daybreak, everyone heads for the beach to kick off their shoes and tackle the miles and miles of secluded beachcombing and angling.
Toomulla is one of five free camping areas located within a 50km stretch north of Townsville and the most picturesque by far, but there are no shops nor cafes close by, so you’ll need to arrive fully loaded. Just north of Toomulla, Balgal Beach is another waterfront freebie with top facilities and an idyllic location.
It’s little more than a parking area for campers, but lifeguards patrol the stinger-proof enclosure from November through to March, and you can amble next door to the Fisherman’s Landing for sunset fish and chips and drinks on the deck after a big day’s fishing.
TOP COOL-OFF SPOT: Head south to the big, blue pools along Rollingstone Creek, signposted off the Bruce Highway.
GET YOURSELF THERE: Toomulla and Balgal Beach are signposted off the Bruce Highway, within a 50km drive north of Townsville. Both offer free, 48 hour-long stays, and plenty of facilities. Balgal also has
