Review: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Caravan Park!

When most people picture Cape Hillsborough, they imagine kangaroos hopping across the beach at sunrise. For many travellers, the easiest way to enjoy this experience is by staying at the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park. But is the caravan park itself worth booking, or is it just the location that makes it popular?

The challenge for visitors is figuring out if this park offers more than just convenience. Is it comfortable? Are the sites well set up? Do the facilities meet expectations, or is it a basic spot where you’re simply paying for proximity to the beach?

On our stay, I found that while the kangaroo experience was unforgettable, the caravan park itself had its own highlights and quirks. In this review, I’ll share my honest take on the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park, and how the famous kangaroo experience fits into it all. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect before you book.

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Review: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Caravan Park

Would I stay at the Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Caravan park again? The simple answer is “Yes“. The convenience for the wild kangaroo experience, facilities, friendly staff, bushland and ocean, we enjoyed everything, except the horrendous miggie bites at sunset!

There was no camping this trip for us, but our bed in the Terrace Huts was comfortable, and we really enjoyed our stay here. On the downside, the walls are thin, so unfortunately, you could hear all the noises from outside with kids screaming, while riding bikes around.

➡  Compare prices for accommodation HERE with Booking.com

Ultimately, my biggest tip would be to take insect repellent. The bugs were horrible, and the windows needed to be shut the whole time (The air con was used instead). I’m not sure if this is a seasonal thing, but only affected us around dusk or dawn.

The staff were all incredibly friendly with the check-in process, informing you on the current time for the Kangaroo Feeding, and if you have any issues.

The supplies where limited in the store (essentially for basic needs), so ensure you bring everything with you.

Where is the Caravan Park located?

The Cape Hillsborough Tourist Park is located 45 minutes north of Mackay. This is borderline on the National Park, but luckily with sealed road access.

However, the roads are windy with lots of twists and turns. This makes it harder to pass other vehicles and will reduce your speed to get there.

Address Contact

51 Risley Parade Cape Hillsborough, Queensland 4740

Ph: +61 7 4959 0152 
Email: enquiries@chntp.com.au

What Types of Accommodation do they have?

The Cape Hillsborough Caravan Park features two levels.

• The higher level is where you drive in and more common for the powered caravan sites.
• The lower level has a few fixed accommodation options right beside the beach. Alternatively, you have tent and swag camping with an option for powered or unpowered sites. The lower level is also where the camp kitchen & Barbeque is located.

Please click here to access the Cape Hillsborough Site Map.

Camping Sites

• An Unpowered site’s price range from $39 to $49AUD per night,
• and the Powered sites range from $44 to $56AUD per night.

There is a variation to this price through peak times, public and school holidays, so best to check with the park for your dates. There is also a minimum night stay on certain weekends like Easter and other public holidays.

As mentioned above, the higher level holds all the powered sites, sometimes with a concrete slab and suitable for your caravans.

If your camping in a swag or tent using an unpowered site, then you’re getting the prime position right next to the beach. Additionally, you have the amenities block and camp kitchen very close to you.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

Rooms, Cabins or Fixed Accommodation

Most of the fixed accommodation options are on the lower level right beside the beach. These can cater from two to four guests with some options for extra people and a sofa bed.

These beachfront cabin prices range from $187AUD per night to $345AUD per night.

➡  Compare prices for accommodation HERE with Booking.com

Options for Rooms or Fixed Accommodation are as Follows:

• Beach House
• Terrace Hut (this is what we stayed in)
• Queenslander Hut
• Deluxe Studio Cabin (Beachside or not)
• Beachside Unit (one or two bedrooms)

There are four huts available at the higher level, which are slightly cheaper (range from $102AUD to $121AUD). These are the Terrace Huts and the Queenslander Huts.

Please keep in mind that two Queenslander Huts don’t have a bathroom, but are right outside an amenities block.

➡  Compare prices for accommodation HERE with Booking.com

We stayed in the Terrace Huts!

The Terrace huts were the cheapest choice (with a bathroom) compared to all the fixed accommodation ($121AUD per night).

They are located on the higher level, but only 2 minutes walk to the beach. There is a bathroom, a large bed ( 2 singles joined together), and all the cooking facilities.

Additionally, we have a Microwave, Television,  Air conditioner, stove, and kitchenware for two guests.

What Amenities or Facilities are available?

The entire park does have a lot of room, and there are other activities and facilities to keep you entertained.

The first stop is the pool which is open from 8am to sunset. It wasn’t heated, so too cold for us to jump in. However, I did see some children in there having fun.

Apart from that, you have three amenities blocks on the higher and lower levels, including right outside the pool. A laundry, Bar area, and a small shop with tourist items and basic supplies.

There is a mini-golf area right outside the reception, along with an activities area with pool tables. To top it off, there is an outdoor cinema which probably runs around the busier times.

What is the Kangaroo Experience?

The Cape Hillsborough Wild Kangaroos are what draws the tourists to the area.

It’s a FREE experience, run by the Mackay Tourist Rangers, so you don’t have to stay in this Caravan Park. As the experience is held right outside the park boundaries, I will say that it’s the most convenient place to stay.

If your NOT a guest of the Caravan park, you will need to park at the Public Picnic area, walk onto the beach, and then another 5 minutes over the sand to the Kangaroo feeding area.

The Kangaroos arrive BEFORE the sun rises over the horizon, and you need to be there extra early. If you only have one day to see it, I would arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to ensure you find it ok.

I visited on three mornings, and surprisingly, people were walking down the beach after most of the kangaroos had hopped away.

BIG TIP: When the sun starts to come out, the kangaroos want to venture back into the park or surrounding bushland. Therefore, the earlier, the better!

Other things to do in the Area?

There are several things to do in the Cape Hillsborough area. This includes visiting the surrounding beaches, hiking several walking tracks, or trekking to Wedge Island at low tide for exploration.

Walks available near the park are Andrews Point Track, Diversity Boardwalk, Beachcomber Cove and the Yuibera Trail.

You have some great views of the beach, right beside the Caravan Park. Alternatively, the Andrews point track will have an overall look and high view of the beaches and Wedge Island.

Wrap up!

I hope my Review on the Cape Hillsborough Tourist Park has helped you decide if it’s suitable for your group. However, if you’re still planning your road trip along the coast, please check out my other blogs on Queensland to help fill some gaps.

• Things to see on a Brisbane to Cairns Road trip
• Best Place to Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• Is Australia the only country with Kangaroo’s?
• Exposing the Downsides to a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tour
• Tips to know BEFORE planning a Queensland Road Trip
• Best 5 day Itinerary in Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays
• Reasons Bowen is Worth visiting!
• How to get to Finch Hatton Gorge near Mackay