Great Sandy National Park – Wathumba camping area – Managed camping ground
If you enjoy fishing and camping, consider the Wathumba campground on the western side of the island. The whiting and the dart are plentiful where the creek meets the ocean.
It’s also a great spot for Kayaking and bird watching in the estuary of the creek. It can be a very popular spot for day users that come from Orchid Beach during peak times of the school holidays.
Campground Facilities Available
It has a toilet and shower block located on the grounds. They have been reasonably clean everything time we have visited.
The Wathumba camping grounds – Toilet Block
The amenities include;
- A bench, with a sink and mirror (for a shave/makeup and to brush your teeth)
- There are two flushing toilet stalls and a urinal in the men’s and three toilets in the woman’s
- and three shower stalls available on each side of the block
There are a few picnic tables around the area and lots of shady trees that give protection from the sun and the wind which is a bonus.
There is plenty of room for tent camping, camper trailer, or caravan if you’re game.
It also has Telstra mobile phone coverage on higher ground, however, sometimes it is intermittent depending on the wind direction.
Wathumba camping area – picnic tables
Where is the Campground Located?
You would normally access this campground via the Wathumba Creek track from Orchid Beach. Although you could get there by motorboat/yacht, and anchor off the coast.
Drive to the northern end of Orchid Beach past the Trading Post and keep to the left. After about 1.3km and past Marloo Ave, turn left onto Wathumba road.
How long does It take to get to the campground?
Driving there takes about 35-45 minutes from Orchid Beach township. Most of the track is sandy and only one vehicle wide so if you meet another vehicle along the way there will be some reversing until a clearing is found so you can pass safely.
Orchid beach is about 2-3 hours north of Hook Point and the barge crossing.
This spot is a favourite for us – the only downside is that at sunset the sandflies and mosquitoes are rampant. Be sure to have insect repellent.
Speaking of sunsets, this spot is magic for the perfect sunset photos.
Tips For Camping at Wathumba Camping area
Bring Lots Of Aerogard/Insect Repellent – The sandflies and mosquitoes are rampant on this side as the campground is close-by to the Wathumba swamplands.
Plan your trips by the tide time. Plan to arrive by halfway through a low tide. Do not arrive at night.
More Camping Tips
Get yourself the right permits. You will need a camping permit and a vehicle permit. You’ll be on the Western Beach and you must purchase your permit from the Parks website before you camp.
You must have the permit ready to show at all times (or you will be fined and asked to leave the island).
- All domestic animals are prohibited
- Please take your rubbish with you
- Also see Category: Caravan and Camping
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