Park in Focus – Bowling Green Bay NP

Bowling Green Bay National Park is located about 25 km south of Townsville and covers 57,900 hectares of coastal and mountainous country. The Park extends from Cleveland Bay on the coast through to inland Mount Elliot and as a result features a wide range of habitats, from mangroves at sea level to rainforests on the mountain tops.

This incredibly diverse national park includes a wetland that has gained international recognition as a significant habitat for waterfowl. In the summer months, at least 30 different species of birds migrate to the park from various parts of the world!

Mount Elliot is home to the Mount Elliot crayfish, which is critically endangered. It’s the only place in the world where they are found.

The beautiful Alligator Creek flows through Bowling Green Bay National Park, and offers great spots for swimming, birdwatching or just to enjoy nature.

Fiona Lidgett is the owner of closely located Townsville Eco Resort, a lifestyle park that offers cabins, camps sites and a soon to come glamping facilities. Fiona and her team encourage all their guests to visit Bowling Green Bay, even if it’s just for a little walk to the lookout.

“Guests often come back surprised about the sheer splendour of the park. They enjoy the undisturbed beauty of nature and native flora and fauna,” says Fiona.

“The Alligator Creek precinct is a birdwatcher’s paradise plus it’s the starting point of many hikes. From an easy 1km to the lookout to a challenging 17km return trek to the waterfalls, there is a hike for everyone. Plus, there are not many places in the world where you can swim in a river with turtles (yes, turtles!) and fish,” Fiona adds.

The Alligator Creek area has picnic tables, shelter shed, gas barbecues and toilets, however it is currently undergoing an upgrade to improve facilities and make the area accessible to all members of the community including mobility-impaired visitors can enjoy the site. The works include new tracks and picnic facilities, additional vehicle parking, seating, viewing decks and enhanced access to Alligator Creek. The park is set to open on June 1, 2022.

Some tips for your visit to the Park:

Take a camera as you are guaranteed to see amazing wildlife as well as stunning trees, plants and flowers

Stay on the trail to preserve vegetation

Make sure to pack your swimmers (and rock shoes if you have) as there are plenty of swimming holes to choose from.

Take plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and a container for your rubbish as there are no bins in the park.

Bowling Green Bay National Park is in close proximity to Townsville and even closer to Townsville Eco Resort. The park is easily accessible, the road is sealed and suitable for conventional vehicles. You don’t need a 4WD. Directions: Just head south on the Bruce Highway towards Ayr and turn right onto Alligator Creek Road just passed the Caltex Roadhouse.

For more information on Bowling Green Bay National Park visit the Queensland Parks website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/ and if you’d like to stay at Townsville Eco resort please visit https://townsvilleecoresort.com.au/