Last Updated on 1 August 2026 by Rob
Ball Bay Campground offers a secluded, beachside escape that trades the typical caravan park crowds for the raw beauty of the Hibiscus Coast.
It’s a pristine choice just 35 minutes north of Mackay. This council-run reserve is found at the end of a quiet residential strip, offering a small number of grassy sites on the edge of a golden, palm-fringed beach. The campground provides a tranquil environment where you can kick back and relax.
There is no need to be self-contained as toilets and showers are provided.
Pets are not permitted at this campground.
Tents are permited
Fires are not permitted.
Ball Bay Campground Quick Facts
| Campground Name | Ball Bay Campground |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Mackay |
| GPS | 20°54'10.37"S 148°59'43.87"E |
| Access Road | Sealed |
| Number of sites | 12 |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Water | Yes |
| Dump point | No |
| Power | No |
| Pets | No |
| Tents | Yes |
| Fires permitted | No |
| Telstra coverage | Yes |
| Optus coverage | Yes |
| Cost | $17 per night |
| Booking | N/A |
Campground Layout and Features
Ball Bay Campground has about 12 campsites on a grassed area. The number of available sites depends on how people park their vans. It is best to park vans perpendicular to the perimeter. The area slopes slightly, so you may need to level your van.
A small camp kitchen is available. It consists of a BBQ and a sink and not much else. There is a power outlet for cooking with your own appliances. Backpackers often use this to charge their portable devices. If the point is being used, we suggest providing a power board for the duration you need power.
A simple toilet block is provided. On the back wall and outside, two cold water showers are available.
Rubbish bins are provided, and water is available from a single tap.
The fee to stay at this campground is $17 per night. The fee is collected in the evenings. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and it can get busy.
Ball Bay Campground Location
Marlborough is located 34km north-west of Mackay. It is accessed via the Bruce Highway and Ball Bay Road. The map below shows the location of the campground. You can zoom out for a more general location.
What to Watch Out For at Ball Bay Campground
During our stay, we did not identify any issues while at this campground.
If you need solar the side away from the beach and towards the back of the area is your best bet.
As the site is popular and small, you should plan to arrive early.
The area is overlooked by nearby houses.
Final Words
We really enjoyed a relaxing stay here at this campground. We recommend it.
In addition to the attractions mentioned above and a beach walk, we recommend a walk to a nearby viewpoint. From the campground, turn left onto the beach and look for a small handmade sign indicating the way back to the campground.
To get to this campground you could follow our Cairns to Brisbane itinerary.
Closeby Campgrounds
If you are heading north from Ball Bay and planning to stay near Proserpine, you may like to consider Lake Proserpine Campground. If heading south, we recommend Rowallan Park Campground near Mackay.
Details checked 2/1/26.
