Russell River NP and Mourilyan Harbour Nth QLD

Submitted: Monday, May 23, 2005 at 00:24

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mattlobie

Hi all,
Has anyone camped at the Russell River National Park camp ground, possibly also known as Graham Range? It's right on the coast, south of Cairns, near Babinda. Just after some general info about the place. I know there are no facilities there. The main reason I'm considering going there is for land-based fishing, and some peace and quiet. Am I correct in thinking that the camp ground is right on the beach? Do you actually camp on the beach itself? If so, is there any protection from wind etc? My other main question is, is there access to the mouth or lower parts of Russell River (so I can have a fish there) and if so how far is the river from the camp ground? Am I correct in thinking it's a pretty quiet camping area? We're planning on going during the June/July school holidays. Any other info about the place would be appreciated.

Secondly, is there anywhere to camp at Mourilyan Harbour (near Innisfail)? I wouldn't mind having a fish there for a few days too. I know there's a caravan park at Etty Bay just to the North, but I'd rather camp at Mourilyan Harbour itself if possible. Again, any info appreciated.

Thanks heaps.

matt

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Reply By: mattlobie - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 00:28

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 00:28

I forgot to mention that the Russell River NP camp ground *may* also be known as the Bramston Beach camp ground...

AnswerID: 112382

Follow Up By: mattlobie - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 00:38

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 00:38

Hang on, scratch that. The Bramston Beach camping area is run by the Cairns City Council, so I'm guessing it's different to the Russell River NP camp ground that is listed on the QPWS web site. Can anyone confirm?

Sorry for the confusion.

matt

FollowupID: 368643

Reply By: trendy - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 09:51

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 09:51

Hi Matt,
Bramston Beach has a very basic caravan park run by the council, maybe this is the campground you mentioned. It has cold showers and old old dunny's, that was 4 - 5 years ago last time I was there. Can't help you with mourilyan hbr but can vouch for the nice caravan park at Etty Bay. Happy camping for the hol's coming up.
Regards Trevor.

AnswerID: 112402

Follow Up By: mattlobie - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 11:39

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 11:39

Yeah, that seems to be consistent with the council park. I'm assuming you didn't venture to the camp ground in th Russell River NP then?

Thanks for the info, appreciated.

matt

FollowupID: 368678

Reply By: Rod - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 12:35

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 12:35

I grew up in Babinda but last visited Brampston beach last year...

The Brampston beach campground is grassed with a toilet block just behind the dunes in front of the houses. Basic.

The old Russell River National park is further north of the township. Just before you hit the beach when coming in from Mirriwinni, turn left and follow a dirt road a couple of k's. The NP is on the right amoungst trees and behind the dunes.

I have contemplated camping there twice, but on each occasion, the campground has been occupied by some shady looking characters. Last time there was someone camping out in a beaten up ford that was filthy. Someone else seemed to be camped under a couple of sheets of iron. Did not consider it 'family safe' so we moved on. I would not like to set-up and leave anything at your campsite or it may be gone. Area is quite small so you would be camped in relative proximity.

AnswerID: 112420

Follow Up By: mattlobie - Monday, May 23, 2005 at 12:47

Monday, May 23, 2005 at 12:47

Useful info, thanks. So do you know if there's access to the Russell River mouth from the NP?

Another question, do you know if there is actually a township at Russell Heads / Constantine Point? The aerial map of the area in the North Australian Fish Finder leads me to believe that there is, but there's no road to the location marked on any map that I've seen.

thanks again.

matt

FollowupID: 368686