CAMPING FAQ's

Q: Can we make a camping booking?

A: Guests are welcome to book their non-powered campsites and private campsites in advance online or by emailing bookings@palmerville.com.au or online on this site.

Q: Do you have any powered camp sites?

A: No

Q. Can I bring a caravan to Palmerville Station?

A. Whilst we do recommend off road caravans and campers, many other caravans and motorhomes do make the trip into The Station.

Please note that there is a 42km unsealed section with multiple water crossings being approximately 300-500mm in depth along Whites Creek Road.

Q. Can I leave my Caravan here while I explore the Old Coach Road ?

A. You can store your caravan or trailer at Palmerville for $10 AUD per night, please note we take no responsibility for the van or contents while stored.

Q. Can I have a generator?

A. Generators are permitted in the general campground and the private campsites between the hours of 8:00am & 8:00pm only.

Q. Can I bring my pets?

A. Dogs are allowed at Palmerville campsites, however they must be on a lead at all times and any signs of antisocial behaviour will result in a move on notice.

Dogs are not permitted on any of Palmerville's tours, activities or to any of our attractions.

Dogs are not permitted on Riverside Private Campsites due to the Station Bio-Security Plan.

Baiting is carried out from time to time on parts of the property. Not near the camp grounds.

Q. Is there a waste dump point for my caravan or trailer?

A. No.

Q. Can I have a campfire?

A. We do permit campfires at Palmerville private sites only, please note that there are established fire pits for your convenience, please do not create more.

Also be aware that at certain times of the year there will be total fire bans including campfires, always be prepared with gas powered equipment.

Q. Where can I source fire wood from?

A. You can source fallen timber off the ground. Please be careful not to chop down dead trees or remove large hollow logs from the ground as they are often habitats for native fauna.

Q. Is there fresh drinking water available at the campsites?

A. There is a source of freshwater at the Hut Hill at the amenities block. 

At the private campsites there is the Palmerville River, this is un-potable water and we recommend boiling before use.

Please note that due to our remote location we recommend that you always carry enough water to get to your next destination comfortably.

Q. Do you sell Diesel & Unleaded Fuel?

A. No. However, The Palmer River Road House located 48km from the camp sell both varieties of fuel.

They also have a great menu and cold beer.

Please note that due to our remote location we recommend that you always carry enough fuel to get to your next destination comfortably.

Q. Am I able to get my tyres repaired and mechanical work done on my 4WD or trailer?

A. No.

Lakelands is located 1 hour drive from the station and visitors can often get someone to drop a tyre off on their way out and have another guest grab it on the way in. A few of the permanent gold fossickers are also fairly handy and keep a serious collection of tools. Ask around and ask nicely.

Q. What is the road like?

A. The Whites Creek Road from the Mulligan Highway to the Palmerville Station entrance  is unsealed.

It is a 42 kilometre drive through the mountain range and corrugated section of road with multiple rocky water crossings into the Station, approximately 300-500mm in depth.

We do recommend a high-clearance 4WD. We have a grader on the property that works on the road regularly to maintain its condition and the Cook Shire Council provides a pre-open creek crossing repair at the beginning of the season and a full repair during the season.

For details of the road conditions of the surrounding areas of Palmerville Station, please call ahead and someone will give you an update.

Q: How far from the Camp sites to the Jaramali Rock Art attraction?

 It is a long drive. it is back onto the highway and turn off near Laura. You can go via the Old Coach Road so long as you book directly with Jaramali Rock art in advance.

Q. Can I visit some of the ancient Rock Art on Palmerville Station?

Yes. But only with a pre arranged tour from the Western Yalanji Rangers. There is some 150 caves around the property with art work. That is why the Rangers are based on Palmerville Station. To protect this incredible cultural location. 

Please reach out to the Western Yalanji Rangers and ask for a booking. There is a tour charge that covers the costs of the Traditional Owners to go with you to the caves, allow a full day to get out to a few of the cultural locations around the station. 

very large fines and prosecution apply for unauthorised access or trespassing in sacred areas and cultural caves. 

Q: How far from the Camp sites to the Big Barra Dam?

 10 minutes by 4WD.

Q: How far from the Camp sites to Maytown and the Old Coach Road?

 A. Allow 45 minutes to Maytown and then you are on your adventure. Once at Maytown, getting to the Old Coach Road needs careful planning. It is known as the hardest 4WD track on Cape York. Not for beginners....

Q: How far from the Camp sites to The Western Yalanji Ranger Base?

 A. 1 km

Q: How far from the Camp sites to the Gold Fossicking and panning Area?

 The Campsite is within in the fossicking area. There is a couple hundred square kilometres of land available for fossickers. Season pass holders have access to 700 square kilometres.

Please stay out of any mining lease areas. Please download the app on the drop down menu to have a satellite map of mining lease areas.

Q: Can i download a KML or Gaia file for the property boundaries and roads and fossicking areas onto my phone? Will my iPhone GPS work while I am out of phone coverage area?

 A. yes you can from the maps and apps page.

Q: Is there a spa or hair salon at Palmerville?

A. No. Its a bush camp site. you will get dirty, sweaty and will need a shower by the end of the day. 

Q: Can I book a personal tour with TV legend Jacqui Buzzetti or Andy Leahy (aka Hollywood)?

 A. You can reach out for a personal tour. Please understand that they are often filming around the station and will not usually be available without a prior booking. You need to contact them directly and book and pay directly.

Andy is also often busy doing professional fossicking work in and around the station. Both Jacqui and Andy a great to chat with and full of local knowledge. Please respect their private camp area and do not enter. 

Q: Can i book a personal fishing, eco tour or history tour all year round? 

 A. No. Tours are typically directly with local business operators. Palmerville does not employ any tour guides, but 

Q: Do i need a Queensland Government Gold Fossicking Permit to as well as my Palmerville Station Consent Licence to Gold fossick and pan on Palmerville Station?

 A. yes you need a Queensland State Government Gold Fossicking Permit to legally fossick in Queensland.

You also need the landholders consent. 

For all campers and hut bookings, your consent for the duration of your stay is included in the camping fee. 

Day visitors must purchase a day permit to legally fossick or pan.

Q. Do I need to bring cash with me?

A. There are EFTPOS facilities at Palmerville Station. But Cash and Gold are also accepted.

Q. I’ve got my own boat with me, can I use it at Palmerville?

A. At Palmerville Station we have environmental guidelines that prevent outboard motors in our pristine freshwater river systems. Boats are permitted with either no engine or with an electric engine.

We also don't encourage canoes or kayaks due to the danger of Saltwater Crocodiles.

 Q: Can I buy a very cool Western Yalanji T-shirt or Hat from the Western Yalanji Rangers?

Hell yes ! they are totally deadly.... Contact the Western Yalanji Rangers or drop into the shop and ask Kerrie or Frog.