Balgal Beach Review
If you’re hunting for a laid-back beach escape in of the northeast coast of Queensland, Balgal Beach needs to be high on your list.
Forming part of Townsville’s much loved Northern Beaches region, the beach is situated about 43 km from the city’s CBD. The term “hidden gem” appears tailor made for it, because Balgal serves up everything you could want from a classic Aussie seaside spot.
Boasting gorgeous sandy stretches, safe swimming areas, family-friendly vibes, and an unbeatable sense of peace, it has everything you could want from a coastal area. Best of all, it’s never too crowded. In fact, sometimes, you won’t find anyone within shouting distance of you.
If you’re a local looking for the ideal place for a digital detox, a Queenslander exploring your own backyard, or an overseas traveller chasing down the best beaches North Queensland has to offer, Balgal Beach will absolutely win you over.
Why Visit Balgal Beach?
Balgal Beach has that easy, laid-back charm that’s getting harder to find.
As I said, it’s never as crowded as some of the other beaches around Townsville, which makes it perfect if you’re after a quieter day out.
The sand there is long and wide, with soft golden appearance that’s practically compels you to throw down a towel, kick back, and let your stress melt away.
The beach faces east, so it catches some incredible sunrises. If you’re an early riser, it’s well worth getting up before dawn to watch the sky burst into colours over the Coral Sea.
(Just remember, you are in crocodile country, and as there is a creek that separates the beach from adjacent Rollingstone, you’ll need to stay alert to their possible presence).
Best Time to Visit
While Balgal Beach is somewhere you can visit all year round, the general consensus among travel publications is that the dry season, from May to October is the best time to go there.
During these months, you’ll get plenty of sunny days but with lower humidity — which is essentially the ideal beach weather.
On the other hand, in the wet season (November to April) the temperatures are much hotter and it is also storm season, so there is always the chance that the heavens can may open up if there is cloud around. That said, it’s still beautiful around this time.
If you’re keen on fishing, the warmer months are when the barra are biting, but if you’re all about beach lounging, the cooler, drier months are spot on.
How to Get to Balgal Beach
One of the best things about Balgal Beach is that it is easy to get to. This makes it close enough for a stress-free day trip, but far enough to feel like you’ve properly escaped the city.
Balgal is the most northern of the Northern Beaches region of Townsville. From the CBD it is roughly a 35-minute drive north along the Bruce Highway. Just follow the signs to Balgal Beach, and then turn onto Balgal Beach Road.
This peaceful country road will take you after about five kilometres to the Esplanade where you should find plenty of parking.
The nearest beach to Balgal Beach is Toomulla Beach and then Toolakea Beach
Things to Do at Balgal Beach
The natural inclination is to just stretch out on the sand, but this is best done under a cabana or umbrella as there is not much in the way of shade by the shoreline.
That said, there is a lot more to this Townsville Northern Beach than just that. Here are some of the main things to do at Balgal Beach.
Swimming and Stinger Safety
During the warmer months, North Queensland beaches are known for jellyfish (especially the dangerous stingers), but Balgal Beach has a stinger net installed during the stinger season, typically from November to May.
This means you can still enjoy a safe swim without worry. Outside of stinger season, the waters here are generally safe and calm.
However, you always need to be mindful of the potential presence of crocodiles, especially if you find your near Rollingstone Creek. You are not advised to swim anywhere near there.
Walking
The beach is quite long, which makes it perfect for walking and you will get to enjoy stunning views of Magnetic Island.
This is an activity you can do with your four legged friend because the beach is also dog-friendly, although some restrictions might apply.
Fishing
Balgal Beach is a hot spot for those who love fishing. The mouth of Rollingstone Creek is just nearby, and it’s a favourite among anglers looking to snag barramundi, mangrove jack, and flathead.
You’ll often spot keen fishos casting a line from the beach, the creek, or the boat ramp.
Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your fishing gear with you. There is a handy little shop at Balgal Beach where you can pick up bait and supplies.
Picnics and BBQs
There are fantastic picnic areas right by the beach, complete with BBQ facilities, shaded spots, and clean public toilets.
Overall, it’s a perfect setup for a relaxed family lunch or a romantic seaside meal. So, fill your esky with your favourite foods and make a day of it.
Boating
If you have brought your tinnie with you, Balgal Beach has an excellent boat ramp which you can use to head out to the gorgeous Palm Island group.
Alternatively, you can make your way out to the Great Barrier Reef which is just a short ride away.
Tours and Excursions
Away from Balgal Beach there are plenty of tours and excursions you can go on in and around the Townsville area.
You can book a good selection of them with Viator and Get Your Guide. However, here are some of the most popular activities you might want to check out.
Accommodation Options
Balgal Beach is ideal for a day trip from Townsville, but if you fall in love with the place (and you probably will), there are a few options if you want to stay overnight.
The Balgal Beach Holiday Units and the Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort offer relaxed and affordable accommodation. Both are well set up for those who want to go camping, caravanning, or are after a comfy cabin.
There’s also a free RV park at the beach for fully self-contained vehicles, which is very popular with grey nomads and vanlifers touring through North Queensland.
Lining the northern kilometres of the beach is a row of houses, some of which are holiday accommodation units that can be rented out for a few days.
Other Useful Resources
If you want to find out more about Balgal Beach there are several other websites that will provide you with further details about it. Here are a selection of the most informative of them.
– Tropical North Queensland Website
