Townsville's 'Dam Fine Rally' has been a highlight on the CMCA rally calendar since 2002, attracting up to 350 motorhomes each year.

The event began following the success of the CMCA Anniversary Rally held in Townsville in 1999. Members of the local chapter, Tropical Coast Wanderers, saw the need to provide CMCA members - many of whom travel north to escape the southern winter - with a suitable stopover to relax, resupply and take in the many tourist destinations in close proximity to our city.

The first rally was held at Thuringowa's Pioneer Park, opposite Willows Shopping Centre.  Due to the refurbishment and upgrade of the park for the Riverway Complex to include a theatre, swimming pools, gardens, playground, and world-class cricket and AFL grounds, the rally was transferred to Ross Dam Park (now Ross Park, Kelso) at the end of Riverway Drive.

Hence the idea of 'The Dam Fine Rally' was born.

When it was decided to upgrade the Ross Dam wall to meet world standards, we were again required to move locations.  The first move was to the vacant area in front of the Bluewater Caravan Park on the highway north of Townsville and the second year to the Weir Primary School grounds on the banks of the Ross River.

This was an excellent venue, close to all amenities with a flat, green grassed, parking area.  Murphy's Law, however, prevailed.  Days before the rally, Townsville had its wettest and coldest June day on record (maximum 13 degrees), and we had to cancel the rally.
The rally has also been cancelled in 2021 due to covid and in 2023 due to earthworks in site.

We are now back at Ross Park, Kelso and it has proved to be a great spot.  Located at the base of the Ross Dam Wall, among gum trees beside the Ross River.  The park is about 12 kilometres from the Willows Shopping Centre, Riverway Centre and Cannon Park Complex.  A Sunbus stop at the front of the park allows visitors to catch a bus to all points within the city.

In all this time, since 2002, our local Council, (previously Thuringowa and now Townsville City Council due to the amalgamation, has openly sponsored and supported the rally.  As the first RV friendly city in Australia, Townsville City Council has provided much needed monetary and 'in kind' assistance, and has always happily cooperated with our requests to provide upgrades to the park.  Townsville City Council has installed three-phase power outlets for our entertainment area and ablution blocks as well as fresh water outlets and a dump point.  The rally would not have progressed to the standard it is today without the assistance of the council and the perseverance of the local chapter members.

We are always busy searching for new ways to improve the rally and gain sponsorship and support from local businesses.

The rally is held for five days at the end of June each year, with an optional extra week for the V8 racing the Townsville 500.

     

There will be nightly entertainment and activities during the day.

Our public Open Day, on the Saturday, will be full on with local entertainers, market stalls and the Official Opening by the Townsville Mayor. (Gold coin donation on entry)

While in North Queensland, why not make the most of your time and explore all that the region has to offer. From the Wet Tropics rainforest in the small township of Paluma, to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage listed Magnetic Island, to the rustic charm of Hervey's Range and beyond to the gold mining town of Charters Towers.

Townsville itself boasts a wide range of attractions including the Strand promenade, Jezzine Barracks Parkland at Kissing Point, Riverway and Castle Hill.

Flinders Street is now open to through traffic.  Palmer Street is always abuzz with a multitude of dining options, and the attractions precinct in Flinders Street East is home to the Museum of Tropical Queensland, Reef HQ Aquarium, maritime museum and the Cultural Centre. A free large council operated swimming pool  is across the road from the Willows shopping centre.

With so much to see and do, be sure you allow yourself enough time to have a good look around North Queensland.  Townsville City Council provides a number of designated freedom camping areas along the picturesque Northern Beaches, with a maximum of 24 or 48 hour stays.

  

Please see the Council's website for further details on designated camping areas, as well as a range of free downloadable tourism publications providing information on key destination within the region. www.townsville.qld.gov.au or www.queenslandholidays.com.au/destinations/townsville.

                            

Rally rules