Doughboy Creek boat Ramp, Cungulla

Tucked away in Cungulla, a quiet beachside community south of Townsville, the Doughboy Creek Boat Ramp offers a laid-back launch point for anglers and small boat owners looking to explore the surrounding waterways. To reach your destination, drive to the end of Empress Close and then continue down the dirt road until you reach the ramp.

The ramp itself is a small, basic single-lane concrete structure leading into Doughboy Creek. While the concrete surface is generally reasonable, the lower end of the ramp becomes rocky and uneven, particularly at low tide, which can make launching and retrieving a little more challenging. During larger tides, water can also flow across the access road leading to the ramp.

Despite its simplicity, the area is popular with locals for fishing and crabbing, with the creek and nearby waters producing many of North Queensland’s well-known saltwater species. On a suitable tide, boaters can reach the mouth of the Haughton River in around five minutes, offering easy access to broader fishing grounds. Even smaller tinnies can make the crossing through the connecting creek system, although lower tides can make navigation tricky.

Access to the ramp involves a short drive along a sandy beach track near the southern end of Cungulla township. While some vehicles may manage the track without issue, a 4WD is strongly recommended, particularly if you plan to beach launch beside the ramp on the firm sand area nearby. Many visitors actually prefer launching directly from the beach rather than using the ramp itself.

Facilities are minimal, with no amenities available on-site, though parking is usually sufficient due to the ramp rarely becoming overcrowded.

Overall, Doughboy Creek Boat Ramp is a relaxed and fairly remote spot best suited to experienced locals, keen fishers, and those comfortable navigating tidal conditions and sandy access tracks.