Camping and caravanning is one of the more rewarding ways to explore and experience a place. This is especially true in a country famous for the great outdoors.
There are plenty of free campsites tucked away around Queensland – but if you don’t know where they are you can easily miss them. People often assume that it won’t be difficult to find a place to stopover on a budget but soon discover it can be a lot more expensive than anticipated. Or worse, they can’t find somewhere to stop and continue driving when they are tired.
If you are travelling through QLD add these great free camping places to your list.
Babinda Rotary Park
Enjoy a peaceful night sleep in the humble town of Babinda (located just off the Bruce Highway). This free camping site is found in the Cairns region, between the coastal Graham Range and inland Bellenden Ker Range. Babinda is said to be named after the Aboriginal word “binda” which means waterfall or rain. Either is plausible since there are plenty of waterfalls in the nearby ranges and it is one of the wettest places in Australia (receiving nearly 4 metres of rainfall per year).
The town is nestled amongst lush mountains and green farmlands and is a great place to explore if you wish to stay in the area for a couple of days. Some places you might like to visit include Josephine Falls, The Boulders and Baninda State Hotel.
Where: 50km south-east of Cairns, 10km inland from the coast
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BBQ available)
Pet friendly: Yes
Showers: Yes (hot showers are coin operated)
Maximum Stay: 3 days
Water: Yes
Power: No
Mobile Reception: Yes
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: South end of Howard Kennedy Drive.
Bushy Parker Park, Rollingstone
Bushy Parker Park is a great rest area to stop over for free with all the camping facilities you need. There is plenty of shade and if you feel like taking a dip there is a clean creek closeby where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. If you would prefer to hit the waves there is a patrolled swimming area closeby at Balgal Beach. Rollingstone is located alongside the Bruce highway and is a popular Queensland destination for camping, swimming and picnicking. If you need a fuel top up or supplies there is also a service station and general store.
Where: 54 km north of Townsville, 57 km south of Ingham.
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (electric BBQs available)
Sites: 20+
Pet friendly: Yes
Showers: Yes (cold and outdoors)
Maximum Stay: 2 days
Water: Yes
Power: No
Mobile Reception: Yes
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Rollingstone St, Rollingstone QLD 4816. Turn east off Bruce Highway just North of Rollingstone. 50km south-east of Cairns, 10km inland from the coast.
Cumberland Mine Historic Site
Cumberland Mine Site is an area rich with mining history and great scenery. The campsite itself is a basic parking area, but what it lacks in facilities it makes up for in serenity and a beautiful billabong teeming with birdlife. The billabong is covered in water lilies and is frequented by Black Cockatoos, Willy Wagtails, Budgies (seen drinking in the morning), Whistling Kites and Brolgas if you are lucky. You can read a review and see pictures on the Teeny Tiny Living Space… Huge Backyard blog.
Where: 20 km West of Georgetown, 128 km East of Croydon
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: No
Pet friendly: Yes
Showers: No
Water: No
Power: No
Mobile Reception: No
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: O’Brien Street, Georgetown QLD 4871, Australia.
Fletcher Creek
Pull up some shade and enjoy the pleasant Fletcher Creek campsite. This free camping spot is situated on the banks of a flowing and clear creek and is a very popular stop over site for campers and caravanners. The campsite doesn’t have any designated areas for people to park or pitch tents, so simply find a place you like on the large grassed area and settle in.
If you want to stretch your legs the Dalrymple National Park is closeby with beautiful walks. It features ancient lava flows, fossilised limestone and Burdekin River and you can spot a range of Aussie animals including rock wallabies, squirrel gliders, sugar gliders (if you are lucky enough) and a variety of birds.
Where: 42 km north of Charters Towers, 157 km SE of Greenvale.
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BBQs available)
Pet friendly: Yes
Showers: Yes
Maximum Stay: 1 month
Water: No
Power: No
Mobile Reception: Poor
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Gregory Developmental Road (Hwy 63).
Bedford Weir
The Bedford Weir is a man-made impoundment on the Mackenzie River. This camping area has a great range of activities closeby including fishing, bird watching, walking, water skiing, kayaking and swimming. Wood fire BBQs and a nearby playground will keep the family happy, with plenty of shaded areas near the river bank for picnicking. It’s an excellent fishing area with plenty of Barramundi and Saratoga to be caught. Plus after a long day out and about you can enjoy a hot shower and a freshly cooked fish.
Where: 27 km North of Blackwater on Blackwater Cooroorah Road.
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BBQs available)
Pet friendly: Yes
Showers: Yes (hot)
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Water: Yes (not for drinking)
Power: No
Mobile Reception: Yes
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Turn NW at Waypoint and drive 300m.
Lloyd Jones Weir
Lloyd Jones Weir is a peaceful camping spot located among trees on the banks of the pretty Alice River. Campers love this free campsite because it is tidy and clean with plenty of shade and sufficient facilities. As well as being a great place for bird watching, Lloyd Jones Weir has a sandy beach next to a lagoon where you can sun yourself and some great places to fish and swim.
Where: 15 km South West of Barcaldine
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BBQs available)
Pet friendly: Yes
Showers: No
Water: Yes
Power: No
Mobile Reception: Yes
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Turn West off Landsborough Highway 5 km South of Barcaldine for 9km. There is a 1km dirt road that leads to the camp site.
Camps 9 Sample Free Camping
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