Hoping to do some free camping in your travels through Queensland? Well, you’re in luck because Queensland actually has some amazing free camping sites. Many of the free camping sites in Queensland are found in regional areas so as a result, you’d be hard-pressed to find one in a built-up area such as smack in the middle of the sunshine coast.
However, as you probably already know, regional Queensland is downright awesome. Free camping sites are often set up and designated by regional Queensland communities. They do this to attract people to the area that otherwise may just blow on through.
So if you do choose to stay at one of these amazing free campsites, make sure to support the nearby businesses. You can help out by topping up your groceries, grabbing something from the bakery in town or even getting something special to take home.
Here are our top free camping sites in Queensland.
Babinda Boulders, near Cairns
Babinda Boulders is found around an hour south of Cairns in Queensland and offers two free camping sites. The swimming hole here is simply stunning and has to be seen to be believed. However, make sure to obey the signs of where you are allowed to swim as the boulders have claimed lives over the years.
Swim, stroll the boardwalk for great views of the water thundering over the boulders (this is the bit you’re not allowed to swim in), enjoy the beautiful surroundings, or just lay in the cold water to beat the heat.
The Babinda Boulders free camping area in Queensland is closer to the boulders and the Babinda Boulders Rotary Park free camp is closer to the small town. However, the latter allows your furry friend to stay as well.
Facilities: Toilets, cold showers and BBQs. Stay for a maximum of 72 hours.
Long Waterhole, Winton
There is something about free camping on a dusty plain next to a water hole that feels perfectly like outback Queensland, right? Just a few kilometres from the outback town of Winton, Long Waterhole is a great free camp with heaps of room. There is a little shade under the trees around the waterhole but not much in the way of grass.
Watching the sun go down here is epic. It’s also a top spot to base yourself to explore Winton, Opalton, Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs.
Facilities: None
Julia Creek, Outback Queensland
The free camping at Julia Creek in Queensland is literally right on the creek and the best thing about it? Julia Creek itself is in the middle of nowhere. You’ll find it around three hours east of Mount Isa. This is a great spot to relax or fish from the river.
Facilities: None.
Lloyd Jones Weir, Barcaldine
Around 15km southwest of the town of Barcarldine in Queensland, you’ll find the Lloyd Jones Weir free camping area. Set up camp among the trees on the banks of the Alice River and settle in to enjoy the bird watching that is so often prolific around waterholes in the outback.
Many campers choose to fish and swim here and it’s one of the few free camps that actually has toilets.
Facilities: Toilets.
Notch Point, Ilbilbie
This free beachfront camping area at Notch Point can be found around 90-minutes drive south of Mackay at Ilbilbie, Queensland. This campsite is recommended for 4WD only and it’s not uncommon for cows to wander through the campsite. Views of the peninsula from the hill are great but unfortunately, you can’t swim here due to sharks and saltwater crocs.
Facilities: None
Little Yabba Creek Park, Kenilworth
The rest area at Little Yabba Creek Park is not too far away from Kenilworth and its famous bakery. A few minute’s walk away is the pretty creek and it can get busy on the weekends, usually filling up in the evening as people pull in for the night.
Facilities: Pit toilets
Rollingstone Park, Rollingstone
The Vincent ‘Bushy Parker’ Park free camping area can be found at Rollingstone around 45 minutes north of Townsville, Queensland. The campsite is shady and due to the shallow nature of the nearby creek, it’s great for those travelling with kids. Bookings must be made on the Townsville Council website and it does fill up quickly.
Facilities: Toilet, water, picnic tables, BBQ, bins, playground, and dump point. The maximum stay is 48 hours. Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times.
The Maryanne, Yuleba
Yuleba in Queensland actually has a number of free campings sites for travellers but this one beside Maryanne Creek around 15km southwest of the town is particularly pretty. Rest up here for up to 48 hours and if you have a yabby pot floating around, it’s worth getting it out. Like most rural waterholes, bird watching here is great and you can also fossick for agate and opalised wood.
The last horse-drawn coach in Australia ran from Yuleba to Sura in 1924 and as a result, there is a bit of interesting signage and history around the region on the Cobb & Co. Coach Service.
Facilities: None.
Fishermans Rest, Mitchell
Camp for free alongside the Maranoa River around 5km from the town of Mitchell in Queensland. There is plenty of grassy riverside camping here and it’s a top spot for fishing and kayaking in the afternoon after exploring the area. Make sure to check out the mineralised thermal waters straight from the artesian basin at the Great Artesian Spa in town before you leave.
Facilities: Drop toilet, boat ramp, picnic table, rubbish bins
Junction Park, Theodore
Camp for free right beside the Dawson River at Junction Park in the oasis town of Theodore in Outback Queensland. The town has a 1950’s tropical feel, a community-owned pub and some of the best fishing around. Cast a line into the Dawson for a chance to reel in barramundi, saratoga or silver perch.
The sites are first in best dressed so it pays not to arrive too late.
Facilities: Flushing toilets, coin-operated hot showers, picnic tables, boat ramp and BBQs.
Stubby Bend, Tambo
Suitable for self-containers travellers, you’ll find free camping spots at Stubby Bend tucked away next to the Barcoo River on the outskirts of Tambo, Queensland. It’s close enough to stroll into town for a pub meal and in the afternoons, relax by the river with the local wildlife.
It’s best to park on the gravel area in poor weather as the area is subject to flooding in the wet.
Amenities: None
Mary Kathleen, Cloncurry
Camp for free on the concrete slab remains of the now ghost town of Mary Kathleen in Queensland. You’ll find it between Cloncurry and Mount Isa. Who knows, you could find yourself camping on the old tennis courts, school grounds or the filled-in swimming pool. Make sure you check out the eerie uranium mine before you leave but don’t swim in the water!
There are no facilities here whatsoever so you’ll need to be completely self-sufficient.
Facilities: None.
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