Free camp in Queensland at these five awesome spots
Everyone loves a good free camp and Queensland has the perfect weather for it, right? But where the heck do you find the good ones?
By Jessica Palmer,
February 9, 2022
Did you say I could camp for free in Queensland? Did I hear you right?
Yes, you did! Everyone loves a good free camp and Queensland has the perfect weather for it. But how the heck do you find the awesome ones? We’re going to help you with this guide to free camping in Queensland. Keep reading for a list of five great free campsites in the sunshine state.
1. Babinda Boulders free camp, Tropical North Queensland
There are two free camp areas near Babinda Boulders to choose from, both around an hour south of Cairns in Queensland. Swim, stroll the boardwalk for great views of the water thundering over the boulders, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, or just lay in the cold water to beat the heat. Look for signs indicating where you can’t swim as the boulders have claimed many lives over the years.
The Babinda Boulders free camp area is closer to the boulders and swimming hole. Alternatively, the Babinda Boulders Rotary Park free camp is closer to the small Queensland town of the same name. However, the latter allows your furry friend to stay as well. The location of the Babinda Boulders site makes this one of the best free camps in Queensland!
Facilities: Both have toilets, cold showers and BBQs. The Babinda Rotary Park camp also has a dump point, coin-operated hot showers, picnic tables and a swing set. You can stay for a maximum of 72 hours.
Suitable for: All vehicle types.
2. Long Waterhole at Winton, Outback Queensland
There’s something about a free camp on the dust next to a muddy water hole that feels perfectly like outback Queensland, right? Just a few kilometres from Winton, Long Waterhole is a great free camp with heaps of room and epic sunsets. There is a little shade under the trees around the waterhole but no grass. Nevertheless, it’s a great place to base yourself to explore Winton, Opalton, Lark Quarry and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs.
Ensure you have a Plan B in the case of bad weather as this campsite is affected by rain and floodwater.
Facilities: None.
Suitable for: 4WD however AWD will suffice in the dry.
3. Notch Point, Central Queensland Coast
Find this beachfront free camp at Notch Point in Queensland around a 1.5-hour drive south of Mackay at Ilbilbie. This campsite is recommended for 4WD only and it’s not uncommon for cows to wander through the campsite, so be ready to make friends! Views of the peninsula from the hill are great but unfortunately, you can’t swim due to sharks and saltwater crocs. Fishing, on the other hand, is highly recommended.
Facilities: None.
Suitable for: 4WD only.
4. Julia Creek, Outback Queensland
The RV-friendly free camp at Julia Creek in Queensland is literally right on the water’s edge of the creek. The best thing about it? Julia Creek itself is in the middle of nowhere (around three hours east of Mount Isa), making this one of the most remote free camp spots in Queensland. This is a top place to relax, fish from the creek or just enjoy some wine and cheese as the sun goes down.
Campers must be fully self-contained and portable showers are not accepted. Vans must have a black water holding tank or cassette.
Facilities: Picnic tables, bins, bush cook camps, free bike hire.
Suitable for: All self-contained vehicle types.
5. Rollingstone Creek Bushy Park, North Queensland
Find this free camp at Rollingstone in Queensland, around 45 minutes north of Townsville. The campsite is shady and due to the shallow nature of the beautiful creek nearby, it’s great for those travelling with kids. If you’re travelling on the first Saturday of the month then be sure to stop by the community markets (April to September). Bookings must be made on the Townsville Council website and it does fill up quickly.
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables, BBQ, bins. The maximum stay is 48 hours.
Suitable for: All vehicle types.
More free camping in Queensland and around Australia
If you’re planning on doing a big lap or just want to save your hard-earned cash for better things on your next getaway, free camping in Australia is a great option.
More free camps in Queensland and around Australia can be found in these books from Hema Maps:
If books aren’t your thing, try the Hema Explorer App.
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