The Capricorn Region is home to various unique sites, national parks, rivers full of fish, and award-winning resorts. What distinguishes this region from the rest is the number of hidden treasures on a significantly smaller territory. Tropical rainforests, grand eucalyptus forest, and the largest artificial dam are just a couple of the exciting places to visit- and camp at! Let’s check out the best free places to spend your nights in the Capricon Region.
- Kershaw Gardens
- Meteor Park Road Site
- Alligator Creek
- Yaamba Bushcamp
- Joan Tierney Park
- Stanage Bay Camping Area
- Endeavour Park Camping Area
- Duaringa Rest Area
- Mackenzie River Crossing
- Dingo Shell Roadhouse
- McKenzie Riverside
- Botanic Gardens Emerald
- Sapphire Reserve
- Lilyvale Waterhole
- Junee Road Rest Area
- Isaac River
- Marlborough Roadhouse
- Theresa Creek Bridge
- Virgin Rock – Lions Park
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Kershaw Gardens
Marvelous gardens in the backyard of Rockhampton, open for camping year-round. Settled in the north of Rockhampton, a walking distance from the city, this campsite can accommodate up to 35 fully self-contained vehicles. With eye-capturing birdlife everywhere, a playground for the little ones, and a friendly ranger, you’ll be more than pleased to stay here!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dogs allowed on a leash; Generators permitted only from 8 AM to 7 PM; BBQ Area; Playground; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Meteor Park Road Site
Quiet and peaceful roadside overnight camp with no facilities but beautiful nature around. Flat, spacious gravel pit with three different exits. If you want to get away from the crowds, get more privacy, and less noise, this is a great stop.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators allowed.
Time Limit: None.
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Alligator Creek
Campground along Fitzroy River in Milman with clear and leveled sites that can accommodate up to two campers at a time. Secluded, with plenty of firewood and no road noise. The area is a known crocodile habitat, so beware!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans.
Phone Service: Telstra only.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Fishing; Open Fire Pits; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Yaamba Bushcamp
Located right off Floor Road outside of Yaamba, this bush camp offers plenty of camp spots. The area is a dirt road but leveled, with many shades due to the abundance of gum trees. There are 4WD tracks that will take you to the bank of Fitzroy River.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife; 4WD Tracks.
Time Limit: None.
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Joan Tierney Park
Excellent, safe overnight stop along the highway with everything you need. Car and truck parking, a grassy area for relaxation and dog walking. There’s a grocery store within a short walking distance where you can get some cooked meals too.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and $3 showers.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking water; Dog-friendly; BBQ Area; Playground; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
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Stanage Bay Camping Area
This beachside camp can be accessed via an hour-long 4WD track, making it less crowded and secluded. Incredible views and a fantastic beach to spend your days at. No open fires since this is an endangered ecological community. If you can, please leave a donation at the Plumtree Store – where you can also find coin-operated showers!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Non-drinking water; Wildlife; Tables; 4WD Tracks; Swimming; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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Endeavour Park Camping Area
Endeavour Park offers plenty of room for camping but can get crowded on holidays and weekends. Perfect for travelers with boats since the area has a lot to explore and some awesome fishing spots. Please be mindful with water since Stanage relies solely on rainwater and can provide you with some upon a donation.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets, $2 per minute showers.
Access: 2WD; Motorbikes; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Hiking Tracks; Open Fire Pits; Fishing; Boat Ramp; TV Reception; On-site Accommodation; Pub; Pull-Through Bays.
Time Limit: None.
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Duaringa Rest Area
One of the best free campgrounds in the Capricorn Region. Located in MacKenzie Park with many facilities, fitting for a picnic or a two-day stay. Open spaces, tidy, enough entertainment provided for all ages, and a short distance to Duaringa.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and hot showers.
Access: 2WD; Motorbikes; Campers; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair Accessible; Drinking and non-drinking water; BBQ Area; Open Fire Pits; Playground; TV Reception; Dump Spot; Fuel and Gas Available.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Mackenzie River Crossing
It’s a lovely riverside camping along a flowing, crystal clear river, with sandy spots and a good 4WD drive to reach it. Amazing birdlife, good fishing, and an abundance of wildlife- emus, kangaroos, dingoes, dragonflies! Hint – some of the best camp spots are in front of the bridge.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans; Motorbikes.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; Swimming; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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Dingo Shell Roadhouse
Overnight stop right off Capricorn Highway, behind a servo. Mainly a truck stop but plenty of free amenities you can use and a comfortable place to rest before continuing your drive. The on-site Roadhouse is great to sit down for a meal as a sign of support for all the other free facilities.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and showers.
Access: 2WD; Motorbikes; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Drinking water; Dog-friendly; BBQ Area; On-site Accommodation; Laundry; Games Room; TV Reception; Fuel Available.
Time Limit: None.
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McKenzie Riverside
Not easily accessible, isolated campsite only for the bravest of heart. Down an exclusively 4WD road and hard to find leveled spaces. Since many are not up for a challenge, it’s not rare to have the place all to yourselves. The river is perfect for catching some dinner, swimming, or kayaking.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Off-road caravans.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; Swimming; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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Botanic Gardens Emerald
Located next to the Emerald Botanical Gardens under the Emerald Railway Bridge. Good place to stop at for a walk in the gardens and visiting Emerald Town. Can get quite noisy during the day, but there are no trains at night.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and showers
Access: 2WD; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair Accessible; BBQ Area; Pet-friendly; Hiking Tracks; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 20 hours in a 4 week period.
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Sapphire Reserve
Pleasant campground for a short stay with limited leveled sites. If you plan on exploring the small town, this is a solid location to set up. For only $1.50 entrance, you can use the swimming pool and showers right next door to the camp. Water is available across the road for 10 cents per 20 litres.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; TV Reception; Dump Spot;
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Lilyvale Waterhole
Isolated, generous flat area, surrounded by mines from three sides but surprisingly no disturbing noise. You can find sheltered areas and self-built fire pits from previous visitors around the place. The waterhole is just a short walk from the camp, but it’s overgrown and not in use. This place holds a lot of history; walk around to find out more.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking water; Dog-friendly; Wildlife; Tables.
Time Limit: None.
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Junee Road Rest Area
The only free camp with toilets on the road from Dingo to Nebo; good to know if you’re not self-contained. A sizable camp area, so you’re guaranteed a spot anytime. Recommended as an overnight stopover with a breathtaking view of the sunset.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair Accessible; Dog-friendly.
Time Limit: None.
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Isaac River
Hidden camp spot with a Jurassic Park feeling to it, trees hanging on the river, and plenty of firewood around. It’s tranquil and private, the perfect spot for stargazing at night. You’ll be fascinated by the colourful butterflies during the day.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: None.
Time Limit: None.
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Marlborough Roadhouse
A much-needed stopover site for the night, with basic amenities and a gas station nearby. Enough room so you can distance yourselves from others. The roadhouse has great meals if you’re too tired to cook something.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and $5 for 5 minutes hot showers. Closed from 8 PM to 5 AM.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Tables; Fuel and Gas available; Pull-through bays.
Time Limit: None.
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Theresa Creek Bridge
Beautiful location right on Theresa Creek, with flat and wide camp spots. Best to visit after rain when the river has filled up and is perfect for some fishing and a swim. No facilities but it’s near Clermont for everything you might need. Not suitable for low vans and only a few sites, so check out before you get in.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Swimming; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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Virgin Rock – Lions Park
Fabulous mountain view campsite near the national park and very close to Springsure. The rock formations are lit up, so it’s quite the sight at night. Basic amenities and a large campground that can accommodate over 15 vehicles. A courtesy bus stops at the camp and takes you to a local pub, convenient if you’re in for a night out on the town. A lovely local gentleman stops by to share his knowledge about the region with you.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair Accessible; Non-drinking water; Dog-friendly; Tables; TV Reception.
Time Limit: None.
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