Accessing the Gladstone Region on your Big Lap means you’re infiltrating the liveliest region in the Mid North of Queensland. This region fascinates many due to the exceptional experiences, history, pristine beaches, and conserved national parks. Location-wise, being close to some of Australia’s most expensive destinations does add to its accommodation prices. Look no further if you want to save and have a delightful stay; we’ve listed every great free camp in the region!
- Lilley’s Beach
- Boyne River
- Boyne River Rest Area
- Boynedale Bush Camp
- Futter Creek
- Calliope River Camp
- Calliope River South Rest Area
- Calliope River North Rest Area
- Lake Victoria
- Mungungo Pub Camp Site
- Baffle Creek Campground
- Mulgildie Hotel
- Shutherland Hall
- Lawgi Hall
- Coominglah Range Campsite
- Don River
- Large Flat Gravel Pit Dawson Highway
- Granite Creek/Bernie Christensen Rest Area
Read Next: Everything You Need To Know About Free Camping In Australia
Lilley’s Beach
Sandy beach on Boyne Island overlooking Facing Island, where you can camp on the dunes. It’s a popular weekend camping spot among locals. Camping is permitted in the northern enclosed area of the beach. It’s best to travel at low tide. Purchasing a week beach permit grants you a week of free camping!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD only.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: You must apply for a permit at the Gladstone City Council website.
Other Amenities: Dogs allowed on a leash; Generators allowed; Fishing; Swimming; Wildlife.
Time Limit: A week with the weekly beach permit.
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Boyne River
Located right on Boyne River, this is not only a great camp but an awesome fishing location! Quiet overnight, amazing sunsets over the river, and plenty of spots to choose from. A high clearance 4WD is a must to get down to the river but be careful not to park too close to the shore if you come at low tide.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Motorbikes;
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; 4WD Tracks; Swimming; Fishing; Boat Ramp; TV Reception;
Time Limit: 24 hours.
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Boyne River Rest Area
Roadside rest area on Bruce Highway, stop and fill up your tanks and drinking water bottles. Nothing too fancy but good enough to take a break from driving. Grassy area, shade, and picnic tables available for some much-needed relaxation. If you spend the night, treat yourself to donuts and coffee from the van that comes each morning.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and cold showers.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Drinking and non-drinking water; Dogs allowed; Tables; Dump Spot.
Time Limit: 20 hours.
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Boynedale Bush Camp
Tranquil and serene bush camp with enough space so you can distance yourself and get some privacy. The lake offers more than just gorgeous nature views. You can enjoy some fishing, kayaking, or sunbathing; there are also plenty of grassy areas for games.
Showers/Toilets: Drop toilets only.
Access: 2WD; Motorbikes; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra only.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking water available; Dog-friendly; Swimming; Fishing; Boat Ramp; TV Reception; Open Fire Pits.
Time Limit: 7 days.
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Futter Creek
Located on the Gladstone-Monto Road, 20km from Calliope, this campground offers plenty of space for setting up, bike riding, and other entertainment. Leveled, quiet even though it’s close to the road with creek access for a refreshing dip. Dogs are not allowed, and rangers frequent the camp for over-stayers.
Showers/Toilets: Drop toilets only.
Access: 2WD; Campers; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Low decibel generators – up to 65dB; Fishing; Boat Ramp; Wildlife
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Calliope River Camp
Bush camp on the Calliope River accessible only with a 4WD. No facilities, just scenic views of the sunset, picturesque backdrops, and nature. Make sure not to leave a trace behind.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD only.
Phone Service: Telstra only.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wildlife; 4WD Tracks; Fishing; Boat Ramp.
Time Limit: None.
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Calliope River South Rest Area
Excellent free camp located on the Old Bruce Highway, clean, well-maintained, and ideal for those who don’t have self-contained vehicles. Lots of open spaces, great fishing spots, and river views. Beware of jellyfish and crocodiles in the water, and avoid visiting if flood warnings have been issued. Great farmers market nearby each Sunday!
Showers/Toilets: Toilets only.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Non-drinking water; Generators allowed; Wildlife; Tables; Open Fire Pits; Fishing; Boat Ramp; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Calliope River North Rest Area
The North rest area on the Calliope River was mainly reserved for self-contained vehicles since facilities were not available on-site. But the council upgraded that this year and installed portable toilets in the north part of the camp. One of the largest free camps in Queensland, it guarantees you a spot even in the busiest period.
Showers/Toilets: Portable toilets.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Non-drinking water; Generators allowed; Open Fire Pits; TV Reception; Fishing; Boat Ramp.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Lake Victoria
Driving down 3km on an unsealed road to the charming Lake Victoria, you’ll end up at this fantastic campground. Clean, incredible views, great swimming, and secluded spots are more than you can ask for at this pristine site. Open fire pits are available on-site, but please bring your own firewood and don’t cut the trees around the camp. Accessible during dry weather only.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators allowed; Open Fire Pits; Wildlife; TV Reception; Fishing; Boat Ramp.
Time Limit: None.
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Mungungo Pub Camp Site
Great spot to park behind the pub and enjoy a meal and a hot shower. Very welcoming staff and good flat camp spots, fitting for an overnight stop when you want to enjoy a couple of beers with the locals.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and hot showers.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; On-site accommodation; Pub.
Time Limit: None, but be respectful and leave in a timely manner.
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Baffle Creek Campground
A nice secluded spot for a night of stargazing over the creek. Close to the road but plenty of trees, shades, bushes, and little noise during the night. Big enough to accommodate up to 5 caravans, so come early to secure a spot. Kangaroos might visit you in the morning!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife; Fishing.
Time Limit: None.
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Mulgildie Hotel
This 92-year-old hotel with splendid artwork welcomes self-contained campers on their property year-round. If the pub is operating, you can devour some amazing meals on-site and support the hotel or get a much-needed $4 hot shower.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and $4 showers.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Drinking water; Pub; TV Reception.
Time Limit: No.
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Shutherland Hall
Banana Shire provides travelers with a spot that can accommodate up to 3 campers adjacent to Sutherland Hall. It’s a basic camp spot but great for an overnight stay. Across the road, you can find the Banana Board Park, which features a BBQ area with tables and seating. Walking distance to grocery stores and a servo.
Showers/Toilets: Flushing toilets.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Drinking water; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 7 days.
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Lawgi Hall
A campground run by volunteers that try to make it as pleasant and well-kept as can be for travelers. Spacious with shaded and sunny spots available and picture-perfect sunsets. Make sure to leave a donation so the camp can continue to operate and accommodate you again in the future!
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and showers.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Tables; Camp Kitchen; BBQ area; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Coominglah Range Campsite
Campground located in a state forest with fire pits and firewood available for a cozy overnight stay. Daily cleaned toilets and tidy camp spots. Off the main road with an abundance of birdlife and a hiking track to a magnificent lookout.
Showers/Toilets: Flushing toilets.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair accessible; Dog-friendly; Non-drinking water available; Wildlife; Hiking Tracks; Open Fire Pits; TV Reception;
Time Limit: 24 hours.
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Don River
A tranquil, secluded spot where you can camp by the Don River and admire the nature and wildlife. Lots of fish, turtles, and even flying foxes. Suitable for self-contained vehicles only. Don’t leave a trace behind; if you decide to light a fire, take your ashes with you before leaving.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 4WD; Campers; Caravans.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Large Flat Gravel Pit Dawson Highway
Just off the main road is a gravel pit area suitable for a quick rest and restart. No facilities but plenty of space so you can hide from the road noise. It’s leveled and safe to access during wet or dry weather. Even though it’s a gravel pit, it offers some fantastic nature views and sunsets!
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Motorbike; Caravans; RV; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra only.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators allowed; TV Reception.
Time Limit: None.
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Granite Creek/Bernie Christensen Rest Area
Very close to the highway making it a convenient overnight stop. Spacious campground with basic facilities and a lot of flat spots. Road noise is to be expected so bring earplugs. Bush turkeys roaming around so don’t leave your lunch unattended!
Showers/Toilets: Flushing toilets.
Access: 2WD; Campers; RV; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Non-drinking water available; Generators allowed; Tables; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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