Gladstone to Mackay (Recommendations CP/s, Showgrounds, Free Camps?)

JohnR · Senior Member

Gladstone to Mackay (Recommendations CP/s, Showgrounds, Free Camps?)

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I don't do the "coast" very much, so not sure about anything along the Bruce Hwy etc in that area.

However, I visit this place about a year ago -

http://www.aradon.com.au/mt_hay_gemstone_tourist_park.html

I had intended staying for two nights - and fossick for a day ... but ended up staying for six nights and fossicking for a couple of days and also looking around the area for a bit.

Here's a photo of the powered-site area ...

and the un-powered-site area.

Cheers - John

lawrie · Veteran Member

free camping at benarany river and caliope crossing by the historical village,both on the bruce highway
Lawrie

Treecrest14 · Senior Member

Do you use Wikicamps?

If visiting the gem fields (inland from Rockhampton) there is a great free camp at Duaringa. We also camped at the showgrounds at Emerald - but there was a charge.

I also recall reading that there is a free camp somewhere just out of Rockhampton - this link has one at Bouldercombe (just inland from Rockhampton).
www.caravanontour.com/free-campsites-and-low-cost-camping/queensland.html

Conquester · Veteran Member

If you're on Facebook, it has a great page "Best Showgrounds Camping" or similar name to that.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Bedford Weir - 26k out of Blackwater on Capricorn Way - great camp - not showers, flushing loos, - donation for upkeep.

PeterD · Guru

Treecrest14 wrote:
I also recall reading that there is a free camp somewhere just out of Rockhampton - this link has one at Bouldercombe (just inland from Rockhampton).

The Bouldercombe camp is next to the pub. I think their facilities are available 10 AM to 10 PM.

One of my favourites is the St Lawrence Rec Reserve, half way between Rocky and Mackay. They have coin in the slot hot showers in the facilities. It's an old railway service town in the days of steam. There was a canned meat factory during the WW1, the site is worth visiting, see the staff at the info centre in the council chambers for directions.

JohnR · Senior Member

Many thanks to those few who replied.

Lawrie is on the money with both Boyne River rest Area stayed 2 nights (decommissioned DMR site with water, toilets, cold showers) and Calliope River Camping.

We stayed 2 nights in the Rockhampton City area at Kershaw Gardens. Virtually opposite Stocklands major shopping area. No facilities but ideal camping and very safe to leave your van. Rockhampton Council provide Dump Point and Drinking Water on the Bruce Highway North of the City. Some distance past Bunnings.

JohnR

Wizardofoz · Guru

The best caravan park in Gladstone area is The Top Tourist at 'Tannum Sands', fantastic managers who are openly gay but a real hoot and go way beyond to ensure you have a good time including entertaining, a must if in the area.

in Mackay, Black's Beach Caravan Park is another winner, quiet and absolute beachfront it is a great spot.

-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 09:27:04 PM

-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 09:27:56 PM

-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Tuesday 12th of July 2016 09:28:43 PM

brickies · Guru

Are you going the Bruce Hwy you have a lot of choices ,Galliope free camp , Mount Larcom showgrounds , Yaamba free camp north of Rockhampton,Waverley Creek Rest area ,Llbilbie Caltex And plenty of other place if you want to pay for a caravan park

JohnR · Senior Member

Currently at Proserpine CP (Friday afternoon). We left Rocky on Tuesday and stayed the night at Waverley Creek Rest Area. (Camps Book 92). Top notch and well known Rest area with first class toilets. We unhooked the van and parked in car spaces with Tug parked adjacent. Nice grass with covered areas table and bench seats. Have spent the last 2 nights/days with friends at MacKay doing the tourist drives etc. MacKay had 40ml overnight and it is still raining at Proserpine. Temp about 15.

Head to Airlie Beach tomorrow and will pay $46- per night for 3/5 days. Most CP's are booked out.