20 Free Camps You Need To Know About In Outback Queensland

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1. Bullo River

A bush camp on the Bullo riverbank, located only a kilometre from Quilpie – a town full of sites, museums, and parks that are a must-see. The camping area is large and best to visit in the dry season. Even with no amenities, this is a beautiful, quiet, and relaxing spot. You can reach the town centre in just 30 minutes on foot.

Where: Near Camooweal, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the Barkly Tableland, accessible via dirt tracks off the Barkly Highway.

Image: Instagram (@bulloriverstation)

2. Camooweal Billabong

Breathtaking bush camp right in the billabong of Georgina River, beside the beautiful Lake Francis, south of Camooweal town. Clean, shady spots and lots of room, so you’ll get much-desired privacy. Get up early to witness some of the best sunrises of the Outback.

Where: Camooweal, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 72 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the Georgina River, accessible via Camooweal Urandangi Road.

Image: Instagram (@where2nextaus)

3. Lake Canellan-Georgina River

Home to over 30 different species of birds and a large camping area. It is secluded, quiet, and easy to access, with many flat spots and jaw-dropping sunsets over the billabong. Bring firewood to enjoy the nights by the open fire pits.

Where: Camooweal, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Camooweal, accessible via dirt tracks along the Georgina River.

Image: Instagram (@ode2theroad)

4. Clem Walton Park

Green frogs, cows, birds, and reptiles surround this peaceful, clean campground. If you packed a kayak, the creek is the perfect spot to go kayaking. You can even spot some wallabies and kangaroos at sunset or enjoy stargazing at night.

Where: Cloncurry, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Malbon Selwyn Road, west of Cloncurry.

Image: Instagram (@seanscottphotography)

5. Fountain Springs Rest Area

One of the best areas for an overnight stop to rest and continue your drive in the morning. Close to the road if you want to make a stop on the Barkly Highway, in the middle between Mount Isa and Cloncurry.

Where: Between Mount Isa and Cloncurry, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along the Barkly Highway, between Mount Isa and Cloncurry.

Image: Instagram (@ourlifeontop)

6. Mary Kathleen Town

Located on private property and suitable for self-sufficient vehicles only, this campground is spacious, filled with bush and concrete areas. Off the main road so peace and serenity are guaranteed. It is an excellent base to stay at if you want to explore the mine in the township, Ballara, Railway Tunnel, or Fountain Springs.

Where: Mount Isa, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Accessible via dirt roads off the Barkly Highway, near the former Mary Kathleen uranium mine.

Image: Instagram (@travelaustraliawithdogs)

7. Burke River

A huge picturesque area on the Burke River, one of the best free camps in the Outback. Close to the township of Boulia, where you can find a dump spot and drinking water. The river is ideal for fishing so try to score some free dinner.

Where: Boulia, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the Burke River, off the Diamantina Development Road.

Image: Instagram (@misterv.79)

8. Burke & Wills Memorial/Corella River

A lovely flat area that can accommodate up to 4 campers, ideal for a quick stay. It’s within walking distance of a creek on the Corella River. This campsite is an obelisk location, erected in memory of Burke and Wills, who went on an expedition to find a route between the South and North coast. One might say that they were the first big lappers!

Where: Between Cloncurry and Mount Isa, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 72 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Burke Developmental Road, accessible via a turnoff near Corella Dam.

Image: Instagram (@castlemainemaldonsurrounds)

9. Bengeacca Creek

Perfect for self-sufficient campers, spacious and secluded. The clear creek is great for cooling off and fishing. Plenty of shady areas and leveled parking spots. You can pick which side of the creek to camp at, but both offer serenity.

Where: McKinlay, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Landsborough Highway, near McKinlay.

Image: Instagram (@roaming.oz)

10. Old Diamantina Crossing

Wide open space, quiet, abundance of birdlife and a top spot for watching the sunrise each morning. Not very popular among tourists so you’ll get privacy and serenity. A little dusty during the dry season, but it’s to be expected in the Outback.

Where: Diamantina Shire, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located near the Old Diamantina River crossing, west of Birdsville.

Image: Instagram (@openskytouring)

11. Birdsville Town Common

A spacious area near Birdsville where you can restock on groceries and free drinking water. The eucalyptus coolabah trees provide nice shades to hide from the desert sun. The greenery is a rare view in the Outback, so this place is a true gem!

Where: Birdsville, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the Diamantina River, off the Birdsville Developmental Road.

Image: Instagram (@thegutsytrol)

12. Newstead Creek

Big camping area to be used only when it’s dry. Light breeze, plenty of shades, peace, and spectacular sunsets Only 30 kilometres from Longreach, great free stay, and no road noise to disturb you during the night.

Image: Instagram (@jaz.stewart.photography)

13. Anderson Creek

Unofficial camping ground on private property. No facilities so ideal if you’re self-sufficient. Make sure not to leave a trace, since the owner is so kind to lend you his property for free. Close to the road, great for an overnight stay.

Where: Julia Creek, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Landsborough Highway, near Julia Creek.

Image: Instagram (@kayaaa.monkey)

14. 5 Emu Camp

Home to emus, kangaroos, and free to stay at! Spacious, close to Aramac, with shops within walking distance. Secluded, serene, and quiet. Firewood around to make nights cozier.

Where: Near Julia Creek, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Julia Creek, off the Landsborough Highway.

Image: Instagram (@jj_degroot)

15. Nat Buchanan Bridge

Named after the famous explorer Nathaniel Buchanan, the first man to drive cattle across Australia’s top end. This is a spacious, well-maintained camp area along the riverbank. Occasionally goats, bush kangaroos, swallows, and other birds pay a visit.

Where: Near Richmond, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Flinders Highway, near the bridge crossing the Flinders River.

Image: Instagram (@pat_wildlife)

16. Rock Pool

Camping area near Charleville with a nice rock pool to take a dip in, lots of room, rocky ground but easy access. Only 11 kilometres out of town but little to no road noise. Frogs and birds will keep you entertained day and night.

Where: Near Hughenden, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Flinders Highway, near the Hughenden to Richmond Road.

Image: Instagram (@4wdadventurer)

17. Julia Creek RV Stop

The town of Julia Creek has a designated free camping area on the edges of the creek. It’s suitable for self-contained vehicles since there are no facilities. Great spot to look at the sunset over the creek. Head in early since it fills up fast.

Where: Julia Creek, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 72 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located within the Julia Creek township, off Burke Street.

Image: Instagram (@tickerofftouring)

18. Barcaldine East Rest Area

A rest area located along the Capricorn Highway, 3 kilometres from Barcaldine, with a limited stay of 20 hours at a time. This area is suitable to stop for a quick rest on your journey. It’s only 2 kilometres away from town, with plenty of shade and privacy.

Where: Barcaldine, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Capricorn Highway, east of Barcaldine.

Image: Instagram (@mathieson_imagery)

19. Long Waterhole

Campground on the banks of the manmade waterhole that was used for the World Crayfish Derby. Popular among locals for a weekend camp out, swimming, or water skiing. Emus, kangaroos, cattle, and rich birdlife, can be seen around during the day, but it’s tranquil overnight.

Where: Winton, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Winton-Jundah Road, 5 km from Winton.

Image: Instagram (@caravanandcampingwithkids)

20. Hughenden RV Campground

This RV park caters only to self-contained vehicles. Grassy area, short walk to the lake where you can take a refreshing swim or sunbathe at the small beach. The city council manages the well-maintained campground, so support this cause by spending some money in town.

Where: Hughenden, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 72 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Stansfield Street, within the town of Hughenden.

Image: Instagram (@vmarann)

Almost entirely uninhabited and hidden from Australia’s large commercial centers, the Outback is exciting, mysterious, and a little challenging. It can get boiling hot in summer, so to spare you the time of roaming through the desert in search of a good free camp, we sorted out the best.