Croydon Racecourse Camping – Your Gateway to the Gulf Savannah

Immerse yourself in the rich history and rugged beauty of outback Queensland with a stay at the Croydon Racecourse Rest Grounds. Located in the heart of the Gulf Savannah, this fantastic, low-cost campground offers a spacious and well-equipped base for travellers exploring one of Australia’s most fascinating and remote regions. The racecourse provides a vast, open setting with plenty of room for all types of caravans, motorhomes, and campers, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed stay. It’s the perfect place to unwind under the vast outback sky after a day of discovering the incredible gold rush heritage of Croydon, a town that has beautifully preserved its 19th-century character.

The facilities at the Croydon Racecourse are excellent for a budget-friendly outback camp, offering great value for a very modest fee. Visitors have access to powered sites, a clean amenities block with toilets and hot showers, and potable water, providing all the essential comforts for an enjoyable stay. The reserve’s location is ideal. It’s just a short distance from Croydon’s incredible heritage precinct, where you can wander among beautifully restored buildings, visit the original police station and courthouse, and learn about the town’s golden past. The campground also serves as a perfect launchpad for visiting the nearby Lake Belmore, a stunning man-made oasis popular for fishing, birdwatching, and water sports. For a comfortable, affordable, and perfectly positioned base to explore the unique history and landscapes of the Gulf Country, the Croydon Racecourse is a must-visit destination.

Site Information

• Name: Racecourse Rest Grounds
• Address: 2 Alldridge St, Croydon QLD 4871, Australia
• Phone Number: 07 4748 7152

• GPS Coordinates: -18.213577, 142.242100

• Website:

Campground Details

• Location: At the Croydon Racecourse, on the edge of the historic township.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including the largest motorhomes and caravans.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the town, then good gravel access within the grounds.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable via an honesty box or to a caretaker.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible for short to medium-term stays.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra service in town. Other carriers may be limited.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Please check for local fire bans, which are common.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with abundant space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, insect repellent, a good hat, and fishing gear for the lake.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent freshwater fishing for Barramundi and Sooty Grunter at Lake Belmore.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space for walks around the racecourse and into the historic town.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Club Hotel, Croydon: Approx. 2 km
  • Imperial Hotel, Croydon: Approx. 2 km
  • Federal Hotel, Georgetown: Approx. 145 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Croydon Cafe & Takeaway: Approx. 2 km
  • Club Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 2 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Croydon Heritage Precinct (historic buildings): Approx. 2 km
  • Lake Belmore (fishing, boating, swimming): Approx. 4 km
  • The Gulflander Train (operates seasonally): Approx. 2 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Croydon Caravan Park: Approx. 3 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Blackbull Siding Rest Area, near Croydon.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located at the Croydon Caravan Park (check for public access/fee): Approx. 3 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Croydon.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street park (Centenary Park) in Croydon.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Dry Season (Apr-Oct): The best time to visit. Days are warm, sunny, and dry with cool nights. Temperatures average 15°C to 32°C.
• Wet Season (Nov-Mar): Very hot and humid, with a high chance of heavy monsoonal rain and thunderstorms, which can lead to road closures and flooding. Temperatures average 24°C to 36°C.