St Lawrence Recreation Ground – A Fisherman’s Paradise on the QLD Coast

A legendary stop for travellers on the Bruce Highway, the St Lawrence Recreation Ground is widely regarded as one of the best low-cost campgrounds in Queensland. This fantastic, council-supported facility is a paradise for fishing and crabbing enthusiasts, located on the doorstep of the vast St Lawrence Wetlands and the tidal estuaries of the Central Queensland coast. The reserve offers a huge, open, and grassy area with plenty of room for even the largest rigs, making it a bustling hub, especially during the winter months when southern travellers flock north. It’s a place with a vibrant and friendly community atmosphere, where tales of the day’s catch are shared and the promise of a big Barramundi or a full pot of mud crabs is always in the air.

What makes the St Lawrence camp so exceptional is the high quality of its amenities for a very modest fee. Visitors have access to numerous powered and unpowered sites, a well-maintained amenities block with toilets and hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump point. These facilities provide all the comforts needed for an extended stay. The main attraction is undoubtedly the access to incredible fishing and crabbing in the nearby St Lawrence Creek and surrounding waterways. The town has a dedicated boat ramp, and even land-based anglers have great success. Beyond the fishing, the historic town of St Lawrence, with its beautifully preserved colonial buildings and two classic pubs, is a joy to explore. The wetlands are also a haven for birdwatchers, with a huge diversity of species to be found. For an affordable, well-equipped, and action-packed stay in a prime coastal location, the St Lawrence Recreation Ground is an unmissable destination.

Site Information

• Name: St Lawrence Recreation Ground
• Address: 624 St Lawrence Connection Rd, St Lawrence QLD 4707, Australia
• Phone Number: Not publicly listed (Managed by Isaac Regional Council).

• GPS Coordinates: -22.350543, 149.520506

• Website:

Campground Details

• Location: In the town of St Lawrence, just off the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Mackay.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including the largest motorhomes and caravans.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable to an on-site caretaker.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 14 days.
• Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, toilets, hot showers, laundry, dump point.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; service for other carriers may be limited.
• TV Reception: Good, especially with a satellite dish.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Please check with the caretaker.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for other campers, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area. Can get very busy in winter.
• Essentials to Bring: Fishing gear, crab pots, strong insect repellent (especially for sandflies and midges).
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash.
• Fishing: World-class fishing for Barramundi, King Salmon, and Grunter, and excellent mud crabbing.
• Short Walks: Great walks around the historic town and the wetlands.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • St Lawrence Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • Sportsman’s Arms Hotel, St Lawrence: Approx. 1 km
  • Clairview Beach Hotel, Clairview: Approx. 60 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Both hotels in St Lawrence offer pub meals.
  • St Lawrence General Store may have takeaway options.
• Local Attractions:
  • St Lawrence Wetlands and Estuary (fishing, crabbing, birdwatching).
  • Historic St Lawrence town walk.
  • The Anglican Church (built in 1898).
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Clairview Beach Holiday Park: Approx. 60 km
  • Carmila Beach Caravan Park: Approx. 90 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Waverley Creek Rest Area, near St Lawrence.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in St Lawrence (check hours). Major 24/7 stations at Marlborough or Sarina.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the park in the centre of St Lawrence.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Dry Season (Apr-Oct): The perfect time to visit. Days are warm, sunny, and dry with pleasant nights. The peak season for tourists. Temperatures average 14°C to 28°C.
• Wet Season (Nov-Mar): Hot and very humid, with a high likelihood of heavy tropical downpours and thunderstorms, which can cause flooding. This is also the best time for Barramundi fishing. Temperatures average 23°C to 32°C.