Situated in one of Queensland’s oldest towns, the Nanango Free Camp at Tarong Park offers travellers a spacious and highly convenient base to explore the beautiful South Burnett region. This council-provided facility is a fantastic example of a town welcoming the RV community, allowing for a 48-hour stay for fully self-contained vehicles. The campground is a large, open, and relatively flat grassy area located adjacent to the Nanango Showgrounds, providing plenty of room for even the biggest rigs to find a comfortable spot. Its key advantage is its proximity to the town centre; a short, easy walk of just a few hundred metres will take you directly to Nanango’s historic main street. This allows campers to leave their vehicles set up and explore the local pubs, cafes, IGA supermarket, and unique shops on foot.
The Nanango camp is more than just a place to park for the night; it’s an ideal launching pad for discovering the surrounding attractions. The town is rich in history, which is evident in its beautiful old buildings and local museum. It’s also considered the gateway to the South Burnett wine trail and is a short drive from the majestic Bunya Mountains. While the facilities at the camp itself are basic, focusing on the needs of self-contained travellers, there is access to public toilets at the nearby park. The atmosphere is typically relaxed and friendly, with fellow travellers often sharing tips and stories. For those looking for a safe, convenient, and cost-effective stopover that provides a genuine taste of country Queensland hospitality, the Nanango Free Camp is an excellent choice. It perfectly balances the freedom of a free camp with the convenience of in-town amenities.
Nanango Free Camp (Tarong Park)
D’Aguilar Hwy, Nanango QLD 4615
GPS: -26.680260939342496, 151.99599177098128
Campsite Information
- Location: Tarong Park, next to the Nanango Showgrounds.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles only.
- Road Access: Sealed road (D’Aguilar Highway).
- Site Surface: Mostly grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free of charge.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
- Facilities: No power or showers. Public toilets are nearby.
- Potable Water: No dedicated filling station onsite. Best to arrive with full tanks.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra and other major carriers.
- TV Reception: Good digital TV signal.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No, but toilets are available at the adjacent Lions Park.
- Rubbish Bins: Bins are available in the adjacent park.
- Open Fires: Prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted during daylight hours with respect for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area, can accommodate 50+ vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: Must be self-contained for power, water, and waste.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
- Fishing: Nearby dams such as Boondooma and Bjelke-Petersen offer excellent freshwater fishing.
- Short Walks: Easy walk through the town of Nanango and local parks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs: The Fitzroy Hotel (~1 km), The Palace Hotel (~1 km), Nanango RSL (~1 km).
- Places to Eat: Numerous cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops within a 1 km walk.
- Local Attractions: Ringsfield House Museum, Nanango’s historic streetscape, South Burnett Energy Centre, local wineries.
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Nanango Star Motel & Caravan Park (~2 km), Nanango BIG4 Holiday Park (~3 km).
- Next Free Camps: Wondai Free Camp (~30 km), Stuart River Rest Area, Kingaroy (~25 km).
- Nearest Dump Points: Located at the Nanango Showgrounds (next door), a small fee may apply.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple service stations within 1.5 km of the camp.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available for a fee at the Nanango Showgrounds.
- Public Toilets: Located at Lions Park, adjacent to the campground.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Nanango, QLD
- Summer (December – February): Warm to hot days, often with high humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Temperatures can exceed 30°C.
- Autumn (March – May): Very pleasant weather with warm, sunny days and milder nights. A popular time for visiting.
- Winter (June – August): Clear, sunny days with cool temperatures. Nights are cold, and frosts are very common. Warm clothing is essential for evenings.
- Spring (September – November): Temperatures warm up, with sunny and dry conditions. Becomes hotter leading into summer.