Lees Reserve – Yelarbon QLD

Lees Reserve is a quintessential Aussie bush camp, offering a tranquil and spacious free camping experience on the Queensland side of the beautiful Dumaresq River. A favourite amongst seasoned travellers and fishing enthusiasts, this spot provides a genuine escape into nature. The reserve is a large, open, and mostly flat area dotted with trees, offering campers plenty of choice between sunny spots or welcome shade. Being right on the riverbank is the main drawcard, providing picturesque views and direct access for fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge. This is a true back-to-basics camp, perfectly suited for fully self-contained travellers who carry everything they need and are committed to leaving no trace. There are no facilities like toilets, showers, or rubbish bins, which helps maintain the reserve’s pristine and undeveloped character.

The area is particularly renowned for its excellent fishing, with Murray Cod and Yellowbelly being the prized catches. You’ll often see campers with their lines in the water from dawn till dusk, hoping to reel in a big one. The peaceful environment, broken only by the sounds of birds and the gentle flow of the river, makes it an incredibly relaxing place to unwind for a few days. While it feels remote, it’s only a short drive from the small town of Yelarbon, famous for its stunning silo art, and about 45 minutes from the major regional centre of Goondiwindi for all essential supplies. Access is via a dirt road, which is generally fine for all vehicles, including 2WDs and large caravans, but it can become slippery and challenging after heavy rain. For those seeking solitude, scenery, and a fantastic riverfront location without the bells and whistles, Lees Reserve is one of the best free camps in the region.

Campsite Information

• Location: On the Dumaresq River, off the Old Warwick Road, southeast of Yelarbon.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles. Tents, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed dirt/gravel road. Can be slippery and corrugated. Check conditions after rain.
• Site Surface: Dirt and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but intended for short-term stays. Please respect the area.
• Facilities: None. You must be 100% self-sufficient.
• Potable Water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. Telstra signal is possible in some spots, but patchy. Other carriers are unlikely to have service.
• TV Reception: Variable, a good antenna and booster may be required.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all your rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated pits or your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, informal area with numerous spots.
• Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, shower, water, power, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome under control.
• Fishing: Excellent river fishing for Murray Cod and Yellowbelly. QLD or NSW fishing license may be required.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking along the riverbank.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: Yelarbon Hotel (~15 km), Victoria Hotel Goondiwindi (~50 km), The Queensland Hotel Goondiwindi (~50 km).
• Places to Eat: Yelarbon Hotel & Cafe (~15 km). A wide variety of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Goondiwindi (~50 km).
• Local Attractions: Yelarbon Grain Silo Art, Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park, Gunsynd the Goondiwindi Grey statue.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Yelarbon Oasis Caravan Park (~15 km), multiple parks in Goondiwindi (~50 km).
• Next Free Camps: Bengalla Reserve (~25 km), Yelarbon Rest Area (~15 km).
• Nearest Dump Points: Goondiwindi Showgrounds or Goondiwindi Visitor Information Centre (~50 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Yelarbon (~15 km), multiple major stations in Goondiwindi (~50 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Goondiwindi Visitor Information Centre or Goondiwindi Showgrounds (~50 km).
• Public Toilets: Located in the town of Yelarbon (~15 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Yelarbon, QLD

• Summer (December – February): Very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. High chance of thunderstorms and rain.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm and pleasant sunny days with milder evenings. Ideal camping weather.
• Winter (June – August): Dry, sunny days with cool daytime temperatures. Nights are cold and frosts are frequent and heavy.
• Spring (September – November): Temperatures warm up quickly. It’s typically sunny and dry, getting hot towards summer.