The Bend Campgrounds – Coen QLD

For travellers tackling the legendary route to Cape York, The Bend Campgrounds at Coen is more than just a place to stop; it’s a rite of passage. Situated on a sweeping bend of the Coen River, this well-known free camping area is the social and logistical heart of this remote stretch of the Peninsula Developmental Road. Just a stone’s throw from the small but vital township of Coen, The Bend offers a vast, open area for travellers to set up camp, share stories of their adventures, and prepare for the road ahead. The landscape is quintessential Cape York bush—a mix of sandy riverbanks, dusty clearings, and scattered trees providing welcome shade. During the peak tourist season, the area comes alive with a temporary community of adventurers, all united by the shared goal of reaching The Tip.

As a classic outback bush camp, amenities are minimal, and self-sufficiency is key. The only facility provided is a basic long-drop toilet, meaning campers must bring their own water, power, and supplies. Crucially, there are no rubbish bins, so a strict “leave no trace” policy is essential to preserve this beautiful spot for future visitors. Access is via a dirt track from the main road, and while 2WD vehicles can often make it, the terrain is predominantly soft sand, making a 4WD the ideal vehicle to find the best riverside spots. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal; there are no marked sites, so you simply find a space and settle in. Its proximity to Coen allows for easy access to fuel, basic groceries, and the iconic Exchange Hotel, where a cold beer and a hearty meal provide a welcome break from camp cooking. The Bend is the perfect place to recharge before pushing further north into the wilds of Cape York.

Campsite Information

• Location: On the banks of the Coen River, just south of the Coen township.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, but 4WD is highly recommended due to soft sand.
• Road Access: Dirt track from the Peninsula Developmental Road.
• Site Surface: Primarily dirt and soft sand.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a well-established free camp area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No official limit.
• Facilities: Basic long-drop toilets. No other facilities are provided.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. A Telstra signal is sometimes available closer to town.
• TV Reception: Not reliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a basic toilet block is present.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted, but check for local fire bans. Use existing fire pits.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of your neighbours.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, open area with space for many dozens of vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: All your own water, food, power, insect repellent, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted.
• Fishing: Possible in the river.
• Short Walks: Easy walks along the riverbank and through the surrounding bush.

Local Amenities (in Coen, ~2 km away)

• Local Pubs: Exchange Hotel (The Coen Pub).
• Places to Eat: The pub serves meals, and a small roadhouse offers takeaway.
• Local Attractions: Coen Heritage House, and the rugged scenery of the Cape York Peninsula.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Coen Guesthouse & Camping provides a paid alternative with more facilities.
• Next Free Camps: Archer River Roadhouse (offers paid camping) is the next major stop north.
• Nearest Dump Points: Check with the Coen Guesthouse & Camping for potential public access.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Available in the town of Coen.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Not publicly available for free. Enquire at the service station.
• Public Toilets: Onsite, and also available in town.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Coen, QLD

• Wet Season (November – April): Travel is not advised. The area experiences extreme heat, humidity, and monsoonal rains, making roads impassable.
• Dry Season (May – October): The only time to travel to Cape York. Days are warm to hot and generally dry, with cooler nights. This is the peak season for visitors.