Tourist and Visitor Area – Thallon QLD Free Camp

The Thallon Tourist and Visitor Area is a jewel in Queensland’s outback camping crown, offering travellers an exceptional free camp experience in a town that punches well above its weight. Located on Sternes Street, this spacious, level campground has gained widespread acclaim not only for its excellent facilities but for its unbeatable location directly opposite the magnificent Thallon painted silos. These towering works of art, part of the Australian Silo Art Trail, depict the stunning local landscape and birdlife, providing a breathtaking backdrop that transforms from day to night. Waking up to the ‘Watering Hole’ mural illuminated by the morning sun is a truly unique Australian travel experience. The campground is a testament to the town’s community spirit, providing a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for visitors exploring the Balonne Shire.

This is a donation-based camp, and the quality of the amenities makes it easy to see why so many visitors are happy to contribute. The site offers clean flushing toilets and, most impressively, free hot showers, a rare and welcome luxury for any free camp. A dump point and potable water are also available, making it a perfect spot for self-contained caravans and motorhomes to stop and reset. The large, open area can accommodate rigs of all sizes, with plenty of room to spread out. The location is just a stone’s throw from the iconic Thallon Pub, the Francis Hotel, where you can enjoy a cold beer and a hearty meal. The town also features a small community-run cafe and shop. For a free camp to offer such a prime location and high-calibre facilities is a credit to the local community, making Thallon a compulsory and memorable stop on any outback Queensland adventure.

Campsite Information

• Location: In the centre of Thallon, opposite the painted silos and next to the park.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, and campervans.
• Road Access: Sealed road access directly to the site.
• Site Surface: Level gravel and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free (donation requested) for self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally 48-72 hours. Please check local signage.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, free hot showers, dump point.
• Potable Water: Yes, potable water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra service is available.
• TV Reception: Good TV reception is generally reported.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Please use personal cooking equipment.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of fellow campers and run only during daylight hours.
• Number of Sites Available: A large, open area with space for many vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: A donation for the community box to help maintain the excellent facilities.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Limited, though fishing is possible in the nearby Moonie River.
• Short Walks: Easy walk around town, to the pub, and to view the giant sculpture of ‘William the Wombat’.

Local Amenities (in Thallon)

• Local Pubs: Francis Hotel (Thallon Pub) (~100m).
• Places to Eat: Francis Hotel, Thallon Cafe (~100m).
• Local Attractions: The Thallon Painted Silos (across the road), William the Wombat sculpture (~200m).
• Nearest Caravan Parks: This is the primary visitor park. The next closest would be in St George or Dirranbandi.
• Next Free Camps: Nindigully Pub (~45 km), Warroo Bridge (~75 km).
• Nearest Dump Points: On-site.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Available at the Thallon General Store (~100m).
• Drinking Water Resupply: On-site.
• Public Toilets: On-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Thallon, QLD

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot conditions, with average maximum temperatures often in the high 30s (°C). High chance of thunderstorms.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and milder evenings make this an ideal time to visit.
• Winter (June – August): Clear, mild, and sunny days with cold nights. Overnight frosts are common. Perfect travelling weather.
• Spring (September – November): Temperatures are rising, with warm and pleasant days. Can be a great time for wildflowers if there has been winter rain.