Boynedale Bushcamp – Boynedale QLD Free Camp

The Boynedale Bushcamp is a true gem in the Gladstone region, offering a fantastic free camping experience on the shores of the magnificent Lake Awoonga. Managed by the Gladstone Area Water Board, this well-maintained and highly popular campground provides a perfect escape for nature lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a tranquil waterside retreat. The campground is nestled in a peaceful bush setting, with numerous spacious sites scattered amongst the trees, many offering filtered views of the lake. There is ample room for all types of setups, from large caravans and motorhomes to tents and swags, making it a versatile and accessible spot for all travellers. The main drawcard is undoubtedly its location on Lake Awoonga, a massive waterway renowned for its exceptional Barramundi fishing and stunning natural beauty.

Unlike many free camps, Boynedale is equipped with essential amenities that make for a more comfortable stay, including clean, non-flushing toilets and picnic tables. While it is a self-sufficient camp requiring visitors to bring their own drinking water and power, these basic facilities are a welcome bonus. The lake provides a fantastic natural playground; it’s an ideal spot for kayaking, canoeing, and boating, with a boat ramp conveniently located nearby. The serene environment is also a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos often seen grazing around the campsite and an incredible array of birdlife to be spotted. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum stay of seven nights, encouraging a regular turnover and allowing more people to enjoy this special place. For a free, scenic, and well-managed bush camp with direct access to one of Queensland’s premier freshwater lakes, Boynedale is hard to beat.

Campsite Information

• Location: On the banks of Lake Awoonga, south of Calliope.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road for most of the way, with a short, well-maintained unsealed section into the camp.
• Site Surface: Dirt and grass, mostly level.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: A 7-night limit applies within a 30-day period.
• Facilities: Non-flushing (composting) toilets, picnic tables, boat ramp nearby.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and unreliable. A Telstra signal is most likely.
• TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a ‘leave no trace’ site; you must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire rings only, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers (8am – 7pm recommended).
• Number of Sites Available: Large area with numerous undefined sites. First-come, first-served.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, power source, insect repellent, and firewood.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent freshwater fishing for Barramundi and Mangrove Jack in Lake Awoonga.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the campground and along the lake shore.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: The Railway Hotel Calliope (~25 km), The Grand Hotel Calliope (~25 km).
• Places to Eat: Pubs, cafes, and takeaways in Calliope (~25 km).
• Local Attractions: Lake Awoonga, Calliope River Historical Village (~25 km), Gladstone (~50 km).
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Lake Awoonga Caravan Park offers full facilities, Calliope Caravan Park (~25 km).
• Next Free Camps: Calliope River Rest Area (~25 km), Futter Creek Camping Reserve (~40 km).
• Nearest Dump Points: A free public dump point is located in Calliope (~25 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Calliope (~25 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the dump point in Calliope (~25 km).
• Public Toilets: On-site (non-flushing), and in the town of Calliope (~25 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Boynedale, QLD

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, with average maximum temperatures around 30-32°C. This is the wet season, with a high chance of afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rain.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm and pleasant with lower humidity. A very popular time for camping and fishing.
• Winter (June – August): Mild, sunny days with cool and comfortable nights. Ideal weather for all outdoor activities.
• Spring (September – November): Days are warming up and are generally sunny and dry, with comfortable humidity levels.