Reid River Rest Area – Reid River Free Camp

The Reid River Rest Area is a large, designated free camping spot conveniently located on the Flinders Highway in Queensland. Positioned roughly halfway between the major centres of Townsville and Charters Towers, it serves as an extremely popular and practical overnight stop for travellers exploring this part of the state. The rest area is expansive, with a sealed loop road providing easy access for all vehicle types, including large caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. There are no marked bays, offering campers the flexibility to find a suitable spot in either the open, sunny areas or under the shade of the large trees scattered throughout the park. The ground is a mix of bitumen, gravel, and grass. Key facilities include a toilet block and several sheltered picnic tables, making it more comfortable than a simple roadside pull-bay. While there is tap water available, it is generally considered non-potable and should be boiled or treated before consumption. As a busy rest stop, it can experience a fair amount of traffic and road noise from the adjacent highway, which is something to consider for light sleepers. However, its convenience, ease of access, and the presence of basic amenities make it a reliable choice for a 24-hour stay. The site is pet-friendly, and its open spaces are great for a short walk after a long drive. For supplies, fuel, or a pub meal, the small town of Woodstock is a short drive towards Townsville, while a full range of services can be found in either Townsville or Charters Towers.

Site Information

• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types – Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Campervans.
• Road Access: Sealed highway access.
• Site Surface: Bitumen, gravel, grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, 20-hour limit applies.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 20 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, covered picnic tables.
• Potable Water: No. Water available is non-potable; boil before use.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers (Telstra, Optus).
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, considerate use is advised.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area with space for 50+ vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Yes, around the large rest area.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Woodstock Hotel, Woodstock (approx. 18 km)
  • Giru International Hotel, Giru (approx. 40 km)
  • The Commonwealth Hotel, Townsville (approx. 50 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Woodstock Roadhouse (basic meals, approx. 18 km)
  • Extensive options in Townsville CBD (approx. 50 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Billabong Sanctuary, Nome (approx. 35 km)
  • The Strand, Townsville (approx. 50 km)
  • Castle Hill, Townsville (approx. 50 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Discovery Parks – Townsville (approx. 45 km)
  • BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville (approx. 45 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Macrossan Park Camping Area (approx. 75 km west)
  • Various smaller rest areas along the Flinders Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Townsville Showgrounds (check for public access/fees, approx. 48 km)
  • Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre (approx. 85 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Woodstock (approx. 18 km)
  • Multiple service stations at Fairfield Waters, Townsville (approx. 45 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Gus Kustoms, Stuart, Townsville (public tap, approx. 40 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at Reid River Rest Area

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The climate is tropical, characterised by a hot, humid wet season and a warm, dry season.