Cloncurry Coppermine Freedom Camp – Cloncurry

Nestled on the banks of the Cloncurry River and just a stone’s throw from the heart of town, the Cloncurry Coppermine Freedom Camp is a popular and convenient free camping spot for travellers exploring outback Queensland. This large, informal area offers a taste of bush camping with the major advantage of being close to essential services. The campsite is spread out along the river’s edge, offering plenty of space for rigs of all sizes, from campervans to large motorhomes with trailers. The ground is mostly level dirt and gravel, providing a solid base for setting up camp. Its major appeal is the picturesque riverside setting, which provides a tranquil atmosphere, especially at sunrise and sunset. While this is a designated ‘freedom camp’, it’s crucial to note that it comes with minimal facilities. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water on site, making it suitable only for fully self-contained vehicles. Campers must bring everything they need and, most importantly, follow the ‘leave no trace’ principle by taking all their rubbish with them. The site’s proximity to town means mobile phone reception is generally reliable. The camp gets its name from the historic copper mining in the region, and while there are no mines at the site itself, it serves as a great base to explore Cloncurry’s rich heritage. It’s a fantastic option for a night or two, allowing travellers to rest, restock, and explore the ‘Friendly Heart of the Great North West’ without the cost of a formal caravan park.

Site Information

• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles only. All sizes.
• Road Access: Dirt track access from sealed road. Can be corrugated.
• Site Surface: Dirt, gravel, sand.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping for self-contained vehicles.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
• Facilities: None.
• Potable Water: No.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for others.
• TV Reception: Possible with a good antenna.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in most cases, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, considerate use is expected.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, food, toilet facilities, rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Cloncurry River is possible.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the riverbank.

Local Amenities (in Cloncurry, approx. 1-2 km)

• Local Pubs:
  • Leichhardt Hotel
  • Post Office Hotel
  • Wagon Wheel Motel & Restaurant
• Places to Eat:
  • Cloncurry Bakery
  • Various roadhouses and cafes in town.
• Local Attractions:
  • John Flynn Place Museum
  • Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre & Museum
  • Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis
  • Discovery Parks – Cloncurry
• Next Free Camps:
  • Corella Dam (approx. 50 km east)
  • Terry Smith Lookout (approx. 50km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cloncurry Showgrounds
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple stations in Cloncurry (BP, Shell, Caltex).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre (check for fees/availability).
• Public Toilets:
  • Mary Kathleen Memorial Park in Cloncurry.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The region experiences a distinct wet and dry season, typical of the North Queensland outback.