Fred Drew Rest Area – Belvedere

The Fred Drew Rest Area is a picturesque and peaceful free 24-hour stopover, perfectly situated on the Palmerston Highway, the scenic route connecting the Atherton Tablelands with the Cassowary Coast. Set amongst the lush rainforest and rolling green hills of Wooroonooran National Park, this rest area offers travellers a welcome reprieve from the winding highway. It features a large, well-maintained grassy area, providing ample space for caravans, motorhomes, and camper trailers to find a level and comfortable spot for the night. The highlight of the park is its tranquil setting, with the South Johnstone River flowing nearby, creating a serene atmosphere filled with the sounds of the rainforest. The facilities are basic but clean, including a toilet block, non-potable water, and picnic shelters, making it suitable for both self-contained and non-self-contained campers for a short stay. It’s an ideal base for exploring the nearby natural attractions, such as Mamu Tropical Skywalk and various waterfalls and swimming holes that dot the highway. Unlike busy coastal camps, Fred Drew Park offers a genuine sense of being immersed in nature, allowing visitors to relax, unwind, and enjoy the cool, fresh mountain air. It’s a highly-valued spot for those making the beautiful journey between the tablelands and the coast.

Site Information

• Location: On the Palmerston Highway, approximately 15 km west of Innisfail.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the entrance.
• Site Surface: Large, flat grassy area.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 24-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins, sheltered picnic tables. No showers or power.
• Potable Water: No, water at the site is not suitable for drinking. Bring your own.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and unreliable. A signal is stronger closer to Innisfail.
• TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area without defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible in the nearby South Johnstone River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks around the park and along the river.

Local Amenities

The nearest major town with all services is Innisfail (approx. 15 km east).

• Local Pubs:
  • Goondi Hill Hotel (approx. 13 km)
  • Crown Hotel, Innisfail (approx. 15 km)
  • The Commonwealth Hotel, Innisfail (approx. 15 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous hotels, cafes, restaurants, and takeaway shops in Innisfail.
• Local Attractions:
  • Wooroonooran National Park
  • Mamu Tropical Skywalk (approx. 15 km west)
  • Henrietta Creek camping area and walking tracks
  • Paronella Park (approx. 30 km south)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • August Moon Caravan Park, Innisfail (approx. 14 km)
  • Flying Fish Point Tourist Park (approx. 25 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Babinda Boulders (donation camp, approx. 45 km north)
  • Japoonvale Rest Area (24hr, approx. 30 km south)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is located at the Innisfail Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are available in Innisfail.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Innisfail.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite and throughout Innisfail.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

This area is in the heart of the Wet Tropics, known for very high rainfall, especially during the summer wet season.