Crawford Creek Rest Area – Corfield

Crawford Creek Rest Area is a quintessential outback free camp, providing a vital 24-hour rest stop for travellers on the long and lonely Kennedy Developmental Road between Winton and Hughenden. Located near the tiny settlement of Corfield, this is a basic, no-frills bush camp that offers a safe and peaceful place to pull over for the night. The site is a large, open, and mostly level dirt and gravel area set beside the typically dry Crawford Creek, offering plenty of space for all types of vehicles, including large caravans and motorhomes, to find their own spot. It’s a completely self-sufficient style of camping, with no facilities provided—no toilets, no water, and no bins—so campers must be fully equipped and prepared to leave no trace. The beauty of this spot lies in its isolation and simplicity. It’s an opportunity to experience the vastness of the outback, with stunning, uninterrupted sunsets and a breathtaking canopy of stars at night, far from any light pollution. While it is primarily a functional stop to manage fatigue, its proximity to Corfield means the iconic Corfield Pub is just a short drive away, offering a classic outback pub experience and a hot meal. For the self-reliant traveller exploring Queensland’s dinosaur country, Crawford Creek is a perfect example of a true outback free camp.

Site Information

• Location: On the Kennedy Developmental Road, approximately 12 km north of Corfield.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles only. Suitable for all sizes, including big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the entrance of the rest area.
• Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 24-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: None. You must be 100% self-sufficient.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: None. The nearest reliable signal is in Winton or Hughenden.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted if conditions are safe and there are no fire bans. Use existing fire pits.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Everything. Water, food, fuel, toilet, shower, power, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Informal walks around the creek bed and surrounding bush.

Local Amenities

This is a very remote area. The only nearby amenity is the pub at Corfield. The nearest major towns are Winton and Hughenden.

• Local Pubs:
  • Corfield Hotel (The Corfield Pub) (approx. 12 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Corfield Hotel serves meals.
• Local Attractions:
  • The Corfield Races (held annually)
  • Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum (near Winton, approx. 90 km)
  • Waltzing Matilda Centre (Winton, approx. 80 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Corfield Hotel offers some powered sites.
  • Multiple options in Winton (approx. 80 km) and Hughenden (approx. 115 km).
• Next Free Camps:
  • Long Waterhole, Winton (donation camp, approx. 80 km)
  • Rest areas along the highway with no facilities.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Available in Winton and Hughenden.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Winton and Hughenden. It is critical to carry enough fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Winton and Hughenden.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available at the Corfield Hotel or in Winton and Hughenden.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Corfield area experiences a hot semi-arid climate, with extremely hot summers and mild, dry winters.