Nive River Rest Area – Nive

The Nive River Rest Area is a classic outback free camp, offering a crucial 24-hour stop for travellers on the long stretch of the Warrego Highway between Augathella and Charleville. This is a simple, no-frills rest stop that provides a safe and spacious area to pull over and combat driver fatigue. The site consists of a large, open dirt and gravel clearing set well back from the highway, adjacent to the Nive River bridge. It offers plenty of room for all vehicle types, including the largest caravans, buses, and motorhomes, to find a level spot for the night. This is a primitive bush camp designed for fully self-contained travellers, as there are generally no facilities provided—no toilets, no water, and no bins. Visitors must be prepared to be completely self-sufficient and to strictly follow the ‘leave no trace’ philosophy by taking all rubbish with them. The appeal of the Nive River Rest Area lies in its magnificent isolation and the authentic outback experience it offers. It’s a place to witness spectacular, vivid sunsets across the vast plains and to enjoy an incredible canopy of stars, far from the light pollution of any town. For the self-reliant traveller, this rest area is more than just a functional stop; it’s an opportunity to connect with the quiet solitude and raw beauty of the Queensland bush.

Site Information

• Location: On the Warrego Highway at the Nive River crossing, approx. 45 km west of Augathella.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles only. Suitable for all sizes.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the rest area entrance.
• 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.
• Picnic Tables: May be one available, but do not rely on it.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: None. The nearest reliable signal is in Augathella or Charleville.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted if conditions are safe and no fire bans are in place. Use extreme caution.
• 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, power, toilet, shower, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: Possible in the Nive River if it is flowing.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the riverbed and in the surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

This is a very remote location. The nearest services are in Augathella (east) and Charleville (west).

• Local Pubs:
  • Ellangowan Hotel, Augathella (approx. 45 km)
  • Hotel Corones, Charleville (approx. 85 km)
  • Charleville RSL Memorial Club (approx. 85 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Available in Augathella and Charleville.
• Local Attractions:
  • Augathella’s meat ant sculptures and mural
  • Charleville Cosmos Centre & Observatory
  • WWII Secret Base & Bilby Experience in Charleville
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Augathella Motel & Caravan Park (approx. 45 km)
  • Bailey Bar Caravan Park, Charleville (approx. 85 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Augathella North Rest Area (24hr, approx. 40 km east)
  • Rock Pool, Charleville (day use, approx. 80 km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Available in Augathella and Charleville.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Augathella and Charleville. Ensure you have sufficient fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Augathella and Charleville.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available in Augathella and Charleville.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Nive area has a hot semi-arid climate with very hot summers and mild, dry winters.