Barcaldine Rest Area

Discover the convenience of the Barcaldine Rest Area, a well-regarded free camping spot located just outside the historic outback town of Barcaldine in Central West Queensland. This location serves as an ideal overnight stop for travellers exploring the vast landscapes of the region, offering a simple yet essential respite from the long drives. Perfectly positioned for those journeying along the Capricorn Highway, it provides a safe and designated area to pull over, rest, and recharge before continuing your adventure. The site is particularly favoured by those in self-contained vehicles such as caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs, due to its easy access and generous space. While the facilities are basic, they cater to the core needs of the modern nomad.

The rest area’s appeal lies in its simplicity and practicality. It’s a no-fuss, no-cost option that allows you to manage your travel budget effectively without compromising on safety. The ground is generally level, making it straightforward to set up for the night. Being close to the town centre of Barcaldine means you are never too far from essential supplies, local attractions, and a taste of genuine outback hospitality. Whether you’re passing through on a larger trip or using it as a base to explore the Australian Workers Heritage Centre and the iconic Tree of Knowledge, this rest area offers a valuable service to the travelling community. It embodies the spirit of Australian road-tripping: freedom, resourcefulness, and the shared experience of the open road. Remember to be a courteous traveller by taking all your rubbish with you and leaving the site in a better condition than you found it, ensuring it remains available for fellow explorers for years to come.

Site Information

• Location: Barcaldine QLD 4725
• Site Suitable For: Self-contained RVs, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway access.
• Site Surface: Gravel and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Number of Sites Available: Approximately 15-20 informal sites.
• Facilities:
  • Picnic Tables: Yes
  • Potable Water: No
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra. Fair for Optus and Vodafone.
  • TV Reception: Good.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Not permitted.
  • Generator Use: Permitted between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, levelling blocks, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash and under control at all times.
• Fishing: Limited opportunities onsite, but nearby in the Alice River.
• Short Walks: Informal walking opportunities around the area.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Shakespeare Hotel (~4 km)
  • Barcaldine Hotel (~4 km)
  • The Artesian Hotel (~4.2 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Ridgee Didge Cafe (~4 km)
  • Local hotel bistros (~4 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Australian Workers Heritage Centre (~3.5 km)
  • The Tree of Knowledge Memorial (~4 km)
  • Barcaldine and District Folk Museum (~4.5 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Homestead Caravan Park (~3 km)
  • Barcaldine Tourist & Caravan Park (~5 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lloyd Jones Weir, Barcaldine (~15 km)
  • Jericho Showgrounds (~90 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Barcaldine Showgrounds Public Dump Point (~5.5 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP, Caltex/Puma in Barcaldine town centre (~4 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Barcaldine Showgrounds (~5.5 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at rest area
  • Oak Street, Barcaldine Town Centre (~4 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Barcaldine QLD

Barcaldine experiences a hot, semi-arid climate typical of Outback Queensland.

• Summer (December – February): Expect hot and often humid conditions with average daytime temperatures ranging from 34°C to 38°C. This is also the wettest time of year, with a higher chance of thunderstorms and rainfall.
• Autumn (March – May): The weather becomes much more pleasant. Daytime temperatures cool to a comfortable 25°C to 30°C, and humidity drops. Nights become cooler, making for perfect camping conditions.
• Winter (June – August): Winters are mild and dry with plenty of sunshine. Daytime temperatures average a pleasant 22°C to 25°C. However, nights can be very cold, occasionally dropping to near freezing, so be prepared with warm bedding.
• Spring (September – November): Temperatures begin to build again, with warm to hot and dry days. Expect daytime highs to climb from 28°C to the mid-30s by November. It is generally a dry season leading into the summer heat.