Harland Park Rest Area – Gilla

Harland Park Rest Area is a large, well-maintained, and popular free stopover located on the D’Aguilar Highway in the picturesque South Burnett region. This spacious park provides a 20-hour rest limit, making it an excellent and safe option for travellers, particularly those in self-contained caravans and motorhomes looking to break their journey or explore the nearby town of Yarraman. The site itself is a combination of a large, sealed, drive-through parking area and adjacent grassy spots, offering plenty of room for even the biggest rigs to find a comfortable position. It’s set in a peaceful rural landscape, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, providing a more tranquil atmosphere than many highway-side stops. The facilities are a credit to the local council, featuring a clean toilet block, covered picnic tables, and rubbish bins, which cover the essentials for a short stay. Its location is ideal for those wanting to explore the northern end of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail or delve into the timber and farming history of the region. Being just a few minutes’ drive from Yarraman, all the conveniences of a country town, including pubs, a bakery, and shops, are easily accessible. Harland Park is a fantastic example of a well-serviced free rest area that encourages travellers to pause and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the South Burnett.

Site Information

• Location: On the D’Aguilar Highway, approximately 4 km south of Yarraman.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the site.
• Site Surface: Bitumen and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 20-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 20 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins. No showers or power.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other travellers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: It is best to be self-contained with water, power, and shower facilities.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the park.

Local Amenities

All major services are located in the nearby town of Yarraman (approx. 4 km).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel Yarraman (approx. 4 km)
  • Yarraman Hotel Motel (approx. 5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Both local pubs, plus cafes and a bakery in Yarraman.
• Local Attractions:
  • Yarraman Heritage Centre
  • Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (Yarraman is the northern trailhead)
  • Yarraman Weir
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Yarraman Caravan Park & Cabins (approx. 5 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Old Yarraman Weir (24hr, approx. 4 km)
  • Crows Nest Showgrounds (low-cost, approx. 50 km south)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Yarraman on the New England Highway.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are available in Yarraman.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the dump point in Yarraman.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Yarraman area, at a higher altitude, has a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers and cool to cold winters.