Lions Park Hodgsonvale Rest Area – Hodgson Vale

Lions Park in Hodgson Vale is a beautiful and well-appointed day-use rest area, offering a peaceful and scenic spot for travellers and locals at the top of the Great Dividing Range. Conveniently located just off the New England Highway on the southern outskirts of Toowoomba, this park is a perfect place to take a break, have a picnic, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. It is important for visitors to note that while it is an excellent rest stop, overnight camping is not permitted. The park is a credit to the local Lions Club and community, featuring expansive, shady, and well-maintained lawns, making it ideal for families to stop and for kids to run around. The facilities are excellent for a day visit, with clean public toilets, free electric barbecues, and numerous picnic tables. A notable feature is the charming sensory garden, providing a unique and engaging experience for visitors. The park has ample parking space for all vehicle types, including dedicated long bays for caravans and motorhomes, making it a hassle-free stop. Its location in the ‘Garden City’ hinterland makes it a great launching point for exploring the region’s beautiful parks, gardens, and country drives. For a comfortable, clean, and tranquil place to stop for a few hours, Lions Park is an outstanding community facility.

Site Information

• Location: On the New England Highway in Hodgson Vale, on the southern edge of Toowoomba.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicles for day use. Long vehicle parking is available.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Bitumen car park and large grassed areas.
• Camping Permitted: No. This is a day-use park only.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not permitted.
• Facilities: Toilets, electric BBQs, rubbish bins.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, numerous sheltered tables are available.
• Potable Water: Yes, a tap for drinking water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Use provided BBQs.
• Generator Use: Prohibited.
• Number of Sites Available: Not applicable (day use only).
• Essentials to Bring: Picnic supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks through the park and sensory garden.

Local Amenities

The nearest major services are in the southern suburbs of Toowoomba.

• Local Pubs:
  • The Southern Hotel (approx. 7 km)
  • The Federal Hotel (approx. 9 km)
  • The Royal Hotel (approx. 10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A local cafe and store in Hodgson Vale. Numerous options in Toowoomba.
• Local Attractions:
  • Preston Peak Winery
  • Toowoomba’s Queens Park and Botanic Gardens
  • Cobb & Co Museum
  • Japanese Garden
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Toowoomba Showgrounds (offers camping)
  • BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park
• Next Free Camps:
  • Dalrymple Creek Park, Allora (24hr, approx. 45 km south)
  • Heifer Creek Rest Area (20hr, approx. 60 km east)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • A service station is located nearby in Hodgson Vale.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Toowoomba, being on the Great Dividing Range, has a more temperate climate than the coast, with four distinct seasons.