Cunningham Rest Area – Thane

The Cunningham Rest Area is a large and essential free 20-hour stopover for travellers, located on the Cunningham Highway (National Route 42) in the heart of the Southern Downs. Positioned between the major regional centres of Warwick and Goondiwindi, this is a classic, functional highway rest stop that provides a safe and spacious environment for an overnight break from a long drive. The site is a very large, open, and mostly level dirt and gravel area, set a good distance back from the highway to reduce traffic noise. It offers an abundance of space, easily accommodating all vehicle types, including the largest big rigs, buses, and caravans, without issue. This is a basic bush camp designed for self-contained travelers, with the only facility being rubbish bins. The appeal of the Cunningham Rest Area lies in its simplicity and size, offering a peaceful rural setting where you can enjoy the quiet of the countryside. It’s a great place to witness the colours of a country sunset and enjoy a brilliant starry sky. For the self-reliant traveller looking for a hassle-free, no-cost, and safe place to pull over for the night, the Cunningham Rest Area is a reliable and highly practical option.

Site Information

• Location: On the Cunningham Highway, approximately 25 km west of Warwick.
• 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 20-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 20 hours.
• Facilities: Rubbish bins. No toilets, showers, or power.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. A Telstra signal is most likely.
• TV Reception: Variable to poor.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted if conditions are safe and there are no fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large open area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Everything. Water, food, power, toilet, and shower facilities.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Informal walks in the surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

This is a remote location. The nearest major town with full services is Warwick (approx. 25 km east).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Sandy Creek Pub (approx. 15 km)
  • The Warwick Hotel (approx. 25 km)
  • The Criterion Hotel, Warwick (approx. 25 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Extensive options including pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in Warwick.
• Local Attractions:
  • Warwick’s historic sandstone buildings
  • Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre
  • Glengallan Homestead
  • Leslie Dam
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Warwick Showgrounds (offers camping)
  • Kahler’s Oasis Caravan Park, Warwick
• Next Free Camps:
  • Glen Rest Area (20hr, with toilets, approx. 15 km east)
  • Coolmunda Rest Area (24hr, approx. 50 km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Warwick Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple 24/7 service stations are available in Warwick.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Warwick Showgrounds.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are at the Glen Rest Area or in Warwick.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Warwick and the Southern Downs have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and are known for cold winters.