Gayndah Heritage Railway & 72 hr rest stop & self contained Camp Ground

The Gayndah Heritage Railway Rest Stop offers a unique and highly convenient low-cost camping experience for self-contained travellers, right in the heart of Queensland’s oldest town. This fantastic community-run facility, located at the beautifully preserved heritage railway complex, allows visitors to park their caravans or motorhomes for up to 72 hours, providing an excellent base to explore the rich history of the North Burnett region. The site itself is a large, open, and relatively level grassy area, offering plenty of space for rigs of all sizes. For a small donation that supports the volunteer-run heritage railway, campers can enjoy a peaceful stay in a location steeped in history. The main attraction is the railway precinct itself, where visitors can admire the restored station buildings, rolling stock, and interpretive displays that tell the story of the region’s pioneering rail history. Its prime location is a major benefit; the rest stop is just a short, pleasant walk from Gayndah’s main street, with its historic pubs, charming cafes, and the famous ‘Big Orange’. This allows travellers to easily access all town amenities without needing to unhitch. The combination of its unique historical setting, excellent value, and central location makes the Gayndah Heritage Railway Rest Stop a standout destination for RV travellers.

Site Information

• Location: At the Gayndah Heritage Railway precinct, in town.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles only (caravans, motorhomes, big rigs).
• Road Access: Sealed roads.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, donation-based camping for self-contained vehicles.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 72 hours (3 nights).
• Facilities: Toilets may be available when the railway museum is open. No showers or power.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, available in the railway precinct.
• Potable Water: A tap is generally available; confirm with volunteers.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Limited access; public toilets are a short walk away in the town centre.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other campers and nearby residents.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Your vehicle must be fully self-contained. A donation is expected.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: The Burnett River is nearby for fishing.
• Short Walks: Excellent walks around the historic railway precinct and into the town centre.

Local Amenities

All of Gayndah’s amenities are within a short walk or drive.

• Local Pubs:
  • Grand Hotel (approx. 1 km)
  • Burnett Hotel (approx. 1 km)
  • Golden Orange Hotel Motel (approx. 1.5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • All local pubs, plus multiple cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops in the main street.
• Local Attractions:
  • Gayndah Heritage Railway (onsite)
  • The Big Orange
  • Gayndah Museum
  • Claude Wharton Weir
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Gayndah Riverview Caravan Park (approx. 2 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Ideraway Rest Area (24hr, approx. 10 km west)
  • Binjour Range Rest Area (24hr, approx. 25 km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is located at the Gayndah Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are available in Gayndah.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Showgrounds or Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available in the town centre park.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The North Burnett region has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild, dry winters.