Muddy Duck Tourist Park Longreach
Muddy Duck Tourist Park offers a quintessential outback camping experience, beautifully situated on the banks of the iconic Thomson River in Longreach. This peaceful park provides a fantastic base for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of Queensland’s legendary Channel Country. The park is designed for those who appreciate a classic bush setting, offering spacious powered and unpowered sites with plenty of room for all types of rigs, from large motorhomes to camper trailers. Many sites offer lovely views of the surrounding riverine landscape. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with the tranquil sounds of the outback providing a perfect backdrop for your stay. The facilities are clean and practical, ensuring a comfortable visit with amenities like toilets, showers, and a camp kitchen. The park’s prime location on the Thomson River makes it a haven for birdwatchers and keen anglers, with opportunities to catch Yellowbelly and other freshwater species. It’s the perfect spot to launch a kayak or simply relax by the water’s edge and watch the sunset paint the sky in spectacular colours. While offering a serene escape, the park is just a few minutes’ drive from the heart of Longreach, giving easy access to world-class attractions like the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. For a comfortable, scenic, and well-located stay that captures the true essence of the outback, Muddy Duck Tourist Park is an excellent choice.
Muddy Duck Tourist Park
Old Winton Highway, Longreach QLD 4730
Website: https://muddyduck.com.au/
GPS Coordinates: -23.40577, 144.223
Site Information
- Location: On the Thomson River, just outside the main town centre of Longreach.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes of all sizes.
- Road Access: Sealed roads to the park.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt sites.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a paid caravan park. Bookings are recommended in peak season.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management when booking.
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, camp kitchen, laundry, BBQs.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, available in common areas.
- Potable Water: Yes, potable water is available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Check with management; generally permitted in designated fire pits.
- Generator Use: Check with management for designated times/areas.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous defined sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Standard camping gear, fishing equipment.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is typically pet-friendly on sites. Check conditions when booking.
- Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing in the Thomson River.
- Short Walks: Easy walks along the riverbank and into town.
Local Amenities
All of Longreach’s amenities are a very short drive or a pleasant walk from the park.
- Local Pubs:
- The Welcome Home Hotel (approx. 4 km)
- The Birdcage Hotel (approx. 4 km)
- The Wellshot Hotel (Ilfracombe, approx. 30 km east – a must-visit)
- Places to Eat:
- Numerous hotels, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Longreach.
- Local Attractions:
- Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
- Qantas Founders Museum
- Thomson River cruises and dinner shows
- Powerhouse Museum
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- This is a major caravan park. Other options include Longreach Tourist Park and Longreach Caravan Park.
- Next Free Camps:
- Macsland Rest Area (24hr, approx. 12 km south)
- Barcaldine Recreation Park (donation camp, approx. 110 km east)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- A public dump point is available in Longreach.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple service stations are available in Longreach.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the Longreach Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite and throughout Longreach.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Longreach has a hot semi-arid climate with very hot summers and mild, dry winters with cold nights.
Season | Average Temp (Max/Min) | Conditions |
---|---|---|
Summer (Dec – Feb) | 37°C / 23°C | Extremely hot and can be humid. The wet season brings the chance of thunderstorms and heavy downpours. |
Autumn (Mar – May) | 31°C / 16°C | Temperatures become very pleasant. It is generally dry, making it an excellent time to visit. |
Winter (Jun – Aug) | 24°C / 7°C | The peak tourist season. Dry, sunny, and mild days with cold, clear nights. Frost is common. |
Spring (Sep – Nov) | 33°C / 14°C | Temperatures heat up quickly. It remains very dry and sunny, becoming extremely hot by November. |