Fishermans Park, Surat: A Premier Free Camp on the Balonne River
While the camp provides a genuine sense of being away from it all, its biggest advantage is its proximity to Surat. A short walk or drive across the bridge brings you into a town steeped in the history of Cobb & Co. You can easily spend a day exploring the outstanding Cobb & Co Changing Station Museum, strolling the scenic Riverwalk, and enjoying a hearty meal at one of the classic country pubs. This convenience means you can enjoy the freedom and affordability of free camping without sacrificing access to essential services like a supermarket, petrol station, and a public dump point. Fishermans Park provides basic but well-maintained amenities, including toilets and rubbish bins, but campers should be prepared to be self-sufficient with their own water and power. It’s the perfect stopover for a night or even a few days to rest, fish, and explore.
LOT 2 Carnarvon Hwy, Noorindoo QLD 4417
- GPS Coordinates: -27.14873, 149.07351
Location Map
Site Details and Facilities
- Location: Riverfront setting on the Carnarvon Highway, directly opposite the town of Surat.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles, including caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. Tents are permitted.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access, with the camping area on a grass/dirt surface.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt. Can be affected by weather.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check for local council signage; typically 48-72 hours.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Large, open, undefined area.
- Facilities: Basic toilet block. No power or showers.
- Picnic Tables: Some available.
- Potable Water: Not guaranteed; it is recommended to bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, provided. Please use them to keep the area clean.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own off-the-ground fire pit, subject to local fire bans. Be considerate of neighbours.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of others regarding noise and running times.
Activities & Essentials
- Essentials to Bring: Your own drinking water, power source (solar/generator), firewood, and fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly camp. Keep pets under control.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing directly from the riverbank.
- Short Walks: Walk across the bridge to connect with the Surat Riverwalk.
Local Amenities (in nearby Surat)
Pubs & Restaurants
- New Commercial Hotel Surat: Approx. 2 km
- The Royal Hotel Surat: Approx. 2.1 km
- Timber Crate Cafe: Approx. 2 km
Local Attractions
- Cobb & Co Changing Station Museum: Approx. 2 km
- Surat Riverwalk: Approx. 1.5 km (to start of walk)
- Surat War Memorial and Shire Hall: Approx. 2.1 km
Camping & Travel Resources
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Surat Cabins and Caravan Park (approx. 1.5 km).
- Next Free Camps: You are at a popular free camp.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available at the Surat Showgrounds (approx. 2.5 km).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Surat township (approx. 2 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Check for a public tap in town, otherwise purchase from the local store.
- Public Toilets: Onsite at the camp.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Surat (Maranoa Region)
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot, with days often exceeding 35°C. High chance of thunderstorms. Averages range from 21°C to 36°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm to hot, clear days and milder nights. A very pleasant time to visit. Temperatures average 13°C to 30°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days with very cold nights and mornings. Frosts are common. Average temperatures from 4°C to 22°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Warms up very quickly with dry, sunny conditions. Temperatures range from 12°C to 32°C.