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Explorers Caravan Park – Your Modern Base in Historic Thargomindah

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Explorers Caravan Park | Thargomindah’s Hydro History & Outback Hub


 

Explorers Caravan Park: Your Modern Base in Historic Thargomindah

Positioned in the heart of the fascinating Channel Country, Explorers Caravan Park in Thargomindah is a modern and welcoming hub for travellers venturing into one of Australia’s most historic outback regions. This council-owned park is renowned for its excellent facilities, spacious sites, and friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect basecamp for exploring a town with a truly unique story. Thargomindah was famously the first town in Australia, and third in the world after London and Paris, to produce hydroelectric power for street lighting by harnessing the pressure of the Great Artesian Basin. The park serves as the ideal launching point to discover this incredible pioneering history, with the old hydro plant and other heritage sites just a short walk away.The park itself offers a comfortable and well-equipped retreat after a day on the dusty outback roads. With a range of large, grassy powered and unpowered sites, as well as modern cabin accommodation, it caters to all types of travellers. The excellent camp kitchen is a social focal point where you can meet fellow adventurers and share tales of the road. Explorers Caravan Park is also the last major stop for those heading west towards the iconic Cameron Corner, the meeting point of Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. It’s an essential place to rest, refuel, and gather information before tackling the remote roads that lead into the true heart of the continent. Whether you’re here to fish for Yellowbelly in the Bulloo River, soak up the rich history, or embark on an epic 4WD journey, this park provides an outstanding outback welcome.

★★★★☆ (4.5 Stars)
Explorers Caravan Park
88 Dowling St, Thargomindah QLD 4492

Location Map

Site Details and Facilities

  • Location: In the town of Thargomindah, an important hub for exploring the Channel Country.
  • Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
  • Road Access: Sealed roads to and within the park.
  • Site Surface: Well-maintained grass sites.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites available.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Caters to tourist stays.
  • Facilities: Excellent modern camp kitchen, BBQ areas, clean amenities block, laundry, dump point for guests.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, in the camp kitchen area.
  • Potable Water: Yes.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra coverage in town.
  • TV Reception: Satellite TV (VAST) is recommended for reliable reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Permitted in your own off-the-ground fire pit, subject to local fire bans. Check with management.
  • Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others; check with management for preferred times.

Activities & Essentials

  • Essentials to Bring: Fly net, extra fuel and water if heading further west, and fishing gear for the Bulloo River.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly. Please confirm conditions upon booking.
  • Fishing: Excellent fishing for Yellowbelly in the Bulloo River, right near the town.
  • Short Walks: Explore the heritage trail around town, including the hydro plant, Leahy House, and the walk along the Bulloo River.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Restaurants

  • Bulloo River Hotel Motel: Approx. 1 km
  • Thargomindah Oasis Motel (Restaurant): Approx. 800 m
  • Coffee on Dowling: Approx. 1 km

Local Attractions

  • Thargomindah Artesian Hydro Power Plant: Approx. 1.5 km
  • Leahy House Museum: Approx. 1 km
  • Bulloo River Walk: Approx. 1 km
  • Currawinya National Park: Approx. 100 km (check road conditions, 4WD recommended).

Camping & Travel Resources

  • Nearest Caravan Parks: This is the main park in Thargomindah.
  • Next Free Camps: Bulloo River camping area (check local conditions).
  • Nearest Dump Points: Onsite for guests. A public dump point is available in town.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Thargomindah township (approx. 1 km).
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
  • Public Toilets: Onsite for guests.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Thargomindah (Channel Country)

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Extremely hot. Temperatures often exceed 40°C. High chance of thunderstorms and potential for flooding and road closures. Travel is not recommended.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Hot days with cooler nights. A great time to visit as the country greens up after any summer rain. Temperatures average 15°C to 34°C.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): The peak tourist season. Mild, clear, sunny days with very cold nights, often dropping close to freezing. Ideal conditions. Average temperatures from 6°C to 24°C.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Heats up very quickly with dry and sunny conditions. Temperatures range from 14°C to 35°C.

 

 

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