Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Barcaldine Caravan Park – At the Heart of Outback History and Shearers’ Spirit

Spread the love







Barcaldine Caravan Park | Hub of Shearers’ Strike History & Outback Spirit


 

Barcaldine Caravan Park: At the Heart of Outback History and Shearers’ Spirit

Step into a living chapter of Australian history with a stay at the Barcaldine Caravan Park. Located in the legendary outback town known as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party, this park is more than just a place to rest—it’s your gateway to understanding the very foundations of the nation’s character. Barcaldine was the epicentre of the Great Shearers’ Strike of 1891, a pivotal event that unfolded under the shade of the now-iconic Tree of Knowledge. The caravan park embodies the town’s welcoming and resilient spirit, offering travellers a friendly, comfortable, and lively base to explore this rich heritage. Known for its outback hospitality, the park is famous during the tourist season for its happy hour gatherings, often featuring live music and entertainment that brings guests together to share stories under the vast outback sky.

The park provides a welcome retreat from the outback heat with a sparkling swimming pool and plenty of shady sites. Its facilities are well-maintained, including a great camp kitchen and clean amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone from tent campers to those in the biggest rigs. From this convenient base, all of Barcaldine’s significant attractions are just a short walk or drive away. You can stand in awe before the magnificent Tree of Knowledge memorial, spend a day immersing yourself in the stories of working Australians at the superb Australian Workers Heritage Centre, and wander through the town’s fascinating folk museum. With its blend of history, community, and classic country comfort, the Barcaldine Caravan Park is an essential stop on any journey through the heart of Queensland.

★★★★☆ (4.5 Stars)
Barcaldine Caravan Park
65 Box St, Barcaldine QLD 4725

Location Map

Site Details and Facilities

  • Location: On the eastern edge of Barcaldine, with easy access from the Capricorn Highway.
  • Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
  • Road Access: Sealed roads to and within the park.
  • Site Surface: A mix of grass, slab, and dirt sites.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites available.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Caters to tourist stays.
  • Facilities: Swimming pool, camp kitchen with entertainment stage, BBQs, clean amenities block, laundry, dump point.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
  • Potable Water: Yes.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good.
  • TV Reception: Good.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Generally not permitted; check with park management for current rules.
  • Generator Use: Limited use may be permitted; check with management for preferred times.

Activities & Essentials

  • Essentials to Bring: Swimmers for the pool, a camp chair for the happy hour entertainment, and walking shoes for exploring the town.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly. Please confirm conditions upon booking.
  • Fishing: Limited local fishing opportunities.
  • Short Walks: The park is within walking/cycling distance of the town’s main attractions.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Restaurants

  • The Shakespeare Hotel: Approx. 1.5 km
  • The Union Hotel: Approx. 1.6 km
  • Barcaldine Hotel Motel: Approx. 1.8 km

Local Attractions

  • Australian Workers Heritage Centre: Approx. 2 km
  • Tree of Knowledge Memorial: Approx. 1.5 km
  • Barcaldine and District Folk Museum: Approx. 1.5 km
  • The Radio Picture Theatre: Approx. 1.6 km

Camping & Travel Resources

  • Nearest Caravan Parks: Homestead Caravan Park.
  • Next Free Camps: Lloyd Jones Weir (approx. 15 km) is a well-known option.
  • Nearest Dump Points: Onsite for guests. A public dump point is available at the Barcaldine Showgrounds.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Several options available in Barcaldine township (approx. 1.5 km).
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
  • Public Toilets: Onsite for guests.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Barcaldine (Central West QLD)

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and often humid, with a high chance of thunderstorms and significant rainfall. Averages range from 24°C to 36°C.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. A very pleasant time to visit. Temperatures average 17°C to 32°C.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): The peak tourist season. Mild to warm, clear sunny days with cold nights. Frosts can occur. Average temperatures from 8°C to 25°C.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Heats up quickly with typically dry and sunny weather. Temperatures range from 16°C to 34°C.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *