Pentland Caravan Park – A Quiet Stop in Queensland’s Historic Goldfields
For travellers on the long stretch of the Flinders Highway between Charters Towers and Hughenden, the Pentland Caravan Park offers a welcome and authentic slice of outback life. This classic, no-fuss caravan park, located conveniently behind the historic Pentland Hotel, is the epitome of a true country stopover. It’s a place to escape the highway noise, pull up on a grassy site, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a town steeped in the history of gold rushes and the golden age of rail. The park provides a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where the hospitality is genuine, making it a perfect spot to rest, recharge, and get a real feel for the local community.The park’s greatest asset is its connection to the Pentland Hotel, the social hub of the town. After setting up camp, it’s just a few steps to the pub for a cold beer, a hearty meal, and a chat with the locals and fellow travellers. This combination of a quiet camping area and a lively country pub creates the perfect outback experience. Pentland itself is a fascinating place to explore on foot. Once a bustling centre for the Cape River Goldfields, the town is now a peaceful guardian of its past. You can discover remnants of its former glory at the local museum and the well-preserved railway station. For nature lovers, the region serves as a gateway to the rugged beauty of the White Mountains National Park, especially stunning during the wildflower season. For a simple, friendly, and affordable stay that captures the essence of a small outback town, the Pentland Caravan Park is an excellent and memorable choice.
Pentland Caravan Park – QLD Location Map
Pentland Caravan Park
Address: 1 Taylor Street, Flinders Hwy, Pentland QLD 4816
Website: https://www.pentlandcaravanpark.com.au
GPS Coordinates: -20.52194, 145.40099
Site Details and Facilities
- Location: Quiet setting behind the Pentland Hotel, just off the Flinders Highway.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access.
- Site Surface: Primarily grass and dirt sites.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites available.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Caters to tourist stopovers.
- Facilities: Toilets and showers (access via hotel), laundry facilities. Basic BBQ area may be available.
- Picnic Tables: Limited; pub has extensive seating.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Primarily Telstra service.
- TV Reception: Satellite TV (VAST) required 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.
Activities & Essentials
- Essentials to Bring: A good book, cash for the pub, and a fly net for the warmer months.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is very pet-friendly. Confirm with the hotel when checking in.
- Fishing: Limited local fishing.
- Short Walks: Explore the historic buildings, railway station, and museum in Pentland.
Local Amenities
Pubs & Restaurants
- Pentland Hotel: Onsite.
- The next closest pubs are in Torrens Creek (approx. 85 km west) or Charters Towers (approx. 150 km east).
Local Attractions
- Pentland’s Historical Buildings & Museum: In town.
- White Mountains National Park: Approx. 50 km east (access tracks may require 4WD, check conditions).
- Burra Range Lookout: Approx. 50 km east on the Flinders Highway.
Camping & Travel Resources
- Nearest Caravan Parks: This is the main park in Pentland.
- Next Free Camps: Roadside rest areas are available, such as the Burra Range Lookout Rest Area.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Pentland.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Pentland.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Pentland (North Queensland Interior)
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and humid with a high chance of rain and thunderstorms (the wet season). Averages range from 24°C to 36°C.
- Autumn (Apr-May): The weather starts to cool down. Warm, pleasant days and milder nights. Temperatures average 18°C to 32°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): The peak tourist season. Dry, sunny, and warm days with cool nights. Ideal travel conditions. Average temperatures from 10°C to 27°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): The “build-up” season, getting progressively hotter and more humid. Temperatures range from 17°C to 34°C.