Archer Creek Rest Area – Millstream

Archer Creek Rest Area is a large and exceptionally popular free campground located on the Kennedy Highway, just south of Ravenshoe on the Atherton Tablelands. This well-known stop offers travellers a spacious and scenic place to stay for up to 48 hours, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding high country. The rest area is set in a peaceful bushland environment alongside Archer Creek, with a vast, open, grassy area that can accommodate a large number of vehicles, from the biggest rigs to smaller campervans and tents. Its size means that even when busy, there’s usually enough room to find a comfortable spot. The facilities provided are basic but well-maintained, typically including flushing toilets and rubbish bins. While there are no showers, its status as a free 48-hour camp with such a great location makes it a standout choice for budget-conscious travellers. The creek itself provides a lovely backdrop and a place for a refreshing paddle on a warm day. Being just a short drive from Ravenshoe, Queensland’s highest town, campers have easy access to supplies, pubs, cafes, and a dump point. Archer Creek Rest Area is the perfect example of a top-tier free camp, offering convenience, space, and a beautiful natural setting.

Site Information

• Location: On the Kennedy Highway, approximately 15 km south of Ravenshoe.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the entrance. Internal tracks are dirt.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt. Can get boggy in wet weather.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 48-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, rubbish bins, some picnic tables. No showers or power.
• Potable Water: No, the water from the creek is not suitable for drinking without treatment. Bring your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; limited for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Variable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, unless local fire bans are in place. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other campers (reasonable hours and distance).
• Number of Sites Available: Very large open area without defined sites. Can get very busy.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Limited fishing in the creek.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the creek and through the surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

All major amenities are located in the nearby town of Ravenshoe (approx. 15 km north).

• Local Pubs:
  • Club Hotel Ravenshoe (approx. 15 km)
  • Ravenshoe Hotel (approx. 15 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Both hotels, plus numerous cafes and takeaway shops in Ravenshoe.
• Local Attractions:
  • Millstream Falls National Park (Big and Little Millstream Falls)
  • Windy Hill Wind Farm
  • Ravenshoe Visitor Centre and Nganyaji Interpretive Centre
  • The Millstream Express Steam Train
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ravenshoe Millstream Caravan Park (approx. 14 km)
  • Ravenshoe Railway Caravan Park (approx. 15 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Donation Camp Rocky Creek, Walkamin (approx. 60 km north)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Ravenshoe.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are available in Ravenshoe.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Ravenshoe.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite and in Ravenshoe.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

As part of the Atherton Tablelands, the area has a cooler, wetter climate than the coast, with distinct seasons.