Ayr Showgrounds Camping – The Heart of the Burdekin Fishing Paradise
Located in the thriving agricultural centre of Ayr, the Ayr Showgrounds is a fantastic, low-cost camping destination for travellers exploring the bountiful Burdekin region of North Queensland. This massive facility is a legendary stop for those on the Bruce Highway, especially anglers and grey nomads, providing a spacious, friendly, and incredibly well-equipped base camp. The showgrounds are famous for their vast, flat, grassy areas that can accommodate hundreds of caravans and motorhomes, ensuring a comfortable spot even during the peak winter season. It’s the perfect place to settle in, enjoy the warm tropical climate, and prepare for an adventure chasing the region’s famed Barramundi, mud crabs, and other prized catches.
The amenities at the Ayr Showgrounds are a major highlight, offering exceptional value for a very modest fee. Visitors have access to a large number of powered and unpowered sites, multiple clean amenities blocks with toilets and hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump point. The friendly on-site caretakers and strong community vibe make for a secure and pleasant stay. The showgrounds are conveniently located just a short drive from Ayr’s town centre, which offers a full range of supermarkets, shops, pubs, and cafes. The grounds serve as the ideal launchpad for exploring the mighty Burdekin River system, with numerous boat ramps providing access to some of the best fishing in Australia. Other nearby attractions include the beautiful Alva Beach, a popular spot for swimming and kitesurfing, and the opportunity to dive the world-famous SS Yongala shipwreck. For an affordable, fully-equipped, and perfectly positioned base in Australia’s sugar capital, the Ayr Showgrounds is a top choice.
Site Information
- Name: Ayr Showgrounds
- Address: 9 Edwards St, Ayr QLD 4807, Australia
- Phone Number: 0427 831 423 (Caretaker)
- GPS Coordinates: -19.564988, 147.392718
- Website:
Campground Details
- Location: At the Ayr Showgrounds, on the western side of the township.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, from tents to the largest motorhomes and fifth-wheelers.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Mostly flat grass and some dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable to the on-site caretaker.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management for stays longer than one week.
- Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, toilets, hot showers, dump point, laundry facilities.
- Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, but powered sites are plentiful.
- Number of Sites Available: Huge, unmarked area with capacity for hundreds of vans.
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, a comprehensive fishing kit, and strong insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: World-class Barramundi and mud crabbing in the nearby Burdekin River and local estuaries.
- Short Walks: Plenty of space for walks around the showgrounds and along the town’s river paths.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Queens Hotel Ayr: Approx. 2 km
- Hotel Metropole Ayr: Approx. 2 km
- Burdekin Hotel: Approx. 2 km
- Places to Eat:
- Ayr’s main street has numerous cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops: Approx. 2 km
- Ayr Anzac Memorial Club: Approx. 3 km
- Local Attractions:
- Burdekin Bridge (“Silver Link”): Approx. 12 km
- Alva Beach (swimming, kitesurfing): Approx. 16 km
- Diving the SS Yongala shipwreck (tours depart from Alva Beach).
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Burdekin Gateway Caravan Park: Approx. 2 km
- Alva Beach Tourist Park: Approx. 16 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Home Hill Comfort Stop (basic, 48-hour limit), Home Hill: Approx. 12 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Located on-site at the showgrounds.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple major 24/7 stations located in Ayr.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located in Plantation Park in the centre of Ayr.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Dry Season (Apr-Oct): The ideal time to visit. Days are warm, sunny, and dry with pleasant nights. The peak season for tourists. Temperatures average 16°C to 30°C.
- Wet Season (Nov-Mar): Hot and very humid, with a high likelihood of heavy tropical downpours and thunderstorms, which can lead to flooding. This is the prime Barramundi fishing season. Temperatures average 24°C to 33°C.