Banjos Rest area – Kynuna

Banjos Rest Area is a free 24-hour camp steeped in Australian folklore, located on the Landsborough Highway between Winton and Kynuna. This is more than just a roadside stop; it’s the gateway to the Combo Waterhole Conservation Park, the very site believed to have inspired Banjo Paterson’s iconic ballad, ‘Waltzing Matilda’. For travellers exploring Australia’s outback, a stop here is a pilgrimage into the heart of the nation’s identity. The rest area itself is a large, open, and mostly level dirt and gravel site, offering plenty of space for all vehicle types, including big rigs and large caravans. It provides basic but essential facilities for a remote location, including toilets and sheltered picnic tables, making it a comfortable base for a night. The main attraction is the interpretive walk that leads from the rest area to the famous Combo Waterhole on the Diamantina River. The track is lined with information boards that tell the story of the swagman and the song, bringing the legend to life. The landscape is classic outback Queensland—vast, open Mitchell grass plains dotted with gidgee trees. The sense of history and isolation, combined with the spectacular outback sunsets and starry nights, makes for a truly memorable stay. For a free camp that offers a deep connection to Australian culture and history, Banjos Rest Area is an unmissable experience.

Site Information

• Location: On the Landsborough Highway, approximately 20 km southeast of Kynuna.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the rest area entrance.
• Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 24-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins, information shelter.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other travellers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large open area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: It is best to be fully self-contained with water, power, and shower facilities.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash in the rest area.
• Fishing: Possible in the Combo Waterhole (if it has water).
• Short Walks: Yes, the main attraction is the interpretive walk to the Combo Waterhole.

Local Amenities

This is a remote location. The nearest services are in the tiny settlement of Kynuna and the major town of Winton.

• Local Pubs:
  • The Blue Heeler Hotel, Kynuna (approx. 20 km)
  • The Gregory Hotel, Winton (approx. 145 km)
  • The Tattersalls Hotel, Winton (approx. 145 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Blue Heeler Hotel in Kynuna serves meals. Extensive options in Winton.
• Local Attractions:
  • Combo Waterhole Conservation Park (onsite)
  • The Blue Heeler Hotel (historic pub)
  • Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum (near Winton)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • The Blue Heeler Hotel offers camping.
  • Multiple caravan parks are available in Winton.
• Next Free Camps:
  • Ayrshire Hills Rest Area (24hr, approx. 75 km south)
  • Other basic rest areas along the highway.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Public dump points are available in Kynuna and Winton.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Fuel is available in Kynuna (check hours) and Winton.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Winton.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

This region has a hot semi-arid climate, with extremely hot summers and mild, dry winters with cool nights.