Barcaldine Showgrounds Camping – Birthplace of the Labour Movement

Camp in the heart of Australian political history at the Barcaldine Showgrounds, located in the iconic outback town known as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party. This fantastic, low-cost campground offers travellers on the Matilda Way a spacious, friendly, and well-equipped base to explore the rich heritage of Barcaldine and the surrounding Central West Queensland region. The showgrounds are a classic outback facility, boasting a massive, flat, open area that can easily accommodate the largest caravans and motorhomes, ensuring a comfortable stay even during the busy winter tourist season. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the stories of the great Shearers’ Strike of 1891 and discover the enduring spirit of the Australian worker.

The amenities at the Barcaldine Showgrounds are a major drawcard, providing outstanding value for a very modest fee. Visitors have access to a large number of powered and unpowered sites, multiple amenities blocks with toilets and hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump point. The friendly on-site caretakers ensure the grounds are safe and well-maintained. The showgrounds’ location is superb, within easy walking or cycling distance of Barcaldine’s town centre. The main attraction is the stunning Tree of Knowledge memorial, a breathtaking architectural tribute to the ghost gum where the striking shearers met. Other must-see sites include the Australian Workers Heritage Centre and the historic Radio Theatre. For an affordable, comfortable, and historically significant stay in a true outback hub, the Barcaldine Showgrounds is an essential stop.

Site Information

• Name: Barcaldine Showgrounds
• Address: 78 Wilga St, Barcaldine QLD 4725, Australia
• Phone Number: 0428 512 225 (Caretaker)

• GPS Coordinates: -23.549606, 145.296362

• Website:

Campground Details

• Location: At the Barcaldine Showgrounds, within 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 dirt.
• 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 Telstra. Good for other 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 good hat, and a warm jacket for cool desert nights.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: Fishing for Yellowbelly (Golden Perch) in the nearby Alice River.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space for walks around the showgrounds and along the Barcaldine walking tracks.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Shakespeare Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • Union Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • The Artesian Hotel: Approx. 1 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Ridgee Didge Cafe: Approx. 1 km
  • Rose’s and Things: Approx. 1 km
  • Bistro meals available at all local hotels.
• Local Attractions:
  • Tree of Knowledge Memorial: Approx. 1.5 km
  • Australian Workers Heritage Centre: Approx. 2.5 km
  • Barcaldine and District Folk Museum: Approx. 1 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Homestead Caravan Park: Approx. 2 km
  • Barcaldine Tourist Park: Approx. 3 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lloyd Jones Weir, approx. 15km from Barcaldine.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple major 24/7 stations located in Barcaldine.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located at the Tree of Knowledge and in the main street park.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Dry Season (Apr-Oct): The ideal time to visit. Days are warm, sunny, and dry with cool to cold nights. Temperatures average 9°C to 28°C.
• Wet Season (Nov-Mar): Very hot and can be humid, with a chance of heavy downpours and thunderstorms, which can cause localised flooding. Temperatures average 23°C to 37°C.