Bedourie Tourist Park – Channel Country Artesian Spa Oasis
In the heart of Queensland’s vast and mesmerising Channel Country, the Bedourie Tourist Park stands as a true outback oasis, offering weary travellers a place of comfort, community, and remarkable rejuvenation. This friendly, council-run park is more than just a place to rest for the night; it’s an essential outback experience, anchored by its direct access to the town’s greatest treasure: the Bedourie Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre. After a long day navigating the iconic red dirt highways, there is no greater pleasure than slipping into the naturally heated, mineral-rich waters of the 22-person spa. This therapeutic experience, coupled with the adjacent cool water swimming pool, provides the perfect remedy for dusty travels, soothing sore muscles and lifting the spirit. It’s this unique feature that sets Bedourie apart and makes it an unmissable stop for anyone exploring this remote corner of Australia.
The park itself offers clean, well-maintained facilities with a range of powered and unpowered sites set on grassy lawns—a welcome splash of green against the arid landscape. It’s a place where stories are shared and travel tips are exchanged in the camp kitchen or communal areas. Bedourie serves as a vital hub between the major outback centres of Birdsville and Boulia, providing a crucial point for rest and resupply. The town comes alive for its famous annual Camel and Pig Races, drawing crowds from across the country for a weekend of quirky and thrilling outback sport. Whether you’re using it as a base to explore the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape, recovering from the Simpson Desert, or simply enjoying the unparalleled relaxation of the artesian waters, the Bedourie Tourist Park offers a warm welcome and a genuinely restorative outback Queensland experience.
Nappa St, Bedourie QLD 4829
Site Information
- Location: Bedourie, Channel Country, Outback Queensland.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road access on main highways.
- Site Surface: Grassed sites.
- Camping Permitted: Yes.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with park management for details.
- Number of Powered Sites: Good number of powered sites available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Ample unpowered camping area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Amenities block, laundry, camp kitchen, BBQ area, dump point. Key access to the 24-hour Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre next door.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Telstra service is available in town.
- TV Reception: Satellite reception is generally required.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted; check for local fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted in designated areas during sociable hours.
- Number of Sites Available: Booking is highly recommended during peak season (April-October) and especially during the Camel Races.
Visitor Information
- Essentials to Bring: Swimmers for the spa and pool, fly nets for your hat, sunscreen, and warm clothing for cool desert nights.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, conditions apply.
- Fishing: Limited local fishing opportunities.
- Short Walks: Walk around the small township to see the historic sites and the racecourse.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Royal Hotel Bedourie (approx. 400 m)
- Places to Eat:
- The Royal Hotel Bedourie (approx. 400 m)
- Bedourie Roadhouse / Simpson Desert Oasis (approx. 1 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Bedourie Artesian Spa & Aquatic Centre (adjacent to park)
- Bedourie Racecourse (Home of the Camel Races) (approx. 2 km)
- Vaughan Johnson Lookout (approx. 2 km)
- The Dreamtime Serpent Indigenous artwork
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Boulia Caravan Park (approx. 190 km north)
- Birdsville Caravan Park (approx. 190 km south)
- Next Free Camps:
- Carcory Ruins (historical site, approx. 125 km south)
- Rest areas are available along the Diamantina Developmental Road.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Available on-site at the tourist park.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Bedourie Roadhouse (approx. 1 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site at the tourist park.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Available on-site and at the Aquatic Centre.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Channel Country
- Autumn/Winter/Spring (April – October): The ideal travel season. Characterised by warm, dry, sunny days and cool to cold nights. Temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing.
- Summer (November – March): This period brings extreme heat, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. It is also the season for potential flooding if there is significant rainfall in the catchment areas, which can lead to widespread and prolonged road closures.