Benaraby Public Campgrounds – Free 24-Hour Riverside Rest Area
For travellers seeking a simple, convenient, and cost-free place to rest, the Benaraby Public Campgrounds is a well-known and valued stopover on the Bruce Highway. Situated right on the scenic banks of the Boyne River, this location serves as a dedicated 24-hour rest area, providing a safe and accessible spot for drivers to pull over, recharge, and break up a long journey. While it offers no-frills camping, its prime riverside position and the sheer convenience of its location make it an incredibly popular choice, particularly for self-contained caravans and motorhomes. The atmosphere is typically casual and friendly, with a rotating community of fellow travellers sharing the spacious, informal camping area.
It’s important for visitors to understand that this is a public rest area, not a commercial caravan park. The facilities are basic, consisting primarily of a public toilet block and rubbish bins. There is no power, no showers, and no potable water on tap, so campers must be self-sufficient. However, what it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in value and location. Visitors can enjoy pleasant views of the river, try their luck fishing from the bank, or simply relax under the shade of the trees. Its proximity to the services at Benaraby and a short drive to Tannum Sands means that supplies are never far away. As a free, council-provided facility, it’s a fantastic resource for the travelling public, embodying the spirit of the open road by offering a safe haven to rest for a night before continuing the adventure.
48739 Bruce Hwy, Boyne Waters, Benaraby QLD 4680
Site Information
- Location: Directly beside the Boyne River and Bruce Highway.
- Site Suitable For: Best for self-contained vehicles (caravans, motorhomes). Tents and other setups are also common.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access with dirt/gravel internal area.
- Site Surface: Mix of dirt, gravel, and grass. Can be dusty or muddy depending on weather.
- Camping Permitted: Yes.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Strictly 24 hours.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: No designated sites; find a suitable space upon arrival.
Facilities
- Facilities: Basic amenities block.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, some available.
- Potable Water: No, visitors must bring their own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good.
- TV Reception: Variable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No dump point on site. Nearest public dump point is at Calliope River Rest Area.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted; check for local fire bans.
- Generator Use: Generally permitted, but be considerate of fellow campers regarding noise and fumes.
- Number of Sites Available: First-come, first-served. Can get busy during peak seasons.
Visitor Information
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, toilet paper, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
- Fishing: Popular spot for fishing from the riverbank.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the river are possible.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Benaraby Hilltop Motor Inn (with pub/restaurant, approx. 2 km)
- Tannum Sands Hotel (approx. 11 km)
- Boyne Island Tavern (approx. 12 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Benaraby Hilltop Motor Inn (approx. 2 km).
- Full range of cafes, takeaways, and restaurants at Tannum Sands & Boyne Island (approx. 11-13 km).
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Awoonga (approx. 8 km)
- Tannum Sands Main Beach and Millennium Esplanade (approx. 11 km)
- Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Gladstone (approx. 21 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Boyne River Tourist Park (approx. 1 km)
- Greenacres Motel Van Park (approx. 2 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- This is a major free camp. The next one northbound is Calliope River Rest Area (approx. 26 km).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Calliope River Rest Area (approx. 26 km).
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Major service station located at the Benaraby crossroads (approx. 2 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Service stations in Benaraby or Tannum Sands. It is not available on site.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Available on-site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Gladstone Region
- Autumn/Winter (April – September): The most pleasant time to visit, with mild to warm, sunny days and low humidity. Ideal for camping.
- Spring/Summer (October – March): The wet season brings hotter and more humid conditions. Be prepared for rain and the possibility of the ground becoming soft.