Bilyana Free Camp – Bruce Highway Rest Area

The Bilyana Free Camp, officially known as the Bilyana Rest Area, is a popular and convenient overnight stopping point for travellers on the Bruce Highway in Tropical North Queensland. Situated between the towns of Cardwell and Tully, this large, sealed rest area offers a safe and accessible spot for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs to pull over for a legislated 20-hour maximum stay. While it lacks the scenic charm of a national park or beachside camp, its practicality is its greatest asset. The site is essentially a large bitumen car park set back from the highway, providing a reasonable buffer from traffic noise, though some is still to be expected. It is a designated driver reviver stop during peak holiday seasons. The facilities are basic but functional, consisting primarily of a toilet block and several covered picnic tables. There is no potable water or power available, so campers must be fully self-sufficient. Its large size means finding a spot is generally not an issue, even for the biggest of rigs. The rest area is a no-frills location; there are no walking tracks or specific attractions on-site. Its purpose is purely for rest and recuperation before continuing a journey. The proximity to local attractions like Murray Falls and the Cardwell Spa Pool makes it a useful, cost-free base for a short period. Being a government-maintained rest area, it’s crucial for users to respect the 20-hour time limit, keep the area tidy by using the bins provided, and be considerate of other travellers. For those on a long drive needing a simple, free, and easy-access place to rest for the night, the Bilyana Free Camp is an excellent and reliable option.

Site Information

• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Bitumen.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, for rest purposes. 20-hour maximum stay.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 20 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins, picnic tables.
• Potable Water: No.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, considerate use is advised.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area, can accommodate many vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: All food, drinking water, and supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: No designated walks.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Marine Hotel, Cardwell (approx. 25 km)
  • Top of the Town Hotel Motel, Tully (approx. 25 km)
  • Hotel Tully, Tully (approx. 25 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Cardwell (approx. 25 km)
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Tully (approx. 25 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Murray Falls, Girramay National Park (approx. 20 km)
  • Cardwell Spa Pool (approx. 35 km)
  • Attie Creek Falls (approx. 45 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cardwell Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park (approx. 25 km)
  • Tully Gorge Camping and Caravan Park, Tully (approx. 25 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Tully RV Park (approx. 25 km)
  • Henry Lawson Wayside Stop, Cardwell (approx. 25 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cardwell (approx. 25 km)
  • Tully (approx. 25 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Cardwell (approx. 25 km)
  • Tully (approx. 25 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Cardwell (approx. 25 km)
  • Tully (approx. 25 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at Bilyana Rest Area

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The region has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a warm, dry winter and a hot, humid, and very wet summer.