Calliope South Campsite – Free Camping Queensland

Calliope South Campsite is a free, popular camping and rest area located beside the beautiful Calliope River in Queensland. Offering a serene and spacious environment for travellers, it is a perfect spot for a short stopover or a relaxing few days away. This site is particularly suitable for self-contained vehicles, although the southern side, where amenities are located, is open to all travellers. The site provides a welcoming atmosphere with a focus on a simple, no-frills camping experience. Campers can enjoy the peaceful setting, ample space, and the natural beauty of the river. The area is known for being family and pet-friendly, making it a great destination for a variety of travellers. It’s a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy a quiet getaway while still being within a reasonable distance to the town of Calliope and its services. Visitors should be aware of the local wildlife and flood warnings, especially during the wet season. Overall, Calliope South Campsite offers a genuine Australian bush camping experience with just enough amenities to be comfortable.

Calliope South Campsite

Old Bruce Hwy, River Ranch QLD 4680

Features

• Location: Riverside
• Site Suitable For: Tents, RVs, camper trailers, caravans, big rigs. Suitable for self-contained and non-self-contained travellers.
• Road Access: Sealed road (Old Bruce Hwy)
• Site Surface: Sand and grass
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours
• Facilities:
  • Picnic Tables: Yes
  • Potable Water: No, water supplied is untreated bore water and not recommended for consumption.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra and Optus reception.
  • TV Reception: Good
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes
  • Open Fires: Yes, in designated areas and with caution.
  • Generator Use: Permitted
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring:
  • Drinking water
  • Toilet paper (as supplies may run out)
  • Rubbish bags if bins are full or for excess waste
• Pet Friendly: Yes, but dogs must be on a lead or tethered at all times.
• Fishing: Yes, in the Calliope River. Be aware of saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish.
• Short Walks: Opportunities for short walks along the riverbank.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Diggers Arms Hotel Calliope – approx. 12 km
  • Railway Hotel Motel – approx. 12 km
  • Boyne Valley Hotel – approx. 40 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Salty Towers Takeaway – approx. 12 km
  • The Pizza Place Calliope – approx. 12 km
  • Lizzys Country Bakehouse – approx. 12 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Calliope River Historical Village – approx. 7 km
  • Tondoon Botanic Gardens – approx. 20 km
  • Boynedale Bushcamp – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Calliope Caravan Park – approx. 12 km
  • Boyne River Tourist Park – approx. 15 km
  • Discovery Parks – Tannum Sands – approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Boyne River Rest Area – approx. 15 km
  • Benaraby Public Campgrounds – approx. 20 km
  • Futter Creek Camping Reserve – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Calliope Dump Point (Corner of Taragoola Rd and Dawson Hwy) – approx. 12 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Caltex Calliope – approx. 10 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Nearest towns like Calliope or Gladstone.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite toilets are available. Additional public toilets are available in the town of Calliope.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Calliope South Campsite

Located in Central Queensland, Calliope experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The weather can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months.

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid with average maximum temperatures around 30°C. This is the wet season, and the area can experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential flooding. It’s crucial to check flood warnings before and during your stay.
• Autumn (March – May): The heat and humidity begin to ease. Temperatures are pleasant, averaging between 20°C and 28°C. Rainfall decreases, making it a comfortable time to visit.
• Winter (June – August): The dry season with mild to warm days and cool nights. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C to a maximum of 25°C. This is generally considered the most ideal time for camping in the region due to the lower humidity and less chance of rain.
• Spring (September – November): Temperatures gradually rise, and the humidity increases as the season progresses. Average temperatures are between 15°C and 29°C. The weather is mostly sunny and pleasant, making it another good time for camping before the summer heat sets in.