China man Creek Dam park area – Cloncurry

Chinaman Creek Dam is a popular and scenic free camp that offers a peaceful outback retreat just a stone’s throw from the historic mining town of Cloncurry. This beautiful spot provides a welcome alternative to the more formal caravan parks, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in a classic bush setting. The camping area is a large, open, and relatively level dirt and gravel expanse on the shores of the dam, offering plenty of space for all types of rigs, from big motorhomes to camper trailers, to find a prime waterfront position. This is a classic, self-sufficient style of camp, as there are no facilities like toilets or showers, so visitors must be fully self-contained and committed to the ‘leave no trace’ ethos. The main attraction is the dam itself, a serene body of water that is a haven for local birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. It’s also a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. The sense of peace and quiet, especially during the spectacular outback sunrises and sunsets, is a major drawcard. Despite its tranquil and seemingly remote feel, the camp is just a few kilometres from Cloncurry, meaning all town services, from pubs and supermarkets to fuel and a dump point, are incredibly convenient. For a genuine, no-cost bush camping experience with the benefits of town proximity, Chinaman Creek Dam is a top-tier choice.

Site Information

• Location: On the shore of Chinaman Creek Dam, a few kilometres southwest of Cloncurry.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles only. Suitable for all sizes.
• Road Access: Unsealed road to the camping area. Can be corrugated and may require 4WD after rain.
• Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free camping area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Intended for short stays, typically 24-72 hours.
• Facilities: None. You must be 100% self-sufficient.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. A better signal is found back in Cloncurry.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own wood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Everything. Water, food, power, toilet, shower, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the dam is a popular activity.
• Short Walks: Excellent informal walks around the dam perimeter for birdwatching.

Local Amenities

All services are available in the nearby town of Cloncurry (approx. 5-6 km away).

• Local Pubs:
  • Post Office Hotel (approx. 5 km)
  • Leichhardt Hotel (approx. 5 km)
  • Central Hotel (approx. 5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous hotels, cafes, bakeries, and roadhouses in Cloncurry.
• Local Attractions:
  • John Flynn Place Museum
  • Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Information Centre & Museum
  • Mary Kathleen Mine Lookout (day trip)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis (approx. 6 km)
  • Discovery Parks – Cloncurry (approx. 6 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Cloncurry Coppermine Freedom Camp (24hr, approx. 2 km)
  • Fountain Springs Rest Area (24hr, approx. 60 km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Cloncurry at the sale yards.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are available in Cloncurry.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available throughout the town of Cloncurry.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Cloncurry has a hot semi-arid climate, known for its extremely hot summers and mild, dry winters.