Elliot River Park Rest Area, Guthalungra QLD
Strategically positioned on the Bruce Highway roughly halfway between the major regional centres of Bowen and Ayr, the Elliot River Park Rest Area is one of the most popular and well-known free overnight camps in North Queensland. This large, sprawling site, with designated areas on both the northbound and southbound sides of the highway, serves as an essential stop for weary travellers making the long journey up or down the coast. Its sheer size means that even during the peak tourist season, you can usually find a spot to pull in, making it a reliable option for those travelling without a fixed itinerary. The setting is typical for a highway rest area, but the proximity to the tree-lined Elliot River provides a pleasant backdrop and a welcome touch of nature.
This is a true free camp, and as such, the facilities are basic but functional. The main drawcards are the flushing toilets and the provision of rubbish bins, which are a significant step up from many other roadside stops. Shady picnic tables are scattered throughout, offering a comfortable place for a meal break. It is crucial for travellers to understand that this is not a caravan park; there are no powered sites, no showers, and the tap water is generally considered non-potable and should not be used for drinking unless treated. The site is best suited to fully self-contained caravans and motorhomes that can manage for a night without external connections.
Despite its simplicity, the Elliot River Rest Area fulfils its purpose perfectly. It provides a safe and designated area to pull off the busy highway and get a good night’s rest, adhering to the critical road safety message of ‘stop, revive, survive’. Its popularity fosters a sense of security, with many other travellers around. While it can be noisy due to the constant highway traffic, particularly from trucks, its convenience and cost (or lack thereof) make it an indispensable part of the North Queensland touring route for thousands of travellers each year.
Site Information
- Location: On the Bruce Highway, between Bowen and Ayr.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Campervans.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access roads.
- Site Surface: Mix of dirt, gravel, and some grassy areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, 24-hour limit is enforced.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous, not individually marked.
Facilities
- Facilities: Flushing toilets.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No, tap water is not suitable for drinking.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Can be intermittent. Telstra generally has the most reliable service.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No dump point.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
- Generator Use: Permitted, please be considerate of neighbours and run only during daylight hours.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area, but it can get very busy.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Your own drinking water, toilet paper (just in case), insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
- Fishing: Possible to fish in the Elliot River, but access can be difficult and water levels vary.
- Short Walks: Possible to walk along the riverbank, be mindful of the environment.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Guthalungra Hotel (approx. 10 km)
- Bowen Hotels (approx. 50 km south)
- Ayr Hotels (approx. 55 km north)
- Places to Eat: A roadhouse is located at Guthalungra. Major supermarkets and restaurants are in Bowen or Ayr.
- Local Attractions:
- Bowen’s Beaches and “Big Mango” (approx. 50 km)
- Ayr’s Burdekin River Bridge (approx. 55 km)
- SS Yongala Wreck Dive charters (from Alva Beach, near Ayr)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Guthalungra Caravan Park (approx. 10 km)
- Multiple parks in Bowen (approx. 50 km) and Ayr (approx. 55 km)
- Next Free Camps: Home Hill Comfort Stop (approx. 65 km north), Guthalungra Rest Area (a smaller stop, approx. 10 km south).
- Nearest Dump Points: Bowen Showgrounds or Ayr Showgrounds (check for public access).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Guthalungra (approx. 10 km). Full range of services in Bowen and Ayr.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Information centres in Bowen or Ayr are the best options.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- The Dry Season (Apr – Nov): The ideal time to travel. Expect warm to hot sunny days, lower humidity, and cool, pleasant evenings. Temperatures average 16°C to 30°C.
- The Wet Season (Dec – Mar): Very hot and humid with significant rainfall, often in the form of heavy afternoon storms and potential cyclones. The landscape is lush and green. Be aware of potential for road closures due to flooding. Temperatures average 24°C to 33°C.