Futter Creek Camping Reserve | Free Bush Camp Near Calliope
For travellers seeking a simple, peaceful, and budget-friendly stop, the Futter Creek Camping Reserve is a well-regarded gem in the Gladstone region. Located on the Gladstone Monto Road just south of Calliope, this public reserve offers a back-to-basics bush camping experience without the price tag. It’s a popular choice for self-sufficient caravan and motorhome owners looking for a spacious and convenient place to rest for a night or two. The reserve is set in a pleasant, open bushland area, providing a genuine sense of being in the Australian countryside, with ample space to find a spot away from other campers.
While facilities are minimal, the reserve covers the essentials for a short stay, featuring a toilet block and rubbish bins. The lack of power and potable water encourages a self-reliant style of camping that many seasoned travellers prefer. The area is generally flat, making it easy to set up, and the surrounding trees offer pockets of shade throughout the day. Its proximity to Calliope is a major advantage; campers can easily drive into town to access shops, a dump point, and other services before returning to the tranquility of the reserve. It also serves as an excellent, cost-effective base for exploring nearby attractions, including the beautiful Lake Awoonga, the historic town of Monto, or the industrial hub of Gladstone. Futter Creek Camping Reserve embodies the spirit of traditional Aussie free camping: simple, unpretentious, and perfectly located.
Gladstone Monto Rd, Taragoola QLD 4680
Site Information
- Location: A public reserve located on the Gladstone Monto Road, south of Calliope.
- Site Suitable For: Best suited for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and camper trailers. Tents are possible but be prepared for no facilities.
- Road Access: Sealed road access to the entrance of the reserve.
- Site Surface: A mix of dirt and grass. Can become boggy after heavy rain.
- Camping Permitted: Yes.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally understood to be for short stays (e.g., 24-72 hours). Please observe any signage.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: No designated sites; a large open area is available.
Facilities
- Facilities: Basic toilet block.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, a few are available.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Can be variable, but generally available.
- TV Reception: Possible with a good antenna.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No dump point at the reserve.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, available. Please use them responsibly.
- Open Fires: Check for local fire bans. If permitted, use existing fire pits and ensure fires are fully extinguished.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers with noise and fumes.
- Number of Sites Available: No set number; ample space available but can be popular in peak season.
Visitor Information
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, toilet paper, insect repellent, and firewood if you plan on having a fire.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome but must be kept under control and on a leash.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in the immediate creek, but close to the major fishing destination of Lake Awoonga.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve area.
Local Amenities (Nearest town is Calliope)
- Local Pubs:
- Railway Hotel, Calliope (approx. 16 km)
- Diggers Arms Hotel, Calliope (approx. 16 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Pubs, bakery, and cafes in Calliope (approx. 16 km).
- Local Attractions:
- Calliope River Historical Village (approx. 17 km)
- Lake Awoonga (for fishing and boating, approx. 25 km)
- Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Gladstone (approx. 38 km)
- Gladstone city centre (approx. 40 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Calliope Caravan Park (approx. 15 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Calliope River Rest Area (approx. 18 km).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Public dump point at the Calliope River Rest Area (approx. 18 km).
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Available in Calliope (approx. 16 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Calliope. It is essential to fill up before arriving at the reserve.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Available on-site at the reserve.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Gladstone Region
- Autumn/Winter (April – September): The most pleasant time for camping, with mild to warm, dry, sunny days and cool nights.
- Spring/Summer (October – March): The weather is hotter and more humid. This is the wet season, so be prepared for rain and thunderstorms, which may make the ground soft.