Gladstone Showgrounds Camping – Your Central Base for the Capricorn Coast

Perfectly located in the heart of the vibrant port city of Gladstone, the Gladstone Showgrounds offers a fantastic, low-cost, and incredibly convenient camping option for travellers exploring the Southern Great Barrier Reef. This massive facility provides a secure and spacious base for caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs, with an abundance of flat, grassy sites. Its central location means you are just minutes away from all the city’s main attractions, shopping centres, and the bustling marina, making it an ideal choice for both short stopovers and longer stays to fully explore the Capricorn Coast and its industrial heartland. The showgrounds are a hub of activity, providing a friendly and practical place to stay while enjoying all that this dynamic region has to offer.

The amenities at the Gladstone Showgrounds are comprehensive and offer exceptional value for the modest nightly fee. Visitors have access to a large number of powered and unpowered sites, multiple amenities blocks with toilets and hot showers, laundry facilities, and a dump point. These facilities provide all the comforts and conveniences required for a hassle-free stay. The showgrounds serve as the ultimate launchpad for adventure. You can spend a day exploring the beautiful Gladstone Marina, take a ferry out to the pristine Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef, or enjoy a picnic and a swim at the family-friendly East Shores Precinct. The Tondoon Botanic Gardens are also a must-visit, showcasing a superb collection of native plants. For anglers, the region is a paradise, with the harbour and nearby Boyne River and Lake Awoonga offering world-class fishing. For a central, affordable, and well-equipped base in a major coastal city, the Gladstone Showgrounds is a top-tier choice.

Site Information

• Name: Gladstone Showground RV Campsite
• Address: Tank St, Gladstone Central QLD 4680, Australia
• Phone Number: +61 407 720 172

• GPS Coordinates: -23.851035, 151.255142

• Website:

Campground Details

• Location: In the centre of Gladstone, with easy access to all city amenities.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, from tents to the largest motorhomes and fifth-wheelers.
• Road Access: Sealed road access throughout.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable to the on-site caretaker.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management for stays longer than 7 days.
• Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, toilets, hot showers, dump point, laundry facilities.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, though powered sites are plentiful.
• Number of Sites Available: Huge, unmarked area with capacity for hundreds of vans.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, fishing gear, swimmers.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: World-class fishing in the harbour, Boyne River, and Lake Awoonga for Barramundi and Mangrove Jack.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space for walks around the showgrounds and connection to Gladstone’s city paths.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Grand Hotel, Gladstone: Approx. 1 km
  • The Reef Hotel, Gladstone: Approx. 1.5 km
  • Harvey Road Tavern: Approx. 3 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Extensive options in Gladstone’s CBD and at the marina, including cafes, restaurants, and major fast-food chains.
• Local Attractions:
  • Gladstone Marina & East Shores Water Park: Approx. 2 km
  • Tondoon Botanic Gardens: Approx. 7 km
  • Lake Awoonga (fishing and boating): Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Kin Kora Village Caravan & Mobile Home Park: Approx. 3 km
  • Gladstone City Caravan Park: Approx. 2 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Calliope River Rest Area (very popular): Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Numerous major 24/7 stations within a 1-2 km radius.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located at the marina, East Shores Precinct, and various parks throughout the city.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Dry Season (Apr-Oct): The perfect time to visit. Days are warm, sunny, and dry with pleasant nights. The peak season for tourists. Temperatures average 15°C to 28°C.
• Wet Season (Nov-Mar): Hot and very humid, with a high likelihood of heavy tropical downpours and thunderstorms. This is also the marine stinger season. Temperatures average 23°C to 32°C.