Gordonvale Rest Area – Gordonvale

The Gordonvale Rest Area, known locally as Norman Park, is a beautiful and spacious day-use park that serves as the green heart of Gordonvale and a welcome rest stop for travellers at the southern gateway to Cairns. While this facility is a fantastic place for a break, it is important to note that it is strictly a day-use area, and overnight camping is not permitted. The park offers a wonderful, shady environment with large, mature trees and expansive, well-maintained lawns, making it an ideal spot for a picnic, to let children run around, or to walk the dog. The backdrop is quintessentially Far North Queensland, with stunning views of the iconic Walshs Pyramid. The park is very well-equipped for day visitors, featuring clean public toilets, numerous covered picnic tables, electric barbecues, and a fantastic children’s playground. There is ample parking available for all vehicle types, including dedicated long bays for caravans and motorhomes, making it an easy and stress-free stop. Its location right in the centre of Gordonvale means all the town’s amenities, including a supermarket, bakery, pubs, and cafes, are just a short walk away. For travellers needing a break from the road, Norman Park is a perfect choice to relax, have lunch, and recharge before continuing the journey through the spectacular scenery of the Wet Tropics.

Site Information

• Location: In the centre of Gordonvale, on the southern approach to Cairns.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicles for day use. Long parking bays available for caravans and RVs.
• Road Access: Sealed roads.
• Site Surface: Bitumen car park and large grassed parklands.
• Camping Permitted: No. This is a day-use park only. Overnight stays are prohibited.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 0 – Not permitted.
• Facilities: Toilets, electric BBQs, children’s playground, rubbish bins.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, numerous covered picnic tables are available.
• Potable Water: Yes, drinking fountains and taps are available in the park.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Use provided electric BBQs.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: Not applicable (day use only).
• Essentials to Bring: A picnic lunch to enjoy in the park.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: The nearby Mulgrave River offers fishing opportunities.
• Short Walks: Excellent walking tracks through the park and into the town centre.

Local Amenities

Being located in the centre of Gordonvale, all town amenities are within a very short walk.

• Local Pubs:
  • Great Northern Hotel (approx. 400 m)
  • Central Hotel Gordonvale (approx. 500 m)
  • Parkview Tavern (approx. 600 m)
• Places to Eat:
  • All local pubs, plus numerous cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops along the main street.
• Local Attractions:
  • Walshs Pyramid (for viewing and hiking)
  • Goldsborough Valley, Wooroonooran National Park (short drive)
  • Gordonvale Historical Museum
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Gordonvale RV Park (approx. 1 km)
  • Pyramid Caravan Park (approx. 2 km)
  • Numerous options in the southern suburbs of Cairns.
• Next Free Camps:
  • Babinda Boulders (donation camp, approx. 30 km south)
  • Fred Drew Rest Area (24hr, approx. 50 km south-west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Gordonvale RV Park.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are located within 1 km.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the park.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Gordonvale is located in the Wet Tropics and experiences a tropical monsoon climate with high rainfall in summer.