Granite Creek Rest Area – Lowmead

The Granite Creek Rest Area is a large and popular free 24-hour stopover, serving as a vital rest point for travellers on the Bruce Highway in the Discovery Coast region of Queensland. Located between the towns of Gin Gin and Miriam Vale, this is a classic, well-serviced highway rest area that provides a safe and spacious environment for an overnight break. The site features a large, level area with a mix of bitumen and gravel surfaces, offering an abundance of room for all vehicle types, from cars to the largest caravans and big rigs. It is set in a pleasant bushland setting next to Granite Creek, which, when flowing, offers a nice spot for a paddle and adds to the tranquil atmosphere. The facilities are basic but cover the essentials for a short stay, including a toilet block, rubbish bins, and several sheltered picnic tables. Its size and accessibility make it a very popular choice, especially during peak travel seasons, so it can get busy. While not a destination in itself, it’s a highly practical and comfortable place to manage fatigue on the long journey along the coast. Its location makes it a convenient stop before exploring nearby attractions like the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk in Agnes Water or the historic town of Bundaberg.

Site Information

• Location: On the Bruce Highway, approximately 15 km south of Miriam Vale.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the site.
• Site Surface: A mix of bitumen and gravel/dirt areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 24-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins. No showers or power.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, best with Telstra.
• TV Reception: Variable to poor.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: It is best to be fully self-contained with water, power, and shower.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Limited, if the creek is flowing.
• Short Walks: Walking around the large rest area and along the creek.

Local Amenities

The nearest towns with services are Miriam Vale (north) and Gin Gin (south).

• Local Pubs:
  • Miriam Vale Hotel (approx. 15 km)
  • Lowmead Hotel (approx. 20 km, requires detour off highway)
  • Gin Gin Hotel (approx. 60 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Pubs, cafes, and bakeries in Miriam Vale and Gin Gin.
• Local Attractions:
  • Gateway to Agnes Water and Town of 1770
  • Eurimbula National Park
  • Lake Monduran (near Gin Gin)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Miriam Vale Caravan Park (approx. 15 km)
  • Gin Gin Central Motel & Caravan Park (approx. 60 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Gin Gin Rest Area (48hr, donation, approx. 60 km south)
  • Calliope River Rest Area (48hr, approx. 85 km north)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Miriam Vale.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are available in Miriam Vale.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Miriam Vale.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

This coastal region has a subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and very mild winters.