Gregory River Bridge Camping Area – Gregory
The Gregory River Bridge Camping Area is a legendary free camp in Queensland’s remote Gulf Country, offering travellers a welcome oasis on the Wills Developmental Road. Located right next to the crystal-clear Gregory River, this large, informal campground is a favourite stopover for those exploring the Savannah Way or heading towards Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Its popularity stems from the beautiful, spring-fed river itself, which provides a fantastic spot for a refreshing swim, a bit of fishing, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge. The camping area is spread out on both sides of the bridge, offering a mix of shady and sunny spots on a dirt and gravel surface. It can accommodate all types of setups, from tents and swags to the largest big rigs. Being a free camp, the facilities are basic but functional, typically including a toilet block and some rubbish bins, although it’s always wise to be self-sufficient and practice ‘leave no trace’ principles by taking your rubbish with you. There are no designated sites, so visitors can choose their own spot upon arrival. During the peak dry season (from May to September), the area can get quite busy, but its size usually allows for everyone to find a comfortable space. The camp is pet-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those travelling with their furry companions. While there are no formal walking tracks, the riverbank offers ample opportunity for a pleasant stroll. Its proximity to the iconic Gregory Downs Hotel, just a short drive away, adds to its appeal, providing a classic outback pub experience for meals and socialising. For travellers seeking an authentic, no-cost outback camping experience by a beautiful river, the Gregory River Bridge is an unmissable destination.
Gregory River Bridge Camping Area
Gregory QLD 4830
GPS Coordinates: -18.64619564314587, 139.24969933174393
Site Information
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed road (Wills Developmental Road).
- Site Surface: Dirt, gravel, sand.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. Adhere to any local signage for time limits.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally accepted as 48-72 hours. Check signage.
- Facilities: Public toilets, rubbish bins (can be full, plan to take rubbish with you).
- Potable Water: No. Must bring your own.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none. A satellite phone is recommended.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally permitted, check local fire bans. Use existing fire pits.
- Generator Use: Permitted, considerate use is expected.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area with no defined sites.
- Essentials to Bring: All food, drinking water, insect repellent, rubbish bags.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very popular spot for campers with dogs.
- Fishing: Yes, popular spot for fishing in the Gregory River.
- Short Walks: Informal walks along the riverbank.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Gregory Downs Hotel, Gregory (approx. 10 km)
- Burketown Pub, Burketown (approx. 120 km)
- Doomadgee Tavern, Doomadgee (approx. 120 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Gregory Downs Hotel, Gregory (approx. 10 km)
- Various options in Burketown (approx. 120 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park (approx. 110 km)
- Adels Grove (approx. 100 km)
- Riversleigh Fossil Fields (part of Boodjamulla)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Gregory Downs Hotel (has a caravan park, approx. 10 km)
- Burketown Caravan Park (approx. 120 km)
- Adels Grove (approx. 100 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Various roadside rest areas along the Wills Developmental Road and Savannah Way.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Burketown (approx. 120 km)
- Doomadgee (approx. 120 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Gregory Downs (approx. 10 km)
- Burketown (approx. 120 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Gregory Downs (check availability)
- Burketown (approx. 120 km)
- Public Toilets:
- Onsite at the camping area
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The Gulf Country experiences a distinct wet and dry season. Travel during the wet season can be impossible due to flooding.
| Season | Average Temp (Max/Min) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec – Mar) – WET | 35°C / 25°C | The wet season. Very hot, extremely humid with heavy monsoonal rain and thunderstorms. Roads are frequently cut by floodwaters. Travel is not advised. |
| Autumn (Apr – May) | 33°C / 21°C | The transition period as the rains subside. The landscape is lush and green, but some roads may still be closed. Check conditions before travel. |
| Winter (Jun – Aug) – DRY | 30°C / 14°C | The peak tourist season. Days are warm, sunny, and dry with very low humidity. Nights can be cool. This is the ideal time to visit. |
| Spring (Sep – Nov) | 36°C / 20°C | The ‘build-up’ to the wet season. Temperatures and humidity rise significantly. Usually still dry, but can be uncomfortably hot. |