J.A. Bully Playford Park – Hughenden Free Camp

Nestled on the banks of Queensland’s longest river, the Flinders, J.A. ‘Bully’ Playford Park in Hughenden offers a welcoming and convenient stop for travellers exploring Australia’s Dinosaur Trail. This well-regarded free camping area is specifically designed for self-contained recreational vehicles (RVs), motorhomes, and caravans, providing a spacious and practical base to explore the rich history and rugged landscapes of the Flinders Shire. Its prime location, just a short walk from the town centre, makes it an ideal spot for restocking supplies, enjoying local hospitality, and visiting nearby attractions without the need to unhitch.

The park itself is a large, open, gravel area, ensuring plenty of room for vehicles of all sizes. While the facilities are basic, they cover all the essentials for the modern nomad. The provision of an onsite dump point, potable water, rubbish bins, and public toilets demonstrates the town’s commitment to supporting the travelling community. This thoughtful approach encourages visitors to stay awhile, contributing to the local economy while enjoying a comfortable and cost-effective stay. The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and with a generous maximum stay of 72 hours, travellers have ample time to relax, recharge, and discover what makes Hughenden a must-see destination in Outback Queensland.

Beyond the practical amenities, the park’s riverside setting offers a serene atmosphere. It’s a place where you can watch the sunset paint the outback sky, enjoy a picnic by the water, or try your luck fishing in the Flinders River. The park is also pet-friendly, allowing your four-legged companions to join the adventure, provided they are kept on a leash. For those seeking a blend of convenience, community, and classic outback scenery, J.A. ‘Bully’ Playford Park is an outstanding choice that showcases the best of country town generosity.

Site Information

• Location: J.A. ‘Bully’ Playford Park is located on the banks of the Flinders River in Hughenden, Queensland.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained RVs, caravans, campervans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road access suitable for all vehicle types.
• Site Surface: Primarily gravel and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, for self-contained vehicles.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 72 hours (3 nights).
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Unspecified number of unpowered sites in a large open area.
• Facilities:
  • Picnic Tables: Yes
  • Potable Water: Yes, available onsite.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers like Telstra and Optus.
  • TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes
  • Open Fires: Not permitted.
  • Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours (e.g., 8 am – 8 pm).
• Number of Sites Available: Not specified, large open area.
• Essentials to Bring: Levelling blocks, drinking water hose, and grey water tank.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing is possible in the nearby Flinders River.
• Short Walks: Yes, along the river and into the town centre.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Great Western Hotel (Approx. 1 km)
  • Royal Hotel Resort (Approx. 1 km)
  • The Grand Hotel (Approx. 1 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • FJ Holden Cafe (Approx. 1.2 km)
  • Chen’s Cafe & Chinese Restaurant (Approx. 1 km)
  • Hughenden Bakery (Approx. 1.1 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Flinders Discovery Centre & Museum (Approx. 1.2 km)
  • ‘Mutt’ the Muttaburrasaurus Replica (Approx. 1.2 km)
  • Porcupine Gorge National Park (Approx. 63 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park (Approx. 1.5 km)
  • Hughenden Rest Easi Motel & Caravan Park (Approx. 2.1 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Prairie Hotel Free Camp (Approx. 47 km)
  • Torrens Creek Exchange Hotel Free Camp (Approx. 86 km)
  • Campaspe River Rest Area (Approx. 70 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Onsite at J.A. ‘Bully’ Playford Park
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP & Puma Hughenden (Approx. 1.2 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Onsite at J.A. ‘Bully’ Playford Park
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at J.A. ‘Bully’ Playford Park

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Hughenden

Hughenden has a hot semi-arid climate, with distinct seasons that can influence travel plans.

• Summer (December – February): Characterised by hot and humid conditions. This is the wet season, bringing the majority of the annual rainfall, often in the form of thunderstorms. Daily temperatures frequently rise above $35^\circ C$.
• Autumn (March – May): The weather begins to cool down, with warm, pleasant days and cooling nights. Rainfall subsides, making it a comfortable time to visit.
• Winter (June – August): This is the peak travel season. Expect mild, dry, and sunny days with cool to cold nights. Daytime temperatures typically hover around a pleasant $25^\circ C$, with nights dropping significantly.
• Spring (September – November): Temperatures start to climb again. It remains mostly dry, with the ‘build-up’ to the wet season occurring late in the period, sometimes bringing early storms.