Landsborough Highway Rest Stop – McKinlay QLD

Located on the iconic Landsborough Highway in the heart of Outback Queensland, this large, open rest stop offers a convenient and welcome free overnight camping area for travellers exploring the vast landscapes between McKinlay and Kynuna. As a designated rest area, it provides a vital spot for drivers to manage fatigue, break up long journeys, and experience a night under the brilliant outback stars. The site is a simple, no-fuss clearing beside the highway, offering plenty of space for even the largest rigs to pull in and set up comfortably without needing to unhitch. Its accessibility directly off the sealed highway makes it an ideal choice for those travelling in motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers, and big rigs.

This location serves as a practical base or a necessary stopover when exploring the region’s rich history, from the age of dinosaurs in Winton to the legendary tales immortalised in the local pubs. The environment is typical of the Queensland outback: vast, flat plains with hardy vegetation under an expansive sky. While facilities are basic, they cover the essentials for a short stay, encouraging self-sufficiency which is key to outback travel. It’s a place to appreciate the solitude and scale of the Australian interior, listen to the sounds of the bush at night, and connect with fellow travellers sharing the same great Australian road trip. Remember to leave no trace, respecting the environment to ensure these valuable free camps remain available for all to enjoy. Preparation is paramount in this remote area, so ensure you are well-stocked with water, food, and fuel before your arrival.

Site Details

• Location: Located directly on the Landsborough Highway (A6) between the townships of McKinlay and Kynuna.
• Site suitable for: Big rigs, RVs, caravans, camper trailers, and fifth wheelers.
• Road access: Sealed highway access suitable for all 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Dirt and gravel.
• Camping permitted: Yes, overnight stays are permitted.
• Maximum overnight stays: 24-48 hours is generally acceptable for rest management.

Facilities

• Picnic tables: Yes, available on site.
• Potable water: No, you must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra may have weak or intermittent service; other carriers are unlikely to have coverage.
• TV reception: Unlikely due to the remote location.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please use them or take your rubbish with you.
• Open fires: Not permitted. Use contained cooking appliances only.
• Generator use: Permitted, but please be considerate of neighbours and limit use to reasonable hours (e.g., 8 am – 8 pm).
• Number of sites available: No designated sites; large open area for informal parking.

Essentials to Bring

• Ample drinking water.
• Food supplies.
• Insect repellent.
• Fuel for your vehicle.
• First aid kit.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash and under control.
• Fishing: No fishing opportunities at this location.
• Short walks: Limited to the immediate rest area.

Local Amenities

This is a remote location; services are available in nearby townships but can be a significant distance away.

Local Pubs

• Blue Heeler Hotel, Kynuna: Approximately 48 km west.
• Walkabout Creek Hotel, McKinlay: Approximately 58 km east.
• North Gregory Hotel, Winton: Approximately 215 km west.

Places to Eat

• Kynuna Roadhouse: Approximately 48 km west.
• Walkabout Creek Hotel (Pub meals): Approximately 58 km east.

Local Attractions

• Walkabout Creek Hotel (from ‘Crocodile Dundee’): McKinlay, approximately 58 km east.
• Combo Waterhole Conservation Park: Near Kynuna, approximately 65 km west.
• Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum: Near Winton, approximately 235 km west.

Nearest Caravan Parks

• Kynuna Roadhouse & Caravan Park: Approximately 48 km west.
• McKinlay Roadhouse & RV Park: Approximately 58 km east.
• Discovery Parks – Cloncurry: Approximately 175 km east.

Next Free Camps

• Kynuna South Rest Area: Approximately 60 km west.
• Fullarton River Rest Area: Approximately 100 km east.

Nearest Dump Points

• Cloncurry Showgrounds: Approximately 175 km east.
• Winton Showgrounds: Approximately 215 km west.

Nearest Petrol Station

• Kynuna Roadhouse: Approximately 48 km west.
• Puma McKinlay (McKinlay Roadhouse): Approximately 58 km east.

Drinking Water Resupply

• Cloncurry Visitor Information Centre: Approximately 175 km east.
• Winton Visitor Information Centre: Approximately 215 km west.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

• Kynuna township: Approximately 48 km west.
• Daveys Park, McKinlay: Approximately 58 km east.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The McKinlay region experiences a classic outback climate. Summers (December-February) are very hot and can be humid, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C and the possibility of thunderstorms and heavy rain associated with the wet season. Winters (June-August) are generally mild and dry, with warm, sunny days and cool nights where temperatures can drop significantly. The autumn and spring months offer pleasant travelling conditions with warm days and mild nights, making it the most popular time for visitors.