Leichhardt Lagoon – Normanton

Leichhardt Lagoon offers an authentic outback station stay experience in the heart of Queensland’s Gulf Country. Located just a short drive from Normanton on the Gulf Developmental Road, this privately-run campground is set on a working cattle station, providing visitors with a taste of real station life. The centerpiece of the property is the stunning lagoon itself, a vast, lily-pad-covered body of water that is a magnet for an incredible array of birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. The campground provides a spacious, unpowered camping area along the water’s edge, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the tranquil environment. It’s particularly famous for its fishing, with the lagoon holding a healthy population of Barramundi and Saratoga, attracting keen anglers from all over. The facilities are rustic but well-maintained, typically including toilets and hot showers, which is a welcome comfort in such a remote setting. Being a station stay, it embodies the spirit of the outback – it’s about disconnecting from the hustle and bustle, enjoying the spectacular sunsets over the water, sitting by a campfire under a sky full of stars, and waking up to the sounds of the bush. It’s an ideal spot for self-sufficient travellers looking for more than just a place to park for the night.

Site Information

• Location: Approximately 23km east of Normanton on the Gulf Developmental Road.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes. Suitable for most rigs.
• Road Access: Access is via a dirt station track off the main sealed highway. The track is generally 2WD accessible in the dry season but can be corrugated.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a paid campground. Bookings are recommended, especially during peak season.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management at time of booking.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets and hot showers are available. All sites are unpowered.
• Potable Water: It is highly recommended to bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. A short drive towards Normanton may yield a weak Telstra signal.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Bins are provided, but taking your rubbish with you is encouraged.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated areas or existing fire pits, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding hours and distance from other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, open, unpowered camping area.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, insect repellent (especially for sandflies and mosquitoes), fishing gear, camera, and all food supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are usually welcome but must be kept under control due to it being a working station. Confirm when booking.
• Fishing: Yes, this is a major attraction. Fishing for Barramundi and Saratoga is popular.
• Short Walks: Excellent for walking around the lagoon for birdwatching and photography.

Local Amenities

All major amenities are located in the nearby town of Normanton (approx. 23 km away).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Purple Pub (Albion Hotel) (approx. 23 km)
  • Central Hotel Normanton (approx. 23 km)
  • National Hotel Normanton (approx. 23 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The local hotels, a cafe, and a roadhouse in Normanton.
• Local Attractions:
  • Normanton Railway Station (home of the Gulflander)
  • The Big Croc (Krys the Savannah King)
  • Burns Philp Building
  • The port town of Karumba (approx. 95 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Normanton Tourist Park (approx. 24 km)
  • Gulfland Motel & Caravan Park (approx. 24 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Burke & Wills Roadhouse (offers camping for a fee, approx. 180 km east)
  • Limited rest areas with no facilities along major routes.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Normanton.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple options available in Normanton.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Normanton.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite and in Normanton.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Gulf Country has a distinct tropical savanna climate with a wet and a dry season. The campground may close during the wet season.