Mackenzie Park Rest Area – Duaringa

Mackenzie Park Rest Area in Duaringa is a true gem of Central Queensland, offering travellers an exceptionally welcoming and well-facilitated stopover on a donation basis. Located right in the heart of town on the Capricorn Highway, this community-run park is a shining example of country hospitality. The site provides a large, flat, and grassy area with plenty of shade, easily accommodating a large number of vehicles from big rigs to smaller campervans for a stay of up to 48 hours. The park’s standout feature is its impressive array of facilities, which are remarkable for a donation camp and include clean toilets, coin-operated hot showers, and a dump point. At the centre of the park stands the famous life-sized statue of a ‘Mackenzie Bull’, a nod to the region’s rich cattle grazing history and a popular photo opportunity for visitors. The park’s location is incredibly convenient, with the local pub, roadhouse, and general store all within a very short walking distance, encouraging campers to support the small businesses that help maintain this wonderful facility. It’s a peaceful, friendly, and comfortable place to break the long journey between Rockhampton and Emerald, offering far more than just a place to park for the night. Mackenzie Park is a must-stop for any traveller in the region.

Site Information

• Location: On the Capricorn Highway, in the centre of Duaringa township.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the park.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass with some dirt patches.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, donation-based camping with a 48-hour maximum stay.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, coin-operated hot showers, dump point, rubbish bins.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
• Potable Water: Yes, a tap for drinking water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area that can accommodate many vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Coins for the showers and a donation for the upkeep of the park.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: The nearby Mackenzie River offers fishing opportunities.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the park and the small town.

Local Amenities

All of Duaringa’s amenities are within easy walking distance of the park.

• Local Pubs:
  • Duaringa Hotel Motel (approx. 200 m)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Duaringa Hotel and the local roadhouse/cafe.
• Local Attractions:
  • The Mackenzie Bull Statue (onsite)
  • Duaringa Historical & Cultural Centre
  • Blackdown Tableland National Park (approx. 70 km east)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • This is the primary camping spot in Duaringa. Nearest commercial park is in Dingo or Blackwater.
• Next Free Camps:
  • Gogango Rest Area (24hr, approx. 40 km east)
  • Dingo Roadhouse (pub camp, approx. 45 km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A dump point is available onsite.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • A roadhouse with fuel is located across the highway.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Duaringa is located in Central Queensland and experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild, dry winters.