Matthew Flinders Park Rest Area – Beerburrum

Matthew Flinders Park is a well-known and strategically located free 24-hour rest area, offering travellers an exceptional stopover with one of the most iconic backdrops in Queensland: the majestic Glass House Mountains. Situated directly on Steve Irwin Way near Beerburrum, this park is dedicated to the famous explorer who named the distinctive peaks. It provides a large, sealed parking area suitable for all types of vehicles, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes, making it a highly popular spot for those exploring the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The key attraction is undoubtedly the stunning, panoramic view of the mountains, which creates a spectacular setting for an overnight stay, especially at sunrise and sunset. The park is well-equipped for a short stop, featuring a clean toilet block, covered picnic tables, and information boards detailing the history and significance of the area. While it is located next to a busy road and a railway line, the convenience and scenery are often considered a worthy trade-off. Its location makes it the perfect launching point for visiting world-famous attractions like Australia Zoo, or for tackling the various walking tracks and lookouts scattered throughout the Glass House Mountains National Park. It serves as a vital and scenic rest stop for travellers needing a break on their journey between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Site Information

• Location: On Steve Irwin Way, Beerburrum, at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs. It is a sealed parking area.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the site.
• Site Surface: Bitumen.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 24-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins, sheltered picnic tables, information boards.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Prohibited due to the busy nature of the site and proximity to the road.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area that can accommodate many vehicles, but it is very popular.
• Essentials to Bring: Best to be self-contained with water and cooking facilities.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: A great base for the many walking tracks in the Glass House Mountains National Park.

Local Amenities

The nearest services are in Beerburrum, Glass House Mountains township, and the large town of Beerwah.

• Local Pubs:
  • Beerburrum Tavern (approx. 2 km)
  • Glass House Mountains Tavern (approx. 7 km)
  • Beerwah Hotel (approx. 10 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The local taverns, plus numerous cafes and takeaways in Glass House Mountains and Beerwah.
• Local Attractions:
  • Glass House Mountains Lookout (approx. 8 km)
  • Australia Zoo (approx. 9 km)
  • Mount Ngungun Summit Walk
  • Mount Beerburrum Summit Walk
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Glass House Mountains Holiday Village (approx. 7 km)
  • Beerwah Caravan Park (approx. 10 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Cruice Park, Woodford (donation camp, approx. 25 km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located at the Caltex/Puma service station on the M1 highway at Caboolture.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Beerburrum and Beerwah.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Check with local visitor information centres for designated fill-up points.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Glass House Mountains region enjoys a subtropical climate with warm, wet summers and mild, dry winters.