Miva Rest Area – Miva

The Miva Rest Area offers a peaceful and historic free camping experience for self-sufficient travellers in the beautiful Mary Valley region. Located right next to the heritage-listed Dickabram Bridge, one of the oldest and most significant bridges of its kind in Queensland, this is a spot that perfectly blends natural serenity with a deep sense of history. The campground is a simple, open, and grassy area on the banks of the Mary River, providing a tranquil setting for a 24-hour stay. Campers must be prepared to leave no trace. The main attraction is the magnificent Dickabram Bridge, a rare dual-use structure built for both road and rail traffic, which towers over the site. It’s a marvel of 19th-century engineering and a fantastic subject for photographers. The Mary River itself offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking, and the surrounding area is rich in birdlife. While it is a basic stopover, its quiet, off-the-beaten-path location provides a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of the main highways. For those looking to unwind in a picturesque, historical setting, the Miva Rest Area is a truly special find.

Site Information

• Location: Next to the Dickabram Bridge on the Mary River, in Miva.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles. The access road may be tight for very large rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the site.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 24-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: None. You must be 100% self-sufficient.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you. Leave no trace.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
• Number of Sites Available: Small open area that can accommodate a handful of vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Everything. Water, toilet, shower, power, food, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Mary River is popular.
• Short Walks: Excellent walks along the river and across the historic bridge.

Local Amenities

This is a remote location. The nearest towns with services are Tiaro and Gunalda.

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Tiaro (approx. 15 km)
  • Gunalda Hotel (approx. 15 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The local pubs and cafes in Tiaro and Gunalda.
• Local Attractions:
  • Dickabram Bridge (onsite)
  • Mary River
  • Historic town of Tiaro
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tiaro Tourist Village (approx. 15 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Petrie Park, Tiaro (donation camp, approx. 15 km)
  • Gunalda Rest Stop (pub camp, approx. 15 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Tiaro.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Tiaro and Gunalda.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Tiaro.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available in Tiaro and Gunalda.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Mary Valley has a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.