Mungallala Rest Area – Mungallala

The Mungallala Rest Area is a quintessential outback experience, offering travellers a free place to camp in exchange for supporting one of Queensland’s classic country pubs. Located in the tiny settlement of Mungallala on the Warrego Highway, the campground is situated on a large, open, grassy area directly behind the iconic Mungallala Hotel. This arrangement provides a safe and friendly environment for an overnight stop, with the added bonus of true bush hospitality just a few steps away. The site can accommodate all types of vehicles, from big rigs to smaller campervans, and while it’s primarily for self-contained travellers, access to the pub’s toilets is available during opening hours. The deal is simple and unspoken: enjoy the free camp, and in return, pop into the pub for a cold beer, a hearty meal, or both. This symbiotic relationship helps keep the pub alive and provides a much-needed service for the travelling community. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with campers often gathering at the pub in the evening to swap stories of their travels. It’s a fantastic way to break up the long drive between Mitchell and Morven, offering more character and security than a roadside stop. For a genuine taste of outback life and a great night’s rest, the Mungallala pub camp is an unmissable stop.

Site Information

• Location: Behind the Mungallala Hotel, on the Warrego Highway.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs. Best for self-contained vehicles.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the entrance.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free overnight camping is welcomed with patronage of the hotel.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally 24 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets available in the pub during opening hours. No showers or power.
• Picnic Tables: Available at the pub.
• Potable Water: It is recommended to bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, especially with an external antenna.
• TV Reception: Variable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: In the hotel (during opening hours).
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, available.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other campers and the pub.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area that can accommodate many vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: It is best to be self-contained. Bring cash for the pub.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash in the camping area.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Walk around the small, historic township.

Local Amenities

Mungallala is a very small settlement. The nearest towns with significant services are Mitchell and Morven.

• Local Pubs:
  • Mungallala Hotel (onsite)
  • Hotel Richards, Mitchell (approx. 35 km east)
  • Morven Hotel Motel (approx. 55 km west)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Mungallala Hotel serves classic pub meals.
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic Mungallala Hotel itself
  • The small Mungallala Sawmill
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Major Mitchell Caravan Park, Mitchell (approx. 35 km)
  • Morven Motel & Van Park (approx. 55 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Neil Turner Weir, Mitchell (donation camp, approx. 40 km east)
  • Morven Freight Siding Rest Area (24hr, approx. 55 km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Public dump points are available in Mitchell and Morven.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Fuel is available at the pub (check hours). Otherwise, Mitchell or Morven are the nearest reliable options.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Mitchell or Morven.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite at the pub during opening hours.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Mungallala has a hot semi-arid climate, with very hot summers and mild, dry winters.