Neville Hewitt Weir Camping Area – Baralaba

The Neville Hewitt Weir Camping and Picnic Area is a popular and well-regarded donation-based campground located on the outskirts of the friendly town of Baralaba. Set along the expansive banks of the Dawson River, this site offers travellers a picturesque and relaxing place to stay. The weir creates a significant body of water, making it a local hotspot for recreational activities, especially fishing for Saratoga and Barramundi, and boating, with a concrete boat ramp providing easy access. The camping area itself is a large, open, grassy space that can accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from the largest motorhomes to smaller campervans, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the riverside views. The local council and community take great pride in this facility, which is reflected in the well-maintained amenities, including flushing toilets and coin-operated hot showers. A large, covered picnic area with electric barbecues adds to the convenience and comfort of the stay. Its location is a perfect blend of bush and town, offering a peaceful natural environment while being only a minute’s drive from the main street of Baralaba for supplies, a pub meal, or fuel. This combination of location, facilities, and natural beauty makes Neville Hewitt Weir an essential stop for anyone travelling through the Banana Shire.

Site Information

• Location: On the Dawson River, at the edge of Baralaba township.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle sizes, including big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road access right to the campground entrance.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass with some dirt areas. Generally level.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, camping is by donation, which helps maintain the excellent facilities.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: A 7-day stay limit is typically in place.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, coin-operated hot showers, large covered picnic shelter, electric BBQs, boat ramp.
• Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra coverage in the area. Other carriers may be limited.
• TV Reception: Generally good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, flushing toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided onsite.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Use the provided BBQ facilities or personal gas cookers.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but must be used with consideration for other campers (reasonable hours and distance).
• Number of Sites Available: Large open unpowered area without designated sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Coins for the hot showers, fishing gear, and a donation for your stay.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Saratoga and Barramundi. A boat ramp is available.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walking along the river bank and into town.

Local Amenities

All amenities are located in the town of Baralaba, a very short drive or walk from the campground.

• Local Pubs:
  • Baralaba Hotel (approx. 1.5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The local hotel, a cafe, and a convenience store in Baralaba.
• Local Attractions:
  • Baralaba Historical Village
  • The Dawson River itself
  • Myra Station (historic site)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Baralaba Caravan Park (approx. 2 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Apex Park, Moura (approx. 75 km south-east)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Baralaba.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Baralaba (approx. 1.5 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite and in town.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Baralaba has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild, dry winters, typical of the Banana Shire.