Opalton Free Camp Area – Opalton QLD

The free camping area at Opalton offers one of the most authentic and rugged outback experiences imaginable, placing you squarely in the middle of one of Queensland’s largest and most historic opal fields. This is not a destination for the casual tourist but for the adventurous, self-reliant traveller keen to try their hand at fossicking and soak up the unique atmosphere of a remote mining community. The campground is a vast, open area of red earth, dotted with hardy scrub and the occasional old mine shaft, where visitors can choose their own spot to set up camp. The journey to Opalton itself, over 120 kilometres of unsealed road from Winton, is part of the adventure and a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. Once there, the camp provides a basic but peaceful base from which to explore the designated public fossicking areas in search of the region’s famous boulder opal.

This is the definition of a primitive bush camp. There are absolutely no facilities on site—no toilets, no showers, no potable water, and no rubbish bins. Visitors must be 100% self-sufficient, carrying in everything they need and carrying out everything they bring. The reward for this preparedness is an unparalleled sense of solitude and a connection to a landscape rich in history and potential treasure. The community at Opalton is small and consists of hardy miners, and there’s a unique bush pub that operates seasonally. The main activities are fossicking, exploring the vast, starkly beautiful landscape, and experiencing the incredible night sky, which is completely free from light pollution. Camping at Opalton is a true outback adventure that offers a genuine glimpse into the tough but rewarding life of an opal miner.

Campsite Information

• Location: In the designated camping area of the Opalton fossicking fields.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained 4WDs, off-road camper trailers, and experienced tent campers.
• Road Access: Over 120 km of unsealed road from Winton. 4WD is strongly recommended. Roads can be impassable after rain.
• Site Surface: Red dirt and rocky ground.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, informal free camping. A fossicking licence is required to search for opals.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive bush camp.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: No. A satellite phone or emergency beacon is essential for safety.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet and remove all waste.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish back to Winton.
• Open Fires: Permitted, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for the quiet environment.
• Number of Sites Available: A very large, undefined area with many places to camp.
• Essentials to Bring: Fossicking licence and tools, own toilet, all water, food, fuel, power, and emergency communications.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept under strict control due to mine shafts.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Explore the fossicking areas and unique landscape. Be extremely cautious of unmarked mine shafts.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: The Opalton ‘bush pub’ may be open seasonally. Otherwise, the nearest pubs are in Winton (~125 km).
• Places to Eat: None, apart from the bush pub if it is open. All food must be brought in.
• Local Attractions: Public fossicking area for boulder opal.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Located in Winton (~125 km).
• Next Free Camps: Mayne River free camp (~80 km), various camps around Winton.
• Nearest Dump Points: Located in Winton (~125 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Located in Winton (~125 km). Ensure you have enough fuel for a return trip.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Located in Winton (~125 km).
• Public Toilets: Located in Winton (~125 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Opalton Region, QLD

• Summer (December – February): Extremely hot and not recommended for travel. Temperatures often exceed 45°C, and roads are frequently closed due to flash flooding.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to hot days with milder nights. Roads begin to dry out, making it a viable time to visit.
• Winter (June – August): Mild, sunny days with cold nights. This is the peak season for fossicking and camping in the area.
• Spring (September – November): Temperatures rise quickly. It can become very hot and dry.