Pinnarendi Station Stay & Cafe – Forty Mile

Pinnarendi Station Stay & Cafe is a beloved outback oasis and a must-do experience for travellers exploring the Savannah Way between the Atherton Tablelands and the Gulf. Located on the Kennedy Highway near the turn-off to the Undara Lava Tubes, this family-run station stay is renowned for its exceptional hospitality, fantastic food, and tranquil bush camping. The campground offers spacious, unpowered sites set in a peaceful, natural bush environment, providing plenty of room for all types of rigs, from large caravans to tents, to find a private spot. The heart of Pinnarendi is its licensed cafe, a rustic and welcoming hub famous for its delicious homemade meals, particularly the burgers and scones, which have gained a legendary reputation among travellers. The hosts are the soul of the place, known for being incredibly friendly, helpful, and for creating a warm, communal atmosphere where guests feel like old friends. The facilities are rustic but very clean and well-maintained, including hot showers and flushing toilets. Evenings are often a social affair, with guests gathering for happy hour or around a shared campfire under a spectacular canopy of outback stars. For a small fee, the experience offers incredible value and a genuine taste of outback life. With its perfect blend of great food, authentic country charm, and peaceful camping, Pinnarendi is more than just a stopover; it’s a memorable destination in its own right.

Site Information

• Location: On the Kennedy Highway, between Mount Surprise and the Lynd Junction.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes of all sizes.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the entrance. Good gravel roads on the property.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt sites.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a paid station stay. Bookings are highly recommended.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management when booking.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous spacious unpowered sites available.
• Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, cafe/restaurant, rubbish bins.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, at the cafe and common areas.
• Potable Water: Yes, potable water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits. Check with hosts.
• Generator Use: Permitted during designated hours.
• Number of Sites Available: Many sites across a large property.
• Essentials to Bring: While the cafe is excellent, it’s best to be self-sufficient with main supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome. Confirm with hosts when booking.
• Fishing: Limited, in nearby creeks.
• Short Walks: Excellent walking tracks throughout the station property.

Local Amenities

This is a remote station stay. The nearest small towns are Mount Surprise and The Lynd.

• Local Pubs:
  • The Lynd Oasis Roadhouse (has a bar) (approx. 50 km)
  • Bedrock Village Hotel, Mount Surprise (approx. 60 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The onsite cafe is highly recommended. Otherwise, roadhouses at The Lynd or Mount Surprise.
• Local Attractions:
  • Undara Volcanic National Park (Lava Tubes)
  • Forty Mile Scrub National Park
  • O’Brien’s Creek Gemfields (near Mount Surprise)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • This is a station stay campground. Other options include Bedrock Village in Mount Surprise.
• Next Free Camps:
  • Archer Creek Rest Area (48hr, approx. 120 km east)
  • Other basic rest areas on the highway.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • The nearest public dump point is in Mount Surprise.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Fuel is available at Mount Surprise and The Lynd Roadhouse. Ensure you have sufficient fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Savannah Way region has a tropical savanna climate, with a distinct wet and dry season. It is generally hot year-round.