Richmond Downs Rest Area, Tingun QLD
For travellers exploring the great outback highways of Queensland, the Richmond Downs Rest Area is a classic and convenient free overnight stop. Located on the Carnarvon Highway just a short drive south of Roma, this rest area provides a safe and practical place to pull over and comply with the crucial road safety message to ‘stop, revive, survive’. It’s a typical roadside camp, offering a no-frills but much-appreciated service for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and camper trailers making their way through this vast and sparsely populated part of the country.
The rest area is a large, open, and relatively level dirt and gravel space, set back from the highway to provide some respite from the noise of passing traffic, particularly the constant rumble of road trains. Its size is a key benefit, allowing plenty of room for vehicles of all sizes to find a spot without feeling crowded. The setting is pure, rugged bushland, offering a genuine sense of the outback landscape. Facilities are very basic, as expected for a free camp. It provides non-flushing toilets and rubbish bins, but travellers must be fully self-sufficient with their own water, power, and cooking facilities. It is also a pet-friendly stop, allowing the whole travelling family to stretch their legs.
Its primary advantage is its proximity to Roma. It serves as a perfect final stop before heading into town to restock, or as the first night out when beginning a journey north from Roma. This convenience allows travellers to save on caravan park fees for a night while still being close to all the services and attractions that Roma has to offer, such as The Big Rig, the famous cattle saleyards, and the town’s supermarkets and pubs. For the self-reliant traveller, Richmond Downs is a simple, effective, and valuable part of the outback touring network.
Site Information
- Location: On the Carnarvon Highway, approximately 12 km south of Roma.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access.
- Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, a 24-hour stay limit applies.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, a few are available.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. A Telstra signal is most likely.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No dump point.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally permitted in your own fire pit, unless there is a local fire ban. Be responsible.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All your own drinking water, toilet paper, and rubbish bags (in case bins are full).
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Plenty of space for a walk around the surrounding bushland area.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Commonwealth Hotel, Roma (approx. 13 km)
- The Royal on Ninety-Nine, Roma (approx. 13 km)
- Club Hotel Motel Roma (approx. 12 km)
- Places to Eat: All nearest facilities are in Roma (approx. 12-15 km).
- Local Attractions:
- The Big Rig & Sunset Experience, Roma
- Roma Saleyards (largest cattle saleyards in Australia)
- Avenue of Heroes, Roma
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- BIG4 Holiday Park Roma
- Roma Gun Club Caravan Park
- Villa Caravan Park
- Next Free Camps: Cambell Park Rest Area (in Roma), various smaller rest areas on the highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: Cambell Park Rest Area in Roma has a public dump point.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous major service stations in Roma (approx. 12 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Roma Visitor Information Centre at The Big Rig.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Very hot, with average temperatures often in the mid-to-high 30s. High chance of thunderstorms.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime travel season. Days are warm and sunny with milder, pleasant nights. Temperatures average 14°C to 29°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The peak tourist season. Days are typically clear, sunny, and mild. Nights are cold with frequent heavy frosts. Temperatures range from 3°C to 21°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful time with warming days and cool nights. Wildflowers can be abundant after rain. Temperatures average 11°C to 31°C.