Sharon Park Rest Area – Sharon

Sharon Park Rest Area, more commonly known as Sharon Gorge, is a beautiful and tranquil day-use park nestled on the banks of the Burnett River, just a short drive from Bundaberg. This scenic spot is a local favourite for picnics, barbecues, and enjoying the peaceful bushland setting. The park is wonderfully maintained by the local council and offers excellent facilities for a day out. Visitors will find clean toilets, free electric barbecues, numerous sheltered picnic tables, and a children’s playground, all set amongst shady trees and well-kept lawns. The main feature of the park is the short, self-guided walking track that leads down through a dry rainforest gorge to a pontoon on the Burnett River. This easy walk is a great way to experience the local flora and fauna. While the park itself is a quiet escape, its proximity to Bundaberg means it’s an easy and accessible nature-based outing. It provides a perfect setting to relax, let the kids play, and enjoy a meal in a natural environment without having to travel far from the city’s amenities. For travellers passing through or locals looking for a peaceful retreat, Sharon Park is a delightful destination.

Site Information

• Location: In Sharon, approximately 15 km west of Bundaberg.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicles.
• Road Access: Sealed roads.
• Site Surface: Bitumen car park and large grassed areas.
• Camping Permitted: Self Contained RV’s only
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 20 Hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, electric BBQs, playground, rubbish bins.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, numerous sheltered tables are available.
• Potable Water: Yes, drinking fountains and taps are available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Use provided BBQs.
• Generator Use: Prohibited.
• Number of Sites Available: Not applicable (day use only).
• Essentials to Bring: Picnic supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash in the park area.
• Fishing: Yes, possible from the pontoon on the Burnett River.
• Short Walks: Yes, there is a short gorge walk to the river.

Local Amenities

The nearest major city with all services is Bundaberg (approx. 15 km).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Club Hotel, Bundaberg (approx. 15 km)
  • The Grand Hotel, Bundaberg (approx. 15 km)
  • The Melbourne Hotel, Bundaberg (approx. 15 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Extensive options in Bundaberg, including pubs, cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets.
• Local Attractions:
  • Bundaberg Rum Distillery
  • Bundaberg Botanic Gardens and Hinkler Hall of Aviation
  • Mon Repos Turtle Centre (seasonal)
  • The Hummock Lookout
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Absolute Oceanfront Tourist Park, Bargara (approx. 30 km)
  • Big4 Cane Village Holiday Park, Bundaberg (approx. 12 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Gin Gin Rest Area (48hr, donation, approx. 40 km west)
  • Apple Tree Creek Rest Area (24hr, approx. 45 km south)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available at the Bundaberg Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are located on the western outskirts of Bundaberg.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Bundaberg region has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm, humid summers.