Simpson Desert Oasis – Bedourie Fuel, Food & Camping
For outback travellers, some places are more than just a stop—they are a lifeline. The Simpson Desert Oasis in Bedourie is one such place. As the town’s primary roadhouse, it serves as a critical hub for adventurers preparing to venture east into the vast expanse of the Simpson Desert or for those emerging, dusty and triumphant, from their crossing. This classic outback roadhouse is the go-to destination for all the essentials: fuel, basic groceries, takeaway food, and friendly local advice. It’s the last point of reliable supply before the desert tracks begin, making a stop here a non-negotiable part of any well-planned desert expedition. The friendly staff are a wealth of knowledge on local road conditions and can provide the latest updates to ensure your journey is as safe as possible.
Beyond its role as a service station and general store, the Simpson Desert Oasis provides simple, practical accommodation with a number of powered and unpowered camping sites. This makes it an ideal spot for a final night of preparation, allowing travellers to organise their gear, top up their supplies, and get an early start the next morning. For those finishing their trip, it offers a welcome chance to inflate tyres, grab a hot meal, and connect back with the world. While the facilities are straightforward, they provide everything a self-sufficient traveller needs. The roadhouse is a hive of activity during the tourist season, with 4WDs and caravans filling the forecourt, creating a tangible sense of excitement and adventure. Whether you’re fueling up for an epic journey or celebrating its completion, the Simpson Desert Oasis is an indispensable and iconic part of the Channel Country travel experience.
1 Herbert St, Bedourie QLD 4829
Site Information
- Location: Bedourie, Channel Country, Outback Queensland.
- Site Suitable For: Self-sufficient campers, 4WDs, caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road access on main highways.
- Site Surface: Dirt / gravel area.
- Camping Permitted: Yes.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Primarily for short stays; check with management.
- Number of Powered Sites: Limited number available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Available.
Facilities
- Facilities: Fuel (Unleaded & Diesel), takeaway food, basic groceries, gas bottle refills, toilets, and showers for campers.
- Picnic Tables: Limited tables available outside.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Telstra service is available in town.
- TV Reception: Not applicable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: A public dump point is available at the Bedourie Tourist Park.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Not permitted.
- Generator Use: Check with management.
- Number of Sites Available: Generally first-come, first-served.
Visitor Information
- Essentials to Bring: All necessary recovery gear and supplies for desert travel, fly nets, and cash as a backup for payment.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, generally permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Limited local fishing opportunities.
- Short Walks: A short walk into the centre of the small Bedourie township.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Royal Hotel Bedourie (approx. 1 km)
- Places to Eat:
- On-site at the roadhouse
- The Royal Hotel Bedourie (approx. 1 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Bedourie Artesian Spa & Aquatic Centre (approx. 1 km)
- Bedourie Racecourse (Home of the Camel Races) (approx. 2.5 km)
- Vaughan Johnson Lookout (approx. 1.5 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Bedourie Tourist Park (approx. 1 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Carcory Ruins (historical site, approx. 124 km south)
- Rest areas are available along the Diamantina Developmental Road.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bedourie Tourist Park (approx. 1 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- On-site at the roadhouse.
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Available on-site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Channel Country
- Autumn/Winter/Spring (April – October): The ideal travel season. Characterised by warm, dry, sunny days and cool to cold nights. Temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing.
- Summer (November – March): This period brings extreme heat, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. It is also the season for potential flooding if there is significant rainfall in the catchment areas, which can lead to widespread and prolonged road closures.