Talwood Recreation Grounds, Talwood QLD
Embodying the very essence of country hospitality, the Talwood Recreation Grounds offer travellers a classic and highly-regarded showgrounds camping experience. Located in the small, friendly grain-growing community of Talwood in the Goondiwindi Region, this facility is a perfect example of a community-supported stop that provides exceptional value and a genuine taste of rural life. The grounds are spacious and open, with vast, level grassy areas that can accommodate rigs of all sizes, from the largest motorhomes to simple tents. This sense of space is a major drawcard, allowing campers to spread out and enjoy their own patch of peace and quiet without feeling crowded.
Run by the local community, the grounds are maintained with a clear sense of pride. The facilities, while simple, are consistently praised for being clean and well-kept. The availability of hot showers is a much-appreciated comfort for weary travellers, and the provision of powered sites at a very reasonable, donation-based fee makes it an incredibly attractive option for a multi-night stay. It’s a place that perfectly captures the no-fuss, practical nature of outback travel, focusing on providing the essentials done right: a safe place to park, clean amenities, and a friendly atmosphere.
The location is ideal for those travelling the Barwon Highway between Goondiwindi and St George. It’s an easy walk from the grounds to the iconic Talwood Hotel for a hearty pub meal and a cold drink, where you’re sure to strike up a conversation with a local. The camp is also very pet-friendly, making it a stress-free stop for the whole family. For travellers looking for an authentic, budget-friendly, and comfortable base to rest and explore this productive agricultural region, the Talwood Recreation Grounds is a shining example of country camping at its finest.
Site Information
- Location: In the small country town of Talwood, on the Barwon Highway.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Level grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost/donation-based camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check local signage, but multi-day stays are common.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a good number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, extensive unpowered area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Toilets and hot showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, some available.
- Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good, Telstra service is reliable.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available on site.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted in the main camping area. Check for designated fire pits or local rules.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for the donation box, camp chairs.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in the immediate vicinity.
- Short Walks: Easy and pleasant walk around the small town of Talwood.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Talwood Hotel (approx. 500 m)
- Nindigully Pub (approx. 90 km west)
- Victoria Hotel, Goondiwindi (approx. 90 km east)
- Places to Eat: Talwood Hotel offers classic pub meals. A small store may be available in town.
- Local Attractions:
- Talwood’s grain silos and railway siding
- The classic country architecture of the Talwood Hotel
- Explore the surrounding agricultural landscape
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Goondiwindi has multiple caravan parks (approx. 90 km)
- St George has multiple caravan parks (approx. 115 km)
- Next Free Camps: Boomi River Park (approx. 80 km), various roadside rest areas on the Barwon Highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Talwood (check opening hours).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot to very hot, with the possibility of significant rainfall and thunderstorms. Temperatures typically range from 21°C to 35°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A very pleasant season with warm, sunny days and milder evenings. Ideal for travel. Temperatures average 14°C to 30°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Known for clear, crisp days and cold nights. Morning frosts are very common. Temperatures range from 4°C to 21°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful time of year with warming temperatures and the countryside greening up after winter. Temperatures average 12°C to 30°C.