The Gums Golf Club – Authentic Outback Camping in the Western Downs

For travellers seeking a true bush experience and a genuine slice of outback Queensland hospitality, The Gums Golf Course and Cricket Club offers a unique and incredibly affordable stopover. Located in the quiet rural locality of The Gums on the Surat Developmental Road, this volunteer-run facility provides a peaceful and spacious setting for self-contained caravans and RVs. It’s a classic country sports club where the welcome is warm and the atmosphere is wonderfully laid-back. The campground is set on a vast, open, grassy area, providing plenty of room to find a private spot and enjoy the immense, starry night skies of the Western Downs. It’s the perfect, no-fuss base for exploring the nearby town of Tara and the surrounding natural gas fields and native bushland.

The facilities at The Gums are a testament to community spirit, offering fantastic value for a small donation. Visitors can often access powered sites and the basic clubhouse amenities, which typically include toilets and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. The golf course itself is a quintessential outback layout, with sand greens that provide a fun challenge for golfers of all abilities, often with kangaroos as a gallery. The friendly clubhouse is the heart of the community and a great place to meet the locals over a cold drink. The nearby town of Tara, the “Gateway to the West,” provides all essential services, including a supermarket, pubs, and cafes. The region is also known for the beautiful Tara Lagoon, a haven for birdlife. For a quiet, friendly, and authentically Australian country stay, The Gums Golf Club is a fantastic choice.

Site Information

• Name: The Gums Golf Course and Cricket Club
• Address: 12005 Surat Developmental Rd, The Gums QLD 4406, Australia
• Phone Number: Not publicly listed (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -27.340434, 150.194437

• Website: Not available.

Campground & Course Details

• Location: At The Gums, on the Surat Developmental Road, west of Tara.
• Site Suitable For: Best suited for self-contained caravans and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping by donation.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible for short-term stays.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, showers may be available.
• Potable Water: A tap is available, but it is recommended to confirm it is potable or bring your own.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Primarily Telstra service. Other carriers will have limited to no signal.
• TV Reception: Variable, may require a satellite dish.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Limited. Please be prepared to take your rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Please check for local fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for the quiet environment.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with abundant space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation, all supplies as local services are very limited.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space for walks around the large reserve.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Commercial Hotel, Tara: Approx. 35 km
  • Royal Hotel, Meandarra: Approx. 60 km
  • Condamine Hotel, Condamine: Approx. 85 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Tara Cafe: Approx. 35 km
  • Commercial Hotel (pub meals), Tara: Approx. 35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Tara Lagoon Parklands: Approx. 35 km
  • Southwood National Park: Approx. 40 km
  • Brigalow Belt landscape exploration.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tara Caravan Park: Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Hannaford’s Clearing, near Tara.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located at the Tara Lagoon Parklands: Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Tara (35 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Best sourced from Tara.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located at the Tara Lagoon Parklands.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot to very hot and can be humid, with a higher chance of thunderstorms. Temperatures frequently in the mid-to-high 30s (°C).
• Autumn (Mar-May): Generally the best time to visit, with warm, sunny days and mild nights. Temperatures average 15°C to 30°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Dry, mild, and sunny days with cold nights and frequent heavy frosts. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 20°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Warm and pleasant, with a chance of rain. The countryside is at its greenest. Temperatures average 12°C to 29°C.