“The Lake” – Lake Houdraman, Quilpie

The Lake at Lake Houdraman is a stunning private farm stay that offers a serene and picturesque outback camping experience in the heart of Queensland’s Channel Country. Located on the Diamantina Developmental Road, this property provides a beautiful and tranquil alternative to the main free camp, just a few minutes from the opal town of Quilpie. The campground is set on the vast, open shores of the lake, offering expansive, unpowered sites on level, grassy ground. This allows plenty of room for all types of self-contained rigs, from large motorhomes to camper trailers, to find a secluded spot with magnificent water views. The main attraction is the beautiful lake itself—a rare and significant body of water in this arid landscape. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, attracting a huge variety of birdlife, and a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. The experience is about disconnecting and embracing the profound peace of the outback. Guests are treated to spectacular, uninterrupted sunsets that reflect brilliantly off the water, followed by a dazzling display of stars in the clear night sky. The property is very pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run. The hosts are known for their warm country hospitality, making for a welcoming and memorable stay. For a peaceful, scenic, and affordable bush camp with the convenience of a major outback town just down the road, ‘The Lake’ is a top-tier destination.

Site Information

• Location: On Lake Houdraman, approximately 8-10 km from Quilpie town centre.
• Site Suitable For: Self-contained vehicles are preferred. Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the property entrance, then good quality unsealed tracks.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a paid farm stay, typically booked through platforms like Hipcamp. Bookings are essential.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with hosts when booking.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous spacious unpowered sites available.
• Facilities: Basic facilities may be available; best to be fully self-contained.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: It is recommended to bring your own main supply of drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Check with host; not guaranteed.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a leave-no-trace property.
• Open Fires: Check with hosts; generally permitted in fire pits subject to local fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other guests.
• Number of Sites Available: Many sites across a large property.
• Essentials to Bring: It is best to be fully self-contained with your own toilet, shower, and power.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing and yabbying in the lake.
• Short Walks: Excellent walking opportunities around the lake shore for birdwatching.

Local Amenities

All major services are located in the nearby town of Quilpie (approx. 8-10 km).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Imperial Hotel Motel (approx. 9 km)
  • Quilpie Hotel (approx. 9 km)
  • Quilpie Club Inc (approx. 8 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • All local pubs, plus cafes and bakeries in Quilpie.
• Local Attractions:
  • St Finbarr’s Catholic Church (Opal Altar)
  • Baldy Top Lookout
  • Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum & Gallery
  • Free Opal Fossicking Area
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • This is a private campground. Options include Channel Country Tourist Park & Spa in Quilpie.
• Next Free Camps:
  • Quilpie Free Camp (Bulloo River, donation camp, approx. 6 km)
  • Cooladdi (camping at the pub, approx. 110 km east)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Quilpie.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are available in Quilpie.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Quilpie Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available throughout the town of Quilpie.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Quilpie has a hot semi-arid climate, with very hot summers and mild, dry winters with cold nights.