Turners Camp Rest Area – Sandstone Point QLD Free Camp

Turners Camp Rest Area offers a rare and valuable opportunity for free, self-sufficient camping in the popular coastal region of Sandstone Point, right at the gateway to Bribie Island. This is not a manicured tourist park but a true bush camp, cherished by locals and travellers alike for its prime location on the tranquil shores of the Pumicestone Passage. The campground is a simple, open, and grassy area surrounded by native bushland, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the nearby tourist hubs. Its main appeal is its direct access to the water, making it an incredibly popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, kayakers, and boaties. An on-site boat ramp provides direct entry to the passage’s renowned fishing grounds, which are teeming with species like flathead, bream, and mangrove jack.

It is essential for visitors to understand that this is a primitive campsite with very limited facilities, designed for those who are fully self-contained. While there are basic public toilets available, there are no showers, potable water taps, or power connections. Campers must bring in everything they need and, crucially, take all their rubbish out with them to help preserve the beautiful natural environment. The ground can be sandy in places, and while generally accessible to 2WD vehicles with care, conditions can soften after rain. The camp’s fantastic location means that while you feel a world away in the peaceful bush, all the amenities of Sandstone Point and Bribie Island, including the famous Sandstone Point Hotel, shops, and patrolled beaches, are just a few minutes’ drive away. For its unbeatable natural setting and access to aquatic activities, Turners Camp is a treasured spot for a simple, back-to-basics coastal escape.

Campsite Information

• Location: On the Pumicestone Passage at Sandstone Point, near Bribie Island.
• Site Suitable For: Self-contained vehicles, camper trailers, and tents.
• Road Access: Unsealed road access (Turners Camp Rd). Generally 2WD accessible, but can be sandy.
• Site Surface: Grass, sand, and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, informal free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 72 hours. This is a council managed rest area.
• Facilities: Basic public toilets, boat ramp. No showers or power.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a basic toilet block is available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Gas and electric cooking appliances only.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but must be used with consideration for others (daylight hours).
• Number of Sites Available: A reasonably large, undefined area with space for 20+ vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Own water, power, insect repellent (midges can be present), and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing and crabbing in the Pumicestone Passage.
• Short Walks: Beautiful walks along the waterfront and through the surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: Sandstone Point Hotel (~3 km), Bribie Island Hotel (~6 km), Blue Pacific Hotel (~7 km).
• Places to Eat: Sandstone Point Hotel, numerous cafes, restaurants, and takeaways on Bribie Island (within 5-10 km).
• Local Attractions: Bribie Island’s beaches and National Park, Pumicestone Passage, Sandstone Point Hotel entertainment venue.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort (~3 km), Bongaree Caravan Park (~6 km).
• Next Free Camps: Very limited in the immediate area. Cruice Park in Woodford (~40 km) is a 20hr stop.
• Nearest Dump Points: Sylvan Beach, Bribie Island (free public dump point, ~7 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Available at Sandstone Point and on Bribie Island (~3-5 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the Bribie Island dump point (~7 km).
• Public Toilets: On-site, and at numerous parks in Sandstone Point and on Bribie Island.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Sandstone Point, QLD

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, with average maximum temperatures around 29°C. High chance of thunderstorms and rainfall.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm and generally sunny with lower humidity. A very pleasant time to visit.
• Winter (June – August): Mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Average maximums are around 21°C. Perfect camping weather.
• Spring (September – November): Days are warming up with plenty of sunshine and comfortable humidity.