Whetstone Rest Area – Whetstone

The Whetstone Rest Area is a classic, no-frills free 24-hour bush camp that provides an essential and peaceful stopover for travellers on the Cunningham Highway. Located in the quiet rural area of Whetstone, between the towns of Yelarbon and Inglewood, this is an ideal spot for fully self-contained vehicles seeking a safe and tranquil place to rest for the night. The site is a large, open, and level dirt/gravel clearing set in a pleasant bushland environment, well away from the main road, which significantly reduces traffic noise. There’s ample space for all vehicle sizes, including big rigs and large caravans, to find a private spot. This is a true self-sufficient style of camping; there are no facilities such as toilets, water, or bins. Visitors must come fully prepared and strictly adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ philosophy, taking all their rubbish with them. The charm of the Whetstone Rest Area lies in its simplicity and serenity. It offers a genuine bush experience, where visitors can enjoy the quiet sounds of nature, witness a beautiful country sunset, and gaze at a spectacular star-filled sky without any light pollution. For the self-reliant traveller looking for a simple, quiet, and convenient free stop in the Goondiwindi region, the Whetstone Rest Area is an excellent and reliable choice.

Site Information

• Location: On the Cunningham Highway, approximately 25 km east of Yelarbon and 30 km west of Inglewood.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles only. Suitable for all sizes.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the rest area entrance.
• Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 24-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited. A Telstra signal may be found with an external antenna.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted if conditions are safe and there are no fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area with no defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Everything. Water, food, fuel, power, toilet, shower, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Informal walks in the surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

This is a remote location. The nearest services are in Yelarbon (west) and Inglewood (east).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Inglewood (approx. 30 km)
  • Yelarbon Hotel (approx. 25 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The local pubs, cafes, and bakeries in Inglewood and Yelarbon.
• Local Attractions:
  • Yelarbon’s painted silos
  • Lake Coolmunda (near Inglewood)
  • Texas, on the border (scenic drive from Inglewood)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Inglewood Caravan Park (approx. 30 km)
  • Yelarbon Oasis Caravan Park (approx. 25 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Yelarbon Rec Grounds (donation camp, approx. 25 km west)
  • Oman Ama Rest Area (24hr, approx. 45 km west)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Public dump points are available in Inglewood and Yelarbon.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Service stations are available in Inglewood and Yelarbon.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Inglewood and Yelarbon.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available in Inglewood and Yelarbon.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Southern Downs region has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold, dry winters.