After you’ve watched the sun dipping below the horizon, highlighting vast expanses of outback and country Queensland plains in a riot of red and orange hues, and seen unbelievably picturesque rivers flowing through green fields framed by gum trees, you’ll forever be dreaming about camping in the outback, and the Southwest and Western Downs regions of Queensland.
Here are our five TrulyAus recommendations for some awesome places to go camping, whether you like to swag it, stay in a caravan or camper, or opt for a roof over your head in a cosy cabin.
1. Get your fill of pioneering history while at Big Rig Tourist Park
Located about 480 kilometres west of Brisbane, Roma is known as the ‘Gateway to Outback Queensland’, and it’s the perfect place for travellers seeking an authentic Aussie bush experience with loads of history in the mix.
Kick off a Roma adventure with a comfy stay at the Big Rig Tourist Park. With its spacious powered sites, clean amenities, and a pet-friendly policy, it’s a wonderful base for exploring the region.
Big Rig Tourist Park has cabin and workforce accommodation, as well as powered sites for caravans. Those travelling with dogs are invited to set up camp in one of several dog-friendly spots. If that wasn’t enough, the on-site food truck offers delicious hot food to satisfy every craving. You’ll also have access to a swimming pool, fire pit, and camp kitchen.
Roma is famous for The Big Rig, which brings the interesting oil and gas history of the area to life through a museum, and a night show that’s as entertaining as it is informative. This fascinating pioneering story is brought to life through interactive exhibits, machinery and equipment displays, and the insights of the friendly ‘Roma Rigger’ guides. Visitors can climb the 40-metre Big Rig Tower (see below) and experience a day in the life of a rigger.
Roma is also famous for its many Queensland Bottle Trees, and it has one in particular that was relocated to the town in 1927. It’s a really popular attraction due to its size – with a girth of 9.62 metres, a height of 15 metres, and a crown of 23 metres. Roma also features Heroes Avenue, a memorial avenue lined with bottle trees, each dedicated to a soldier from the district who died in World War
2. Boating, camping, fishing at St George Riverfront Tourist Park
Love boating, camping, fishing? St George Riverfront Tourist Park is a top spot for those seeking a traditional riverfront camping experience in peaceful quintessentially Aussie bushland near the town of St George in the Balonne Shire in Southwest Queensland.
From the river banks you can throw a line in and catch a Murray Cod or a Yellow Perch for dinner, or launch your boat off the property’s private ramp and head out for a fish on the wide river. There’s even a small shop at the host’s house/reception selling bait, fishing gear, firewood and bags of ice.
Pets are welcome, and there’s access to toilets, a shower and a laundry.
3. Peaceful camping at Rubern Lagoons Koala Park, Chinchilla
A couple of hours drive east of Roma will have you at the Rubern Lagoons Koala Park which is only a five-minute drive from the heart of Chinchilla. It’s a lovely town that’s home to the Chinchilla Botanic Parkland, which has an amazing water park for the kids to enjoy, and plenty of BBQ facilities.
As the name suggests, Rubern Lagoons Koala Park houses a koala sanctuary where you might be lucky enough to spot one, and there are always kangaroos about. It’s an ideal spot for families, with picnic areas and guests have free access to paddle boats, canoes, kayaks and tinny boats that they can take out on the lagoons.
There’s a smooth road for RVs, caravans, buses or vans to park on, with easy drive-through parking, and you can bring your pooch as it’s pet-friendly.
4. Art, nature and animals galore at Gidgee’s Bush Camp
If you’re seeking a more secluded, rustic camping experience, Gidgee’s Bush Camp is on 180 acres of land near the small agricultural town of Morven. It’s a unique beauty of a camp owned by super-welcoming husband and wife duo, Kylee & Michael Tindale-Smith, who have worked for decades in the wool and sheep industry. Kylee also loves to create colourful sculptures that can be found around the property.
The camp is set amidst a captivating panorama of open plains, eucalyptus woodland, and native gidgee trees – the inspiration behind the camp’s name. It’s a working farm with native wildlife abounding, and then there’s the stud goats, horses, working dogs, chooks, lambs, goats and sometimes a poddy calf to meet, all thrown together in the eclectic mix.
Guests have access to the on-site cafe and coffee trailer, and can relax in a bath filled with the mineral-rich water from the Great Artesian Basin. It’s a relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring the Outback, as the water is known to ease tired muscles and hydrate the skin.
Note that Gidgee’s is open seven days a week, but only from April until September.
5. Check out Charleys for great camping, wagyu and brews
Charleys Campground sits on the quiet outskirts of Chinchilla and is a welcoming spot for travellers seeking great, super-green open spaces, with amazing service from the family who own this top spot. If you love wagyu steak, this is the pick of the bunch…
The shaded campground offers grassy sites for tents and caravans, with some powered options. There’s also a self-contained cottage called Pete’s Hut, that comfortably sleeps four people.
You can rent a kayak and explore the wide, winding river, and in the evenings, gather around a communal campfire and meet other travellers. Facilities are practical and tidy, including clean toilets, hot showers, and a communal area for picnics and social chats with fellow visitors.
Two of the best things about this campground is that it has its own brewery, and the Saturday BBQ nights are an amazing experience for meat lovers.
Gather with other guests and indulge in a TrulyAus paddock-to-plate experience with locally grown Wagyu beef brisket, smoked for 12 hours. The lip-smacking meal is dished up with Warregold gravy, smoked stuffed pumpkin and campfire-roasted vegetables. You can have a fresh salad too if you must!
Then sit back with your drink, chat to other campers, and learn firsthand from local farmers about the journey from farm to table. The kids from the farm also join in, making the talk even more entertaining. Dinner is $35 per adult and $20 per child under 12.
If you’d like to learn more about the town of Roma, click here!
For a complete guide to adventure activities in Australia, click here.
Rex flies to Roma! For more details, head to the website or check out the route map below.
