Calliope River Rest Area – Free 48hr – Queensland

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Calliope river has two enormous, 48 hour camps. You will find this 28km out of Gladstone. Camping areas are either side of the river. On the north side, near the Historic Village, it has a large grass area and places to park over looking the river. On the south side it’s more one large flat grass/dirt area with a little bit of beach.

Calliope River North Side

On arriving we passed the Historic village (we went here the next day) and found the huge camping area. Most of the river side camps were taken by 11am but we managed to get one.

The north side looks down on the river and on to the south side rest area. The toilets on this side of the river have been broken for the last year we were told. Not a problem for us as we are fully self contained.

Calliope River South Side

If you are travelling up north you will come to this area first. This is the side you go to if you want to be closer to the river. It’s a wide open flatter looking area (not necessarily flat) You can fish from the shore or from the causeway. Kay, the lady at the Historic Village said it was salt water one side and fresh on the other. Of course you can get here from the north side to.

This side has toilets and seating area at another higher level.

Ice cream, Fire Wood and Eggs

When was the last time you heard the ice cream van? For us it’s been years. One came on our first day, he’s a regular. Ice creams all around! A lady also came to see if we wanted fire wood and eggs. At the Historic Village Kay said they are going to be opening the old bar on a Friday evening. Serving drinks and hot food, a two minute walk away, I love this.

Historic Village

Next to the Calliope River “north side” is the village. You can walk over the causeway to get to it if your camped on the “south side”.

Kay, the volunteer at the coffee shop took our $5 each entry fee and we had a stroll around. You are given a folder with all the information about each building so you can take in the history.

There’s something about old wooden buildings and rusty old machinery that resonates with me. Each building holds something new (or is that old). As well as old singer sewing machines and original cookers. You can see the inside of wooden homes decorated as if they would have been back in the day. And who doesn’t love an old mangle/washing machine.

Again the is run by volunteers so don’t expect total replication. Do expect the lady’s that volunteer to be friendly and informative, Oh and they making good coffee and scones!

This is a 48hr camp we would recommend and so would many others.

More Information

• Location : Calliope River Rest Area at River Ranch
• Click for Google map location
• State: Queensland
• Pets: Yes
• Camp type : Free camp – 48hrs
• Price : $0
• Water ? : No
• Power ? : No
• Will suit: All sized vehicles
• Is it on Wikicamps ?: Yes
• Drive time to nearby shops: 5 minutes to Calliope or to servo/MacDonald cafe
• Amenities : Toilets (only on one side at this time)
• Other :fishing, fires, Historic Village which has cafe. Ice cream van, wood and eggs some days.
• WIFI & Phone Reception – Tested with Boost Mobile: Yes

We use Boost for our phone and internet while travelling as it has 3G & 4G coverage on the Telstra Mobile network.