Australian Caravan Park Reports

Queensland
Central Country

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Barcaldine Showgrounds, Barcaldine
Barcaldine Tourist Park, Barcaldine
Homestead Caravan Park, Barcaldine
Blackall Caravan Park, Blackall (DFP)
Boulia Caravan Park, Boulia
Camooweal Pub Caravan Park, Camooweal
Camooweal Roadhouse Caravan Park, Camooweal
Post Office Hotel, Motel & Caravan Park, Camooweal
Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis, Cloncurry
Gilbert Park Tourist Village, Cloncurry
Allan Terry Caravan Park, Hughenden (DFP)
Rest Easi Motel & Caravan Park, Hughenden (DFP)
Ilfracombe Caravan Park, Ilfracombe
Julia Creek Caravan Park, Julia Creek (DFP)
Blue Heeler Hotal and Caravan Park, Kynuna
Kynuna Roadhouse, Kynuna
Discovery Holiday Park, Longreach (DFP)
Longreach Caravan Park, Longreach
Longreach Water Reserve, Longreach (Rest Area)
Walkabout Creek Van Park, McKinlay
Argylla Tourist Park, Mt Isa
Copper City Caravan Park, Mt Isa (DFP)
Moondarra Caravan Park, Mt Isa
Mt Isa Caravan Park, Mt Isa (DFP)
Riverside Caravan Park, Mt Isa
Sunset Top Tourist Park, Mt Isa (DFP)
Flinders Rest Area, Richmond (Rest Area)
Lakeview Caravan Park, Richmond
Richmond Caravan Park, Richmond
Stonehenge Caravan Park, Stonehenge (DFP)
Tambo Mill Motel and Van Park, Tambo
Tambo Caravan Park, Tambo
Matilda Country Tourist Park, Winton (DFP)

Barcaldine Showgrounds, Barcaldine
108 kms East of Longreach.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Barcaldine Tourist Park, Barcaldine
Landsborough Highway. Entering from south on Matilda Highway 1.5 kms from town (51-65 Box Street). Ph: 07 4651 6066. Top Tourist member.
Manager's name is Norm & Frances Barnett One of the best kept and friendliest parks we have stayed in. Free washing machines, free internet access, free billy tea and damper and talks on the history of the area most nights we were there. Couldn't get better value in my opinion. All toilets are unisex ensuite units in a block and spotlessly clean with the softest toilet paper. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, very good value for money ($20.00 2A per night, powered, off-peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, shade to most sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean UC bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, well maintained park.
Likes: Free washing machines which were brand new. Free internet access. Close to town. Good atmosphere generated each afternoon at billy tea and damper which carried on into happy hour.
Dislikes: No soap or dryers provided
Added Touches: Free washing machines which were brand new. Free internet access. The talks by Tom Lochie who is very knowledgeable about the area and has an endless fund of funny stories.
Local Information: The tree of Knowledge, The Workers heritage Centre and the local museum are all worth a visit. Lunch in the Shakespeare Hotel was great value at $10 each. Staff were very friendly and were very forthcoming with details of places to visit.
Date 04/2009. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Motley2.

Drive thru site long but narrow, will be better when palm trees are above van or awning level, but as it was we could not put awning up because of tree on our site. Average staff friendliness, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($20 2A per night, includes Top Tourist member discount). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: Large unisex individual ensuite style amenities with shower, basin area, toilet and change area in the room.
Dislikes: Site just a bit too narrow. Some road noise.
Parking: Ok.
Added Touches: Entertainment some nights but cancelled because of rain when we visited.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Gaz n Rob.

A good park, only $16 a night (powered site) and free washing machines. Tom's Artesian Country Bus Tours is a must. Also don't miss country singer Graham Rodger who puts on a show most nights.
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Peter & Jean Reynella SA.

Manager's name is Norman & Frances Barnett. The 2nd morning we took washing to the laundry at 9.30 and saw a machine not being used so we put clothing in it, 5 minutes later the manager came in and abused us at the top of his voice and told us to remove it quick or else, he would not listen to reason. We are a retired couple and did not need this. On our travels we spoke to people and 2 told us he is known for this attitude. Very unfriendly staff, average staff response to complaints, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($16 2A per night powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to only some sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Inadequate number of tourist sites, some level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, hard to negotiate into site. Good laundry, dump point. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade. Pets at manager's discretion. No pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: Good park over all. Should have a better friendly manager run park.
Dislikes: Did not like the manager's loud mouth and abuse.
Parking: In driveway.
Roads: Good
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by D.J, Moulden.

Well maintained and cared for park, managers very friendly and helpful.$16 / nite good value. Good amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, were in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Good level grassy sites, tight with standard van + awning newly planted trees will be a problem when fully grown. Adequate number of tourist sites, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, drive-through sites were available, adequate taps close by. Free laundry, good camp kitchen. good atmosphere family-friendly park. Clean UC gas bbq, lit at night, with seating provided. Close to main road, noise not a problem. Suitable for overnighter or longer stay. Wireless Internet available at $2 / 24hrs, (mainstream parks take note!) Happy to return.
Likes: Wireless Internet, free Laundry
Dislikes: Narrow tree lined sites.
Added Touches: Free information sessions with Billy Tea & Damper.
Local Information: Steak house just across the road.
Date 04/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by A & K Central Qld.

Nice park on the edge of town. Long, narrow sites, no concrete slabs, but well grassed. Showers are all ensuite type - have shower, toilet and basin, so plenty of room. $14/night 2A. Nice camp kitchen with BBQ and seating. No pool or kiosk.
Likes: Damper, billy tea and bush poet a few nights a week. Good quality toilet paper. Free washing machines.
Visit: Tree of Knowledge, Aust. Workers Heritage Centre
Date 07/2006. Park Rating 3: Good for a few days.
Report submitted by FnJ Sunshine Coast.

On the Matilda Highway 1km south of post office. Good clean amenities. Free washing machine. $16 night. Short drive to town. Great resident managers. Sites lovely drive through and a good size. Recently became Top Tourist. Nice park all round. Would stay again. Very good value for money.
Date 06/2006. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Judy & Leon, Cambewarra NSW.

Homestead Caravan Park, Barcaldine
Blackall Road. Barcaldine is between Blackall and Longreach and is certainly worth a stopover. Barcaldine is 1150 km north-west of Brisbane, on the intersection of Matilda Highway and Capricorn Highway from Rockhampton. From the Capricorn Highway, turn into Box Street, the park is on the corner of Yew & Box Streets. Travelling north on the Lansborough Highway, it is a block or so before the intersection with the Capricorn Highway on left hand side of road. At front of caravan park is shop, office & fuel bowsers. Ph: 07 4651 1308. Pets at manager's discretion.
Manager's name is Ben & Thanh. Ben & Thanh run a very good park nothing flash but very clean and tidy. Thanh cooks a very mean Asian menu on Friday and Saturday nights (get in early and beat the locals). Every night there is free damper and billy tea with an entertainer. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was lower than expected, very good value for money ($20 2A per night, powered, peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, very few concrete annex slabs, shade to most sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), kiosk. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean UC bbq, congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Local Information: Australian Workers Heritage Centre is very good Tree of Knowledge is worth a look.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick.

The new owners are Ben & Thanh Elst. They offer free Internet access (Hi-speed Wireless) and free tea & damper at 5.30 pm each day in the tourist season. 2c a litre discount on fuel at their bowsers. Thanh prepares Asian food on Friday & Saturday evenings only. This food is excellent & booking early is strongly advised. Great morning teas, lunches & afternoon teas are served at a delightful place called "Roses N Things". We paid $20 per night powered 2A at this park & would definitely return.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Bluewren, Newcastle.

We would stay again! Very friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money. Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, small sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, good camp kitchen, kiosk. Peaceful, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Dogs on leash. A well maintained park.
Likes: staff very friendly.
Dislikes: some of the sites were very small.
Parking: park outside while waiting to book a site.
Added Touches: Free damper and tea + fantastic entertainment by the local legend Tom Lockie and the country singer Graham Rodger, every night during the winter months
Local Information: Australian Worker's Heritage Centre - a fantastic museum. Main street full of historical pubs - perfect for a pub crawl, you don't need to walk far! Sadly the town's main attraction, the Tree of Knowledge has been poisoned, however it seems to be at least as popular with tourists as before
Date 07/2006. Park Rating 4.5: Suitable for few days.
Report submitted by K Holmsten & D Guy, Qld.

Blackall Caravan Park, Blackall
Blackall is 298 kms north of Charleville and 107 kms south of Barcaldine. Garden Street, behind community centre opposite school. The address for the park is Garden Street but can be accessed from the Matilda Highway, which is the main street. Just turn at the sign. Ph: 07 4657 4816. Pets on leash, at manager's discretion.
Local Information: There are a heap of things to see in Blackall and a couple of hours may not be enough. If you are interested in the history of outback Queensland and rural Australia, the Woolscour is a must and the Jackie Howe exhibit is worth seeing. Artesian Spa pool is very good. Black stump. Great opal shop. Town is well worth stopping over for a few nights. TV reception - Satellite dish OK to set up. Don't know about aerial TV reception. Mobile phone reception - Good. Autogas available locally. Liked town/region. Barcoo River walks. Jackie Howe exhibition. Wool scour (does meals during tourist season).
Manager's name is Chris Parmaby. Ph: 07 46574816. Dogs on leash. Friendly staff, no complaints, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($120 2A per week powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, good camp kitchen, kiosk. Quiet, open and roomy, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean UC gas bbq, congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Added Touches: Camp oven 3 course meal during tourist season.
Date 10/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Derek & Del.

We found this caravan park to have a friendly atmosphere and has the advantage of being within walking distance of town. They have not updated their amenities since our last stay two years ago and we found this to be disappointing given they are very old and not sufficient in number. The park was very busy and some sites were too close to others. Most of the park has good grass which is a bonus. Friendly staff, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($20.00 2A per night powered). Inadequate number of amenities, are close to all sites, cleanliness was average, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, small sites, concrete annex slabs, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, dump point. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Gas bbq (free). No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days.
Likes: Walking distance to town. The bush poet was very good and it is worth attending.
Dislikes: This park is small in area and was overcrowded with some sites too close together. Amenities were very old and run down and did not cope in peak times.
Parking: Room for one or two rigs outside the office.
Added Touches: Bush poet performs daily during winter months for a gold coin donation. Camp oven meals available six nights per week. The meal cost has been increased to $20.00. Whilst the meal was good we felt it was over priced.
Roads: Good bitumen roads both north and south.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Toto.

Manager's name is R & C Parnaby. $20 per night. Park gets very packed best to book ahead. Good reception staff showed us to site and help guide in. Our site was of good size but overnighters are very close together with some not able to open awnings. Amenities are ok. 2 showers, with curtains and two toilets per sex. Water supply is artesian. Park lighting is very good. Camp oven meals 4 times week, 3 courses $20 excellent! Great bush poet 1 hour before meal and half hour after $2.
Likes: Town has wonderful artesian aquatic centre, Olympic size pool heated to 32 and large spa 37, not to be missed!
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by stockos.

Manager's name is Rob and Chris Parnaby. A very clean tidy friendly town, showing real pride by locals. Very friendly staff, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($20 2A per night). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, no rec room. Quiet, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: The atmosphere around camp fire and communal area; the bush poet was very good; the camp oven dinner was ok; managers very friendly.
Dislikes: Amenities block was a bit old and due for update, but it was clean.
Parking: OK
Added Touches: Bush Poet (gold coin donation).
Local Information: Do not miss the Blackall Woolscour.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Gaz n Rob.

Very crowded park with very small sites and old amenities. Caravan park gives camping permits to camp at the showground with much more room and better amenities. Also you can park at an area at the other end of town. Permits at the Tourist info centre.
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Peter & Jean Reynella SA.

Stayed 1 day, $18.00 per night powered site. Very friendly and helpful reception. Debbie helped us to a partly shaded drive through site, level on grass, fronting onto Garden Street. There are no fences to this street, but we did not find security a problem. A nice green tidy park with demountable amenities block which was very clean, but could do with up-dating. As park was nearly full the night we stayed, we found the amenities block did not cope. You have the choice of hot or hot water as it comes directly from the Artesian Basin (a little too hot for my liking). It has a sulphur smell but we were told to let it cool and it was excellent drinking water. Shower curtains provided in the shower, which also had a raised small bench area to store clothes. Soap/paper towels/dryer provided. Two washing machines and 1 dryer. Water pressure good. We actually only stayed here because we had heard along the way that they provide an excellent camp-oven dinner ($17.00 each), and bush poet, and as we had stayed at Daly Waters where we had enjoyed an excellent evening, we wanted to compare, and were not disappointed. Given petrol discount voucher. We found this a basic (no pool, no playground) park but it met our needs as it was quiet and very clean, with a very helpful reception. Excellent meal and bush poet made for a very entertaining evening. We would recommend this park for either overnight or for a few days.
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Queanbeyan.

Boulia Caravan Park, Boulia
Well signed in town and even signed 100 kms out on the Winton road. Ph: 07 4746 3320.
Friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($21 2A per night, powered, peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, shade to most sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. No rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon) Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Dogs on leash. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter, well maintained park.
Likes: Well grassed sites clean and tidy facilities. River runs behind park and it did have water.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick.

We stayed here three years ago and twice this trip and were pleased to find that it was still an oasis but unfortunately the river that runs along the back end of the park was dry. The caravan park is on the eastern side of Boulia and not difficult to find. Beautifully grassed sites, the amenities were prefab. Payment is cash only and no discounts or eftpos facilities. Friendly staff, no complaints. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($20 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, some level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry. Peaceful, open and roomy, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. No bbqs. No playground, no pool. Suitable for a few days, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Grassed sites and close walking distance to town.
Parking: In the park.
Local Information: Min Min Encounter, Stonehouse Museum and the local hotel/restaurant puts on a good feed.
Roads: 9 ft tar and very undulating and bumpy in places, but the scenery is stunning.
Date 09/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Fran & Trevor, Melbourne.

Camooweal Pub Caravan Park, Camooweal
This park is situated behind the Camooweal pub, coming from Mt Isa turn left off the Highway at the pub corner.
An attractive small park, gravelled, but sites are divided by narrow, raised, lawn areas, each with a few trees planted. Sites are large and, about half, are drive-through. There is a nice pool and a covered BBQ area that, according to the notice, is reserved for bus groups or parties. However during our stay a number of campers were using it. Amenities are of the modular type and there were insufficient toilets and showers during our stay. The park appears well-maintained and is only 50 metres from the main street. Suitable for a night or longer.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Toned-F.

You just drive in find a site, large drive through sites, stay hitched and walk up to the bar and pay - $20 per night. The facilities are new and good - looked like they had just been built, and we had a fantastic evening meal at the pub.
Date 07/2006. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Kevin & Marilyn.

Camooweal Roadhouse Caravan Park, Camooweal
Western edge of town on the highway. Just north on Barkly Highway - at the Shell Roadhouse gas station west side of town. Ph: 07 4748 2155 or 1800 634 009. All pets allowed.
Friendly staff. Price was as expected, good value for money ($18 2A per night powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to all sites, cleanliness was average, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area. Adequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, kiosk, dump point. Quiet, open and roomy, plenty of shade. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter.
Local Information: Mobile phone reception - Good. Auto gas available locally. Alcohol restrictions. 2 litre cask of red wine cost $20. Meals at roadhouse were good, but too large.
Date 08/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Derek & Del.

This park provides reasonable facilities and saves you unhitching, as most of the sites are drive through. Gets quite busy late in the day. Average staff friendliness. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($20.00 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, separate bathroom, dry change area. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, poor water quality, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, kiosk, dump point. Quiet, open & roomy park, no permanents. Dogs on leash. Suitable for overnighter
Likes: Very little road noise. Good atmosphere to the park.
Parking: Park near Shell Roadhouse and pay fees inside.
Roads: Good road conditions travelling both east and west.
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Toto.

Manager Wendy Inskip. At this time of year, the main amenities block near the bird aviary was the only one open, so I can't comment on the others around the park. Friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($18 2A C per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), kiosk, disabled facilities, car wash, dump point. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, no permanents. Well behaved under control. Clean free gas UC bbq, bbq area lighting, seating provided. No playground, no pool.
Likes: Green tidy grassed sites. Sit and watch the "passing parade" on the highway (road trains) and walk in the evening to the new bridge and watch the sunset. Not much else. Photo op for road trains at garage parking adjacent.
Local Information: Camooweal Caves and Riversleigh Fossil Site nearby.
Roads: Going West, some bad, narrow undulating road with soft shoulders for about 10-15 km, between two sections of very good road at either end.
Date 02/2006. Park Rating 2.5: Suitable for overnighter.
Report submitted by Gary & Cate, Maryland NSW.

Post Office Hotel, Motel & Caravan Park, Camooweal
On Highway behind Post Office Hotel. Ph: 07 4748 2130.
Very friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($21 2A per night powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to all sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade. Clean pool is shaded. Suitable for overnighter.
Local Information: Meals at Hotel
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by John.

Cloncurry Caravan Park Oasis, Cloncurry
Flinders Highway / McIlwraith Street. On the east side of town at the start of the Flinders/Landsborough Highway. Ph: 07 4742 1313. Dogs on leash.
Manager's name is Geoff & Christine. Friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($132 2A per week). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels, dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), dump point. Quiet, open and roomy, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Dirty UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for month or longer, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Much improved on last visit three years ago.
Local Information: TV reception - Good TV. No digital. Mobile phone reception - Good. Liked town/region. Enjoyable day (Ladies Day) at race course. Good meals at Wagon Wheel restaurant next door to bowling club. But found Bio Cafe takeaways badly cooked (fish had flavour of hamburger previously cooked on hot plate) - and standard of hygiene woeful. Don't eat there!
Date 09/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Derek & Del.

Most sites are large, many with attractive bougainvillea hedges between them, and are well-grassed. Two amenity blocks, each with laundry, are fairly old but cleaned very thoroughly each day. Owners are friendly and helpful. There are a number of permanents but no apparent problems. Cloncurry is a hot place but the swimming pool has shade-cloth over and is very refreshing. Owners organise 'Happy Hour' three times a week with sausage sizzle (optional) at a nominal charge. Dogs are welcome. Suitable for any length of stay for most people. One negative comment: the owner's large, but docile, dog wanders freely. It's no problem except it doesn't care where it drops its excrement.
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Toned-F.

Gilbert Park Tourist Village, Cloncurry
2 McIlwraith Street, Matilda Highway, 2 kms east of town on southern side of road. Ph: 07 4742 2300 or 1800 422 300. Top Tourist member.
Quite a reasonable park for a small country town. About 1.5 k from the centre of town. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($23.40 2A per night, powered, peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, some level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, shade to some sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, a few permanents. Dogs on leash. No playground. Clean pool is open to sun, pool area not considered kid-safe Suitable for few days.
Likes: Good drinkable water. Nice modern very clean amenities. Dump point
Dislikes: Dusty dirt internal roads in the park
Date 08/2009. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Ann and John.

Major water issues in town mean all water should be boiled for 2 minutes before drinking. Friendly staff. Price was as expected, good value for money ($77 2A C1 per night cabin). Cabins were clean, condition is good. Good laundry, no rec room. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade, no permanents. Clean electric bbq (free). Clean pool is open to sun, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for few days, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Local Information: Mary Kathleen ghost town.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by JK&L - The Big Trip.

This is a friendly and pleasant park at which to stay, with the only criticism being that the sites and roads can be dusty when the wind blows. Very friendly management, everyone is personally conducted to and put on site. Cost of $26 per night 2A for powered site before Top Tourist discount considered reasonable. Suitable for short to medium term stays.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 4: This was our fourth visit and we would certainly stay again.
Report submitted by Peripatetic Perrys, North Rocks.

Manager Marianne & Ged McKenna. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($18 2A per night powered with TT discount). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, large sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean gas bbq, in UC congenial bbq area, bbq area lighting, seating provided. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for families, well maintained park.
Likes: New owners. Allowing for the drought this is a well loved and maintained park.
Dislikes: Lack of liquid soap containers and paper towel holders or driers.
Parking: Designated area at office, on one-way road.
Added Touches: May to Sept - BBQ at park 3 nights a week.
Local Information: "Fly capital" of the world. Personal spray doesn't work here, so keep your mouth shut.
Date 02/2006. Park Rating 4: Suitable for month or longer.
Report submitted by Gary & Cate, Maryland NSW.

Allan Terry Caravan Park, Hughenden
Resolution Street, opposite the railway station. 1km from GPO. On Flinders Highway between Townsville (378 kms to east) and Mt Isa via Cloncurry (391 kms to west). Local sights are Porcupine Gorge about 3 kms to north, and cast of Muttaburrasaurus. Ph: 07 4741 1190. All pets allowed.
Manager's name is Allan & Susan Thompson. Good management, friendly management, management responsive to comments, management was helpful. Price was as expected, good value for money ($20 2A per night). Good amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, were in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Good sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, drive-through sites were available, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry, good camp kitchen. Good atmosphere to park, quiet, open and roomy park. Suitable for a few days.
Likes: Helpful staff helped you into site.
Dislikes: Some noise from train depot in the night.
Roads: Good bitumen road from main highway to van park.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by alby49alicesprings.

Manager's name is Susan Thompson There are a lot of upgrades happening at this park - a camp kitchen and budget room accommodation is currently under construction. Friendly staff, staff helped us at the site. Price was as expected, good value for money ($80 2A C1 per night cabin). Cabin was clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Mostly level sites. No rec room, car wash. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade, no permanents. Wood bbq (free). No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Local Information: Flinders Discovery Centre is great for kids. We definitely intend on visiting Porcupine Gorge next time we're in the area.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by JK&L - The Big Trip.

A very tidy park, mostly drive through sites. Sites have some shade and grass. Good amenities, large toilets and showers. Council pool next door - free for campers. Weekly dinner and entertainment.
Likes: Friendly management, quiet, clean park.
Visit: Flinders Discovery Centre. Porcupine Gorge National Park - 65km from Hughenden - moderate climb, but very interesting. Forming of the gorge is explained at the discovery centre.
Date 07/2006. Park Rating 3: Good for a few days.
Report submitted by FnJ Sunshine Coast.

Manager's name is Allan Terry. Easy to find near railway station. We stopped at this park and paid in advance. We then found the toilets with no paper, no soap or hand towels in the basins, all in dirty condition. Washing machines were dirty. The manager had left the premises so could not complain, it was about 5pm. We tried to wash clothes; the driers were not working on heat. By 7pm we decided to leave, rang ahead to Matilda Park, Winton. This report for the Allen Terry park does not seem to agree with other visitors, but we were off season. Unfriendly staff, bad staff response to complaints. Price was as expected, poor value for money ($13 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were dirty, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, poor water quality. Poor laundry. Quiet, not enough shade, no permanents. Dogs on leash. No playground.
Dislikes: Unfriendly, dirty, poorly maintained
Roads: Good bitumen roads
Date 02/2006. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Wombat, Wandandian.

Rest Easi Motel & Caravan Park, Hughenden
Flinders Highway, just west of town on left hand side coming from Richmond. Ph: 07 4741 1633. No pets allowed.
This is a basic park. Amenities are old but clean and tidy with plenty of hot water. Plenty of room to park the caravan and vehicle. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice. Price was lower than expected, good value for money ($20 2A per night, powered, off-peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, shade to most sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon). Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, no permanents. Clean bbq. No playground. Clean pool is open to the sun, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Date 07/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick.

Manager's name is Paul & Marilyn. This park is not star rated in the caravan books eg RACQ etc due to its small size, only 6 sites, but we felt it was good value for money. $20 a night, all powered sites. Suitable for large vans as sites a long enough to park car in front of van but not drive through sites. Very good management, friendly management, management was helpful. Good value for money. Good amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, were in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Good sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry, van parking by management. Good atmosphere to park, quiet, shady park. Dogs allowed. Wood bbq (free), with seating provided. Suitable for a few days, the park was well maintained.
Likes: Only a small park attached to the Motel. 6 sites only, all gravel. Large area available for reversing a large van into site. Managers extremely helpful & friendly. Small amenities block but large & very clean showers & toilets. Good & clean washing machine & dryer, very good value for money.
Parking: Plenty of parking available on access road off highway & inside park/motel site.
Added Touches: Personal attention & information from Managers
Local Information: Close enough for a day trip to Porcupine Gorge.
Roads: Road good from Richmond, all bitumen & wide
Date 06/2007. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Rob & Keith.

Ilfracombe Caravan Park, Ilfracombe
Between Barcaldine and Longreach, on the Capricorn Highway, 27km south-east of Longreach on the Matilda Highway, next to the Wellshot Pub. Ph: 07 4658 1510. Pets at manager's discretion.
Manager's name is Jesse & Cathryn Hitson. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($22.00 2A per night, powered, peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, separate bathroom, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, average sized sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, shade to some sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, basic rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), kiosk, disabled facilities, dump point. Quiet, family/friendly atmosphere. UC wood bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park.
Likes: Friendly and accommodating staff Whilst on Highway reasonably quiet
Added Touches: Happy hour every evening with bush poetry and tourist advice Fuel Discount voucher at Longreach
Local Information: Mineral Spa, Machinery Mile Museum Jewellery and Opal Shop in Park Office
Date 08/2009. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Nan & Pop.

Manager's name is Jesse & Cathy Hitson. Wow what a park - the happy hour has to be best in Australia with the Hitson family doing the entertaining (Cathy, Jesse and the kids) with their bush poetry and jokes. Travelling caravanners join in as well. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, very good value for money ($22 2A per night, powered, off-peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, shade to some sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, basic rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen, dump point. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: This park is being improved all the time by Jesse(builder by trade)so in a few years it will be a beauty. Everything is very clean and tidy. Cement slabs have just been added to suit the larger caravan sites.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick.

Manager's name is J & C Hitson. Need to book in busy season. $20 per night. Owners have great happy hours and put on many interesting activities. No park lighting, no grass sites, not many slabs. Park manager extremely helpful, guidance into site, local map and advice on local sights, fixed problem with tree immediately. Small clean amenities, 2 showers 3 toilets, more being built. Can see all the interesting things of Ilfracombe in half a day. Most people stay here and do the 54k round trip to Longreach, we checked the parks in Longreach and moved onto there to save on petrol money and time, even though park at Longreach was more expensive we preferred to be closer to what Longreach has to offer.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by stockos.

Manager's name is Cathy & Jesse Hitson. Present owners have had the park for 4.5 years and they are tired and are not caravanners. Amenities while clean are rapidly falling to pieces. They barely cope when the park is half full but the owners cram as many vans in as they can and the amenities do not cope. We saw 6 vans hooked up to a 4 outlet power pole and only 5 vans had access to water. Two of the vans were parked in the vacant block next door with extension leads run from a power board plugged into an outlet pole a good 30 metres away. The noise can be quite bad because the park is on the highway, close to the rail line and the pub. Park can be very dusty because sites are just dirt and very uneven. To level our van we needed a 50mm block under the nearside wheel and under the jockey wheel. Average management. Poor value for money. Average amenities, were clean, there was adequate hot water. Poor sites. Laundry, rec room. Park atmosphere was okay, open and roomy park, shady park. Poor pool rating.
Added Touches: Fuel discount voucher. Poetry/yarns/jokes/free nibblies.
Roads: Beware of wildlife.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Wayne & Shelley, Donnybrook.

Manager's name is Cathy & Jesse Hitson. We choose to stay at the Ilfracombe Van Park every year, and every year, we seem to linger longer. Ilfracombe was once called the 'Hub of the West', and for us, it still is. Gone are the mobs of sheep, but in their place are thousands of Grey Nomads. We find the park to be friendly and clean; owner/operator Cathy Hitson goes the extra mile to ensure the comfort and needs of her guests. The park is predominately gravel with a limited grassed area for tents and campers. If travellers require grassy sites, then realistically, their trip shouldn't include the drought stricken west, but if its good down to earth hospitality you want, then go no further. Cathy will take a stroll around the park with newly registered guests, and together they choose a site to suit their individual requirements. The park has grown in popularity each year, so booking in advance during winter is a must. All local attractions are free. On booking in, staff give comprehensive information about the park and its facilities, together with some interesting information about the towns history. Your accommodation receipt is good for a fuel discount at Shell Service Station in Longreach, and with a smile, Cathy will explain to you how to get a further discount on your groceries. They provide a free town map which makes for an interesting walking tour through time. At days end, relax in the free hot artesian spa and unwind those muscles. "The Shed" which has a wonderful open fire, is the 'heart' of the park, and every night it beats to the pulse of much laughter and fun. Take along your beverage of choice, and Cathy and Jesse provide the nibblies. There is always some form of entertainment, be it a visiting ministrel or Jesse, Cathy's 'other half' telling tall tales and reciting bush poetry that has his audience rolling in the aisles. A free BBQ with clean firewood supplied, and stoked up on request, where many guests choose to cook and eat together in the shed after happy hour, swapping yarns and travelling tales. The amenities are clean, with good hot water. The laundry is large and airy. Each year we have seen improvements including paths, security lighting, drive through sites, extra amenities and the gradual increase of sites. The park is pet friendly. Because guests feel so 'at home' everybody finds it hard to move on. Very friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money. Amenities are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided, disabled facilities. Mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites. Good laundry, disabled facilities, dump point. Peaceful, open & roomy park, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean UC wood bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere. No playground, no pool. Suitable for month or longer, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: We love the genuine bush hospitality...no pomp and circumstance, just old fashioned down to earth friendliness.
Parking: Can drive up to the office at the rear of the park to book in.
Added Touches: Free happy hour six nights a week in large covered shed. Van park receipt affords discount fuel at Shell Longreach, and further information on discount groceries. Huge open fire every winters night, cut clean wood provided for bbq - will be lit upon request. Tables and chairs provided in 'the shed'.
Local Information: Innumerable points of historical interest, including a century old chinese gardeners' handbuilt rock shot-over at Stockyard Creek. Original Wellshot Hotel with good value counter meals, free artesian spa, the machinery mile.historic homestead and cottage. Easy drive to all Longreach attractions including the Stockmans Hall of Fame, RM Williams outdoor show in the grounds of the Hall of Fame, QANTAS museum, Cobb n Co Coach rides, sunset cruises, airboat rides and fishing the Thomson River for the famed western yellowbelly (golden perch).
Roads: Road to Longreach good wide bitumen, down to Isisford and the Outer Barcoo River, narrow bitumen negiotate in fine weather only as shoulders are clay, Landsborough highway to Barcaldine good wide bitumen.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Kev and Jan, Hervey Bay.

Jesse and Cathy Hitson run the park in a very family like manner. They personally make everyone welcome and they do have park managers on site to assist with all needs - and to maintain the park in an excellent manner. The park has a unique feel about it produced by the great happy hours that occur each night. Jesse recites poetry - mainly Bob Magor's, and spins yarns and tells jokes for at least an hour. He has the nack of putting over a joke and soon has the crowd involved. Nibbles are provided each night - biscuits and dip along with garlic bread. This 'Happy Hour' is a real must as it will be one that you remember. Other guests are invited to perform and during our month's stay we had a variety of entertainers ranging from a violin player, gum leaf player, through to singers and guitar players - a great smorgasbord of entertainment for the travellers. Many people stay on to cook a BBQ and continue chatting into the evening in the large Happy Hour shed - it provides a great opportunity for people to get to know one another and share ideas and thoughts on places to visit and things to do. The Ilfracombe area offers much and everything seems to be cheap or free of charge - this is most unusual these days. There is a great hot spa and swimming pool near the park that is provided for the general public by the Shire - the key is available from the van park and some shops in the town. The Wellshot Centre (a display centre which tells the story of one of Australia's great sheep stations along with a turn-of-the-century Jail House and an original shepherds hut) is well worth a look and again this is free as is the visit to the Langenbaker House (an original early settlers cottage); Hilton's Bottle Museum (reputed to be one of the largest and best collections of bottles in Australia). The list goes on. The machinery mile is still growing and is another must to look at. We highly recommend this place for an enjoyable and friendly stay - we are looking forward to visiting again next year. Very friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, very good value for money ($18 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, good camp kitchen. Peaceful, open & roomy park, family/friendly atmosphere. All pets allowed. Clean UC wood bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No pool. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Date 06/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Jack & Gaynor Pitcher.

Manager's name is Jessie and Cathy. Very helpful owner/managers. We had a problem with our camper and they went out of their way to help. Great atmosphere. You will need to book in peak times. Very good management, friendly management, management responsive to comments, management was helpful. Good value for money. Average amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Average sites, adequate number of tourist sites, some slabs, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay. Laundry, good camp kitchen. Very good park atmosphere, quiet, open and roomy park, family-friendly park. Clean UC gas bbq, with a congenial atmosphere, lit at night, with seating provided. Suitable for a week or more, the park was well maintained, the park can be considered kid-safe.
Likes: Big undercover area with fireplaces and plenty of seating.
Dislikes: Crushed stone on the ground on lots of sites which is not great when it is wet which it was when we were there
Parking: No but they will guide you in.
Added Touches: Daily happy hour around the fires with some free nibblies. Free bush poet/country singer each night.
Local Information: Good place to base yourself to do Longreach (only 25ks). Lots of interesting towns to visit within a 100k radius.
Roads: Generally good on main highways. Narrow roads on other roads with very soft shoulders when wet.
Date 06/2007. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Des, Sippy Downs .

Manager's name is Jessie and Cath. Very friendly, helpful owners and caretakers. Family orientated. Clean amenities, fantastic Happy Hour, nothing was too much trouble and is a very hands on operation. Easy to commute to Longreach. Very glad to have stopped here. Intended to stay only 2 nights and stayed for 4 nights. Very affordable. Pets allowed.
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 5:
Report submitted by Peter and Sue Godwin.

Julia Creek Caravan Park, Julia Creek
Julia Creek is located 257 kms east of Mt Isa. Julia Street, follow the signs from the Flinders Highway. Ph: 07 4746 7108. Dogs allowed on leash. Resident manager.
Stayed 1 night, $16.50 per night. Dog friendly park. Friendly reception. Our site was a concrete slab with a little afternoon shade. Donga-like amenities block was very clean. In fact it was the cleanest donga toilets/showers we had seen for a long time. Close to most sites. Water pressure to our caravan was good. Basic under-cover camp kitchen with small artesian spa nearby. Basic but clean laundry. No pool or playground so no ankle biters when we were there. Clean very pleasant and tidy park with bougainvilleas in flower. Town within walking distance with a pub nearby. We only stayed one night and did not unhook. It was a peaceful friendly park and we would stay here again.
Date 07/2009. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Malua Bay NSW.

Manager's name is Colin. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($15.00 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, concrete annex slabs, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room. Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Dirty UC electric bbq (free), bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: Price, short walk to town, artesian spa pool.
Parking: Off-road parking.
Local Information: Good meals at hotels.
Roads: Reasonable, some sections with bad shoulders, about 10 kms of detour for road reconstruction.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Wayne & Shelley, Donnybrook.

Average management, friendly management, management responsive to comments, management was helpful. Price was as expected, good value for money ($15 2A per night). Average amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, were in good condition, there was adequate hot water. Good sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, drive-through sites were available, poor water quality, adequate taps close by. Laundry, dump point. Park atmosphere was okay, quiet, open and roomy park. Suitable for overnighter.
Likes: Had a heated spa in lieu of pool.
Dislikes: Showers use bore water which was a bit smelly coming out of shower head initially although water was clean and good for drinking.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by alby49alice springs.

Blue Heeler Hotel and Caravan Park, Kynuna
Right behind the Hotel/Motel, on the Landsborough Highway about halfway between Winton and Cloncurry. Ph: 07 4746 8650.
Friendly staff. Price was lower than expected, reasonable value for money ($10 2A powered). Inadequate number of amenities, are close to all sites, cleanliness was average, condition is poor, water pressure is bad, hot water was usually adequate but not when busy. Inadequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, small sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. No rec room. Noisy, not enough shade, no permanents. Dirty wood bbq (free), dismal bbq area atmosphere. No playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter.
Likes: It had some shade, and water and power, plus a tame brolga.
Dislikes: Only 6 powered/with water sites, very dusty, very close to Hotel / Motel so noise from the pub, also quite close to the road so a lot of noise from road trains etc.
Local Information: The Hotel has plenty of atmosphere, worth having a drink or meal in the bar.
Roads: Good bitumen road.
Date 08/2007. Park Rating 1:
Report submitted by Pam and Charles.

Kynuna Roadhouse, Kynuna
Also called Never Never Caravan Park. Situated on the Matilda Highway 150 km north west of Winton, between Winton and Cloncurry. Ph: 07 4746 8683. All pets allowed.
Average staff friendliness, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was lower than expected, poor value for money ($10.00 2A per night). Inadequate number of amenities, are close to most sites, were dirty, condition is poor. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, average sized sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, very few sites are shaded, drive-through sites. Noisy, not enough shade, no permanents. No playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter.
Dislikes: Bathroom facilities less than basic, virtually unusable although manager said park had just reopened. Had to share water between 3 sites.
Date 08/2009. Park Rating 1:
Report submitted by Nan & Pop.

Dog friendly park. Don't bother with a phone call, this is a pretty casual place. Not so much a town as a location. It is pretty rough and tumble but at $8 per night for a powered site, well worthwhile to have power to run the heater on cold desert nights. Ordinary but adequate amenities, a small BBQ area and the park was kept clean and tidy. We would stay again.
Date 06/2007. Park Rating 2.5: Convenient
Report submitted by Richard and Maureen, Bungendore, NSW.

Discovery Holiday Park, Longreach
Formerly the Gunnadoo Caravan Park. 12 Thrush Road. South side of Longreach next to the Stockman's Hall Of Fame. Turn into Thrush Road off Capricorn Highway on eastern end of town near IFS service station. Ph: 07 4658 1781 or 1800 356 099. Pets at manager's discretion. Beston Parks member.
Local Information: In season do go on the Thompson River cruise "Thompson Belle" paddle steamer. Bus pick up, cruise, off to bush camp feed and bush poet stories, cruise and bus home. Visit Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Museum, same end of town as park.

Travelling for 7 weeks mainly in Qld, this was the worst of the many caravan parks we stayed. Service less than friendly on check-in. Had booked standard cabin with twin beds. Were given cabin with queen bed. Cabin poorly equipped with very basic cooking utensils only. Cabin without any trees/shade or outdoor area to sit. Did washing in the laundry - washing machine had not been cleaned for a long time. Rates for the comfort offered considered being very high and certainly not value for money compared to other parks in Qld. This is a Top Tourist Park and our rate included the 10% discount. Unfriendly staff. Price was higher than expected, poor value for money ($85.50 2A per night, cabin, peak season). Amenity cleanliness was average, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, separate bathroom, soap provided. Poor laundry.
Date 07/2009. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by kurt.

The park is close to the main attractions in Longreach. It is in two parts, an older section with old amenities and a new section with very good new amenities. The whole park though has no shade and is very dusty with dirt roads and dirt sites. They have entertainment on most nights during the high season and a pancake morning that costs $5. There is a licensed restaurant on site. Average staff friendliness, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money. Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is bad, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, some level sites, poor night lighting, large sites, very few concrete annex slabs, no sites are shaded, adequate taps close by. Good camp kitchen, kiosk, disabled facilities, dump point. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade. Clean UC electric bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting. Suitable for few days.
Likes: The spotless new amenities in the new area
Dislikes: Barren dirty dusty sites
Added Touches: Good entertainment - bush poet, country group etc.
Local Information: We did a dinner cruise on the river, not very good value for money.
Date 08/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by John and Ann.

We stayed for a few days before the big wet set in. Found the owners helpful and willing to provide knowledge regarding flooded roads. Given upgrade to ensuite site without asking as park was not busy. Found amenities clean and in good order. Big park with lots of sites, some on bare ground with gravel road frontage with others having concrete pads and ensuites. The gravel (all pebble) was put down to stop the ground turning to mud and worked well yet still pooled in some areas. A great place for a short stay as most things in the area can be seen in a few days. Would use the park as stop over as the town has most travel resources on hand. Restaurant was closed during our stay. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money. Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, separate bathroom, soap provided, dry change area, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, small sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, very few sites are shaded, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, kiosk. Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No playground. Clean pool is open to the sun, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for few days, suitable for families, well maintained park.
Likes: Staff still willing to seek out and provide best possible travel routes after check out. Clean amenities. Central to town. Felt welcome.
Dislikes: Very big park. Bring pushbikes for trips to office.
Parking: Good.
Added Touches: It just worked for us.
Roads: Road good lots of turning space if you miss the turn.
Date 01/2009. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by country campers.

This visit was our third to this park. We enjoyed our time on these previous visits, especially the park food and entertainment with BYO, next to the pool. Great value and atmosphere. This time was a completely different experience. Free internet card was worthless as did not work, staff even admitted it was poor! Advertised evening meal at the Woolshed was cancelled at the last minute as the management felt there weren't enough attending. This caused bad feeling and need to go offsite for food. Main amenities block in our section of the park was not cleaned at all on the Monday of our stay. Smaller amenities block where friends were staying was not cleaned for four days of our stay. This was when they had received heavy rain and the park was a quagmire. Email complaint to the managing chain was not answered. This was symptomatic of the management at the park. The problem for visitors to Longreach is that there are only three options for caravan camping. This park that has over three hundred sites and has the best location close to the major attractions. The small Longreach Caravan Park, which we were told by friends, has lifted their standard and is the place to stay if you can get in. The camping by the river has been reduced in size and river access points. Because of the foregoing it shows why there is no need for this previously well run park to try hard to please. Poor management. Reasonable value for money. Good amenities, were in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Average sites, adequate number of tourist sites, drive-through sites were available, adequate taps close by. Laundry, dump point. Park atmosphere was okay, open and roomy park. Dogs allowed. Clean pool. Suitable for overnighter.
Date 09/2008. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by L&L, Cooks Hill.

Manager's name is R Davis & D Sellwood. Very large park with many ensuite sites $44, powered sites $28. Very little park lighting. Amenities very clean, and large, shower cubicles ok no curtain but built so shower head faces away from drying space, good hot water. Reception friendly and gave a comprehensive list of places to visit in and around Longreach, with opening times and prices. Some slab sites, mostly gravel sites with trees for sparse shade.
Likes: Close to town and many of the places of interest, Stockmans Hall of Fame; Qantas; School of air.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by stockos.

We have stayed here several times now. Park has been enlarged over the years and is now perhaps too big and impersonal. Older area has grassed sites, some with pads and en-suites. New area is entirely gravel and management have stated that it will remain that way as the waster supply in Longreach is too uncertain to plant lawns. Sites in new area are long and narrow and place you very close to your neighbours. Reception is a fair walk away and staff are polite enough, but it is rather impersonal. Amenities are clean and modern, and appear adequate for numbers. On this visit there were several vacant sites but on other occasions we found the park very full so booking is advised. A new Woolshed serves a reasonable meal several times a week, and sausage sizzles on others, and there is musical entertainment afterwards. Park is now one of an Australia-wide chain. Cost of $28 per night 2A considered on the high side for what you get. Note that tourist attractions in the area are getting very expensive. Stockman's Hall of Fame charges $19 per adult ($16.50 concession), while QANTAS Founders Museum charges $19 admission ($16.50 concession) plus $19 to tour the Boeing 747 plus $16 to tour the Boeing 707 plus $85 to do a wing walk. No wonder QANTAS makes a profit every year. These places are pricing themselves out of the market for "grey nomads" on limited incomes and families with children!
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 2.5.
Report submitted by Peripatetic Perrys, North Rocks.

Average staff friendliness, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money. Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, average sized sites, adequate taps close by. Noisy, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park.
Dislikes: Noise from woolshed at night.
Parking: Off street area seems small in busy period.
Added Touches: Free internet card was worthless as did not work, staff even admitted it was poor!
Local Information: Meal at RSL was not up to scratch, would not recommend. Park is close to major attractions being Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum.
Roads: Good access highway to Longreach from east.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Rusty Ones.

This is the worst van park we have ever stayed at. It turns to a sea of mud when it rains and would be dusty when dry. The only night lighting in old section is between the vans and annoys adjacent vans but gives no useful light for you to pick your way through mud puddles in the dark. Do not be deceived by the appearance of the park at reception area, this is the only attractive area and you have to go back out onto street and down the street before entering the park which was a bog hole when we were there. No attempt was made to fill in large bog holes in the so called access roads; no drainage either. The communal area was licensed so no BYO drinks over there. We were in old section - even though we booked we were not given a choice. We looked at new section while there which was only a little better but at least sites were drive through and were slightly raised above the mud. Unfriendly staff, bad staff response to complaints. Price was much higher than expected, poor value for money ($28 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to only some sites, were dirty, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, small sites, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, claustrophobic park, not enough shade. Electric bbq (free). Dirty pool. Suitable for overnighter.
Dislikes: Dirty, small muddy sites, nowhere to park car, overpriced, no drainage, only grass is out by reception area.
Parking: In driveway.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 1: We will never stay here again, not even at half the price.
Report submitted by Gaz n Rob.

Longreach Caravan Park, Longreach
Ph: 07 4155 1151. All pets allowed.
Manager's name is Shane & Kerry Morgan. Very friendly staff, average staff response to complaints, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($22 2A, shoulder season). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is bad, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided. Inadequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, small sites, very few concrete annex slabs, very few sites are shaded, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, kiosk. Quiet, claustrophobic park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere, a few permanents. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter, well maintained park.
Likes: Close to shops
Dislikes: Vans were squeezed in with barely enough room to walk between them.
Added Touches: Free cuppa and biscuits every afternoon and free entertainment once a week
Roads: Good roads into and out of town
Date 09/2009. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Harold Jackson.

Longreach Water Reserve, Longreach
Stayed 1 night. Rest area located on the river 4kms NW of Longreach (left side, coming from Mt. Isa). While this is not a caravan park, it is an excellent stop for the night, or even 3 nights as some people we spoke to had stayed. You cannot see this spot from the road, but when we drove in and turned left around the corner we were surprised to find more vans/buses/mobile homes then we had seen in some parks. We counted 19 in all, with more to come in before sundown. This is a big level dirt area with toilets, water (not for drinking), tables, firespots, few trees, and very suitable for buses and large vans. We had a very enjoyable quiet and peaceful night there. Highly recommended.
Date 04/2007. Excellent freebie camping spot.
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Queanbeyan.

Walkabout Creek Van Park, McKinlay
On highway coming into McKinley from the east.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Average staff friendliness, average staff response to complaints, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($15.00 A1 powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room. Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No pets allowed. No playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter, well maintained park.
Dislikes: Hard to find, no one on site. Have to book in at pub on highway.
Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Witch a Way.

Argylla Tourist Park, Mt Isa
On Flinders Highway at eastern approach to city. On the main road into Mt Isa coming from Cloncurry. As you come in form the east it is on your right just before you enter Mt Isa. From the west, drive through town and it is on your left about 500m past the TAFE. Ph: 07 4743 4733 or 1800 664 418. BIG4 member.
Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($29.00 2A per night, powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, some level sites, poor night lighting, large sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, shade to some sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, kiosk, disabled facilities, dump point, van parking. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Owner/Manager very accommodating and helpful.
Dislikes: Dust when other caravaners exceed speed signs
Parking: office well within park grounds can cause entry disruptions
Date 08/2009. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Nan & Pop.

Manager's name is Aallan & Elaine. We stayed here 3 years ago but since then the park is under new management. They don't appear to be spending any money on the caravan sites as no watering appears to have been done for ages as there is hardly any grass and the park is a virtual dust bowl. Also when we were here last there was afternoon tea and scones supplied by the park management, but this has now ceased. There are three amenity blocks; one is by the cabins and swimming pool and quite a distance from the caravan sites, the second block was nearer to our site and sorely in need of upgrade, the third block was down the end of the park nearest the tent sites and camp kitchen. We wonder how the park maintains its BIG4 4-star rating. Sites were small with only a few concrete slabs. The park was almost full when we were there. The hot water didn't need any cold added. There were some sites, and we had one, which was very difficult to get into, you had to back in and uphill. Friendly staff. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($26 2A per night powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to only some sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is bad, there was adequate hot water, separate bathroom, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, some level sites, good night lighting, small sites, concrete annex slabs, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, basic rec room, good camp kitchen, kiosk, disabled facilities, car wash, dump point, van parking. Quiet, claustrophobic park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. No permanents. Clean bbq. Basic playground in average condition. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Just out of town so away from local noise.
Dislikes: Sites too small and you feel as though you are on top of each other. No grass, its like being in a dustbowl.
Parking: Outside reception.
Local Information: Lots to do in and around Mt Isa.
Roads: Road from Cloncurry not too bad.
Date 08/2008. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Fran & Trevor, Melbourne.

Manager's name is Marcus and Kay. Sites were small with only a few concrete slabs. It was almost full when we were there and there was one long avenue of vans. Friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($37 2A C3 per night). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, small sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, basic rec room, good camp kitchen, dump point, secure entry. Quiet, claustrophobic park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere No pets allowed. Clean UC electric bbq (pay), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Clean pool, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for overnighter , well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Just out of town so away from local noise. Plenty of grass.
Dislikes: Sites too small and you feel as though you are on top of each other.
Added Touches: Some activities at night
Local Information: Lots to do in and around Mt Isa. Visit the old small towns - Kajabbi, Quamby as well as Lake Julius
Roads: Good from east and west. Narrow sections from south and north.
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Des, Sippy Downs.

A large park with many drive through sites. On the outskirts of town. Some shady sites. Friendly staff, we were shown to site. New amenities block, with ensuite type cubicles as well as a large, older block. Lots of grass. Disappointed that free bus tour no longer operating. Permanents separated by high fence - didn't even know they were there.
Likes: Michael runs the daily, afternoon tea (and everything else if you ask him!) He is a real character. Nicest employee we came across on our trip. BYO cups, delicious scones are provided.
Visit: Outback @ Isa, MIM Surface Tour, RFDS, Town Lookout, Lake Moondara.
Date 08/2006. Park Rating 3.5: Suitable for any length stay.
Report submitted by FnJ, Sunshine Coast.

Copper City Caravan Park, Mt Isa
185 West Street. Situated approximately 1 km from the main part of town. Coming in to Mt Isa from Cloncurry way continue along road in until you get to West Street (fire station on corner) and turn right, follow this all the way down to the end - can't miss the park. Ph: 07 4743 4676. Family Parks member. All pets allowed.
Average staff friendliness, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, poor value for money ($163.80 2A per week powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water - but not if busy, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided. Inadequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, dump point. Noisy, claustrophobic park, too much shade, too many permanents. Dirty UC gas bbq (free), dismal bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground. Clean pool is open to the sun. Suitable for a few days.
Dislikes: Dump point is a drain with a meter of hose on a tap nearby. Doesn't look hygienic, and wonder where the dump goes? Miners use a large facility at the rear of the park, and start shifts at 5.30am, with constant stream of 4WD and trucks through park.
Parking: Copper City and Riverside caravan parks combined. Copper City used to be attractive, if basic, park with ensuites and a reasonable fee. Since being bought out, Copper City has become an overpriced shanty town.
Local Information: TV reception - ABC digital. Analog OK, but some ghosting. Mobile phone reception - Good. Auto gas available locally. Alcohol restrictions in force. No sales before 12. No car, no sale. But not as bad as other towns in Central NT and Qld.
Date 08/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Derek & Del.

Manager's name is Col & Michelle. All powered sites have own ensuite. Majority of ensuites have been renovated recently with the others being done in the near future. We had an old ensuite but were still happy to just have our own bathroom. Pool area is lovely, great place to relax and escape the heat. We stayed 10 weeks as we picked up a bit of work - thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Stay 7 nights pay for 6 ($135/pw) - very good value. Large laundry - washing only $2 per load cheapest we have come across. Large modern camp kitchen with microwave, kettle, BBQs, gas burners, fridge and stainless steel benches - great place to catch up with other guests. Friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($22.50 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, separate bathroom, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, no rec room, good camp kitchen, kiosk, car wash, van parking. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided, toddlers catered for. Suitable for month or longer, well maintained park.
Likes: Ensuites, pet friendly, great managers, camp kitchen
Dislikes: Some sites not in shade (ours), ugly permanent vans
Parking: Parking area
Added Touches: tour bookings
Date 09/2006. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Cam & Dee, Gladstone Qld.

Moondarra Caravan Park, Mt Isa
500 metres off Barkly Highway on Lake Moondarra Road, 6K west of Mt Isa centre, on banks of Leichhardt River. Family Parks member.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Friendly reception, taken to site and guided on. Paved roads, grassed sites although very dry at time visited. Most powered sites had slabs and reasonable shade. Good water to sites, swimming pool, kiosk. Amenities elderly but clean and adequate; no soap or paper towels provided. Showers had curtains and shower heads faced sideways, always an advantage, but there were no mops. Pets allowed overnight. $18.50 2A good value. Suitable for overnight or extended stay, not as crowded as some Mt Isa parks.
Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Peripatetic Perrys, North Rocks.

Mt Isa Caravan Park, Mt Isa
112 Marian Street (Barkly Highway). Easy to find, on the Barkly Highway and well sign-posted. From Cloncurry second park on the right, from Camooweal second last park on the left. Ph: 07 4743 3252 or 1800 073 456. OzParks member. Dog friendly.
Stayed 2 nights, $22.50 per night, OZ Parks discount. Plus $10.00 deposit for key. Friendly reception. Lots of permanents (some untidy) with some tourist parking at the back. We were given Site C3, a long dirt drive-through site at the front near the office. Easy to drive in and plenty of space. Very little shade, but other sites did have shade. Two amenities blocks, clean but in need of upgrade. I asked why everything was locked, amenities, dump site, and even the laundry had wire gates. I was told that it had always been like that. Clean swimming pool near office. We had some noise in the night from the locals having a fight in the street. Some noise during the day because of tar upgrading on the roads in the park, but that is a good thing as it will mean less dust. On the whole this park was ok and we would probably stay again.
Date 07/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Malua Bay NSW.

Unfriendly staff, average staff response to complaints, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, poor value for money ($25 2A per night, powered, off-peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, small sites, very few concrete annex slabs, shade to most sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen, dump point. Noisy, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, too many permanents. Clean UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Clean pool is open to the sun, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for overnighter.
Dislikes: Very noisy at night if on the side road of park.(cars and people)No soap or paper in toilets. Very basic park that over charges for sites.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 2.5: Will not return
Report submitted by Baz&Mick.

Some sites are better than others. Cost of $23 for 2A, but 10% discount with OzParks. About a 20-minute walk to town and Mt Isa tourist bureau and Mt Isa Experience. Shady sites and BBQ. Two amenities that are older but very clean. Everything is locked - amenities, laundry and even the dump point. Park has a courtesy bus into town.
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Richard and Maureen, Bungendore, NSW.

Lots of trees, fairly narrow roadways but sites are a good size. We were able to park our 25ft Heritage, with awning out, plus car on site with room to spare. Very clean pool with lawn area around, children's playground. Very well-cleaned amenities with toilet and showers cubicle walls cleaned, even behind the doors! Laundries and BBQ areas cleaned regularly. Lots of permanents and/or long-term'ers but no apparent problems. Dogs are welcome. There is a free courtesy bus to and from the town and information centres. Suitable for any length of stay for most people.
Date 05/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Toned-F.

Riverside Caravan Park, Mt Isa
195 West street. Turn right off Flinders Highway into West Street. 2nd park along on the left at the end of West Street. Ph: 07 4743 3904. Family Parks member.
Park is just past the Copper City Caravan Park on the left at the end of West Street. Note that now you have to check in at the Copper City Caravan Park first! Friendly reception, then we drove further down West Street to the park and were met on site and guided in. This park has been reduced in size since we first stayed in 1995 and has not changed for the better. Despite its name there is now no access to, or view of, the Leichhardt River, which is usually dry anyway. We had a reasonably grassed site with annexe pad and afternoon shade, but other sites seemed very dusty and bare although well shaded. Generally park had an untidy, unkempt and run-down appearance and needs some TLC. For example, when we connected our water the whole tap collapsed and we had to call management to turn off the water to the park and fix it - it had been held together only by the rust. However in fairness the amenities were very good, with screened door access, large shower cubicles with curtains, soap and paper towels provided, and very clean. On downside, laundry is miles away from the amenities block behind a metal fence and appears to be part of the adjacent Workers Camp. Swimming pool seemed clean and inviting although too cold to use in June. There are a large number of permanents, and tourist sites are scattered around the park so there was a lack of the usual camaraderie. Cost of $26 per night 2A for powered site before Family Parks discount considered reasonable. Suitable for short term stay.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 2.5: We would stay again if necessary but have experienced better parks in Mt Isa.
Report submitted by Peripatetic Perrys, North Rocks.

Not well sign posted. Good management, friendly management, management responsive to comments, management was helpful. Very good value for money at $19.80 per night 2A with disc. Very good amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, were in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Average sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, hard to negotiate in to/out of site, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry, good camp kitchen, dump point. Good atmosphere to park, quiet, shady park, family-friendly park. Good pool rating. Suitable for month or longer, suitable for families.
Likes: Close to town. Mine tour bookings available.
Dislikes: Not all sites are grassed. No tap at dump point
Parking: Some queuing in street waiting for book in
Local Information: Underground mine tour is not to be missed, fossil museum and Mt Isa museum at tourist centre are great value. WW2 underground hospital is a good visit. Lake Moondarra is a nice picnic spot.
Roads: Bitumen and good roads available from coast, some ribbon roads via Normanton route which we took.
Date 06/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Puigwash, Mareeba.

Stayed 2 days, $19.80 per night powered site (FPA member discount). Has been taken over by new manager, Roger, who was very friendly and helpful and showed us to a nice large level shady dirt site, near the amenities block. In fact, The Sunset Top Tourist, Copper City and the Riverside Tourist Park gave one owner. No pets allowed. This park is fairly large with level, large shaded sites. The amenities block and laundry were very clean with the showers having curtains which I noticed had been taken down for washing on the second morning of our stay. They were back up in the evening. There was a flyscreen door to the amenities block. Soap and paper towels provided. Good night lighting. Playground and swimming pool (which was closed for repairs) and good camp kitchen. On entry the park looks a bit shabby, mainly due to the large amount of permanents. A good clean up of the permanent's sites would spruce this park up. On the whole, we enjoyed this park with its very clean facilities, friendly manager, and friendly travellers, and would definitely stay again.
Date 04/2007. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Leszek and Jackie, Queanbeyan.

Manager Mary & Ron. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($18 2A per night powered with FPA discount). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen, kiosk, disabled facilities, car wash, dump point. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, too many permanents. No pets allowed. Clean gas UC, bbq with lighting, seating provided. Good playground in good condition. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for families, well maintained park.
Likes: Friendly helpful owner, huge shade trees, big easy sites. Amenities block is insect screened. Huge green frogs and nice gecos also a few toads.
Dislikes: The permanents need to have a "throw out "and tidy up. Too much hoarding is untidy for the park, and lets the owners down.
Parking: Designated area at reception.
Added Touches: Free bus pick to various clubs for tea.
Local Information: Irish Club has excellent Bistro meals. Lake Moondarra good picnic spots and views for photo op. Fish hiding. Also the City L/O for overview and photos.
Date 02/2006. Park Rating 3.5: Suitable for month or longer
Report submitted by Gary & Cate, Maryland NSW.

Sunset Top Tourist Park, Mt Isa
14 Sunset Drive. 1.6 kms east of city centre. Ph: 07 4743 7668 or 1800 786 738. Top Tourist member. Dogs on leash.
Friendly staff. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($89 2A C1 per night cabin). Cabin was clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was inadequate hot water, mostly level sites, good night lighting. Good laundry, no rec room, good camp kitchen. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Basic playground in good condition. Clean pool. Suitable for few days, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Proximity to the centre of town.
Dislikes: Extremely sensitive shower adjustment and temperature oscillated between boiling and freezing. Loud music in the place next door to the park went on until 3:00am - apparently not uncommon in a mining town.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by JK&L - The Big Trip.

Flinders Rest Area, Richmond
On left on Flinders Highway, 50 kms west of Richmond. Dogs on leash.
Good clean rest area with toilets, showers, water. Cleanliness was average, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting. Quiet. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter, well maintained.
Date 06/2009. Campground Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Baz & Mick.

Lakeview Caravan Park, Richmond
Formerly the Richmond Caravan Park. On Flinders Highway 300 metres past town centre on east side. Top Tourist member. Ph: 07 4741 3772. Pets at manager's discretion, as long as they are well behaved.
Average staff friendliness, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, reasonable value for money ($27 2A per night, powered, peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs to most sites, shade to most sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen, dump point. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean UC bbq ($1.00), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: The park overlooked the lake which had nice walking track, bbqs and fishing areas. Kronosaurus Korner is well worth looking at.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick.

Friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was higher than expected, reasonable value for money ($138.60 2A per week powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, no rec room, disabled facilities, dump point. Peaceful, open and roomy, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean UC electric bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Overlooking beautiful artificial lake.
Dislikes: 7 nights for price of 6 given only during tourist season. Off season the discount doesn't apply – don’t want to encourage longer visits during the off season? When queried the owner contacted council which agreed to give us the discount. Argentine ants were a problem - also invisible biting insects which made a good meal of us - though they seemed to prefer my blood to the wife's!
Local Information: TV reception - Some interference on all channels. Satellite dish easy to set up. Mobile phone reception - Good. Autogas available locally. Liked town/region. Autogas very expensive - paid over $1.20 a litre. Petrol and diesel prices out of sight! Pubs used to give good meals (three years ago) but, having changed hands since, the prices have gone up while the quality has dropped. Though Mud Hut pub did a reasonable takeaway pizza - on Sundays only. Kronosaur Korner worth a visit.
Roads: Three caravans had damage to tow coupling while we were there. Road approaching town a bit bumpy, but don't understand why so many vans damaged.
Date 10/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Derek & Del.

This is a lovely park beside the lake. Nicely grassed with shady trees. Well set out park which is beautifully maintained. The amenities are excellent, spotlessly clean with good size cubicles. Good laundry. Lovely walk right around the lake with picnic areas and a water playground. Also walking distance to the shops and the Kronosaurus Korner Fossil Centre. Would definitely stay again.
Date 08/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Morris & Carolyn - Brisbane.

We thoroughly enjoyed our night at this park. After heading out from home at Mount Isa, it was lovely to be able to sit outside with a glass of wine, looking over the lake and relax after what had been a hectic day. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($20.00 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good camp kitchen. Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Congenial UC bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: The lovely view over the lake (both day and night), facilities of the lake close enough for use by caravan park (swimming, walk around lake - 1.2km, barbeque and children's water play area)
Local Information: The lake that the caravan park fronts with excellent facilities, Kronosaurus Corner (Dinosaur exhibit), Richmond is a nice little town to relax in and explore.
Roads: Good bitumen highway
Date 12/2006. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Sundowners, Mount Isa.

On the right of highway entering town from Hughenden. Small compact park, paved roads throughout, grassed areas between sites. Modern facilities of adequate size. Trees small at present, lack of shade may be a problem in very hot weather. Friendly and helpful manager, offers help and information. Park has nice outlook over adjacent lake. Convenient to shops and hotels etc. Good management, friendly management. Very good value for money. Good amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, were in good condition, there was adequate hot water. Good sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, drive-through sites were available, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry. Good atmosphere to park, quiet, open and roomy park, family-friendly park. Dogs allowed at discretion of manager. Clean free wood bbq, the park was well maintained.
Likes: Clean & tidy. Nice atmosphere. Ideal location. Tourist only.
Dislikes: Lack of shade (trees small)
Parking: Sufficient area for one vehicle and van while booking in.
Date 12/2006. Park Rating 4: Suitable for a few days.
Report submitted by Den.

Clean, well laid out park, drive through sites, grassed for annex, gravel drive. Clean, quite new amenities, good size shower cubicles. Nice BBQ area. Certainly one of the nicer parks in the centre - no dust and pleasant view over the man made lake. Free internet at Library.
Likes: No dust, looking at water a nice change.
Visit: Kronosaurus Korner - a fascinating display of dinosaur and various marine fossils.
Date 08/2006. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by FnJ Sunshine Coast.

Richmond Caravan Park, Richmond
East of Cloncurry, halfway between Townsville and Mt Isa. Flinders Highway (Goldring Street). Ph: 07 4741 3772.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

Stonehenge Caravan Park, Stonehenge
Stonehenge is south-west of Longreach, halfway to Windorah. On main road through Stonehenge, diagonally opposite the pub. Ph: 07 4658 6133. Dogs on leash.
May possibly class this as a campground. It consisted of a nice flat area that would accommodate 8 vans comfortably, 10 at a squeeze. There are 2 power heads that will supply 6 vans with 15 metre leads. The picnic shelter and amenities over to the side between the hard standing and the side street. Price was as expected, good value for money ($10 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, late checkout allowed (up to noon). Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade, no permanents. Clean UC wood bbq (free), bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for overnighter, suitable for few days, well maintained park.
Likes: Nice flat and open, other travellers were friendly. No through traffic at night.
Dislikes: Nothing - the facilities were limited but the park was in keeping with the size of the town.
Parking: No booking needed, no one in attendance, plenty of space on the outside roads to park whilst casing the joint.
Local Information: Information centre, fuel and meals at the pub. Lochern National Park 40 km to the north. Fishing in the Thomson river.
Roads: The town is located off the Thomson Development Road which is sealed from Windorah to Longreach. The 6 km approach from the south is good dry weather gravel. The 3km to the north is sealed.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by PeterD.

Tambo Mill Motel and Van Park, Tambo
On the left of Main Street as pass through town heading for Barcaldine on Matilda Highway. Ph: 07 4654 6466 or 07 4654 7000. Dogs allowed under control.
This excellent park is alongside the Tambo Mill Motel. Spacious drive-through sites and excellent amenities block with individual bathrooms. Will definitely stay here again.
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Peter & Jean Reynella SA.

Manager's name is Bob & Muriel Patterson. Unisex showers & toilets. Could not take a shower in the morning as all showers occupied. Very friendly staff. Price was higher than expected, reasonable value for money ($25 2A per night powered). Inadequate number of amenities, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is good. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, large sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Quiet. Suitable for overnighter, well maintained park.
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by John.

Manager Barbara & Greg Bignall. On the left going West on Matilda Highway. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, good value for money ($20 2A per night powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, separate bathroom, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, large sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), kiosk, car wash, dump point. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Dogs on leash, under control. No bbqs, no playground. Clean pool is shaded, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for families, well maintained park.
Likes: Huge shaded drive thru sites. Beautiful bottle trees. Using bore water to keep the grass green. Good meals at the motel restaurant and a garage next door with takeaway etc. Hotel across the road.
Dislikes: The pool had a mighty big side rupture, and no signs of being fixed in the off season.
Parking: At the motel reception.
Added Touches: Stay 2 nights, 3rd Free.
Local Information: Visit Tambo Teddies Shop across the road ,handmade, so expensive. Will last a lifetime. Large working windmill in the garden area. Huge bottle tree at site # 6, in memory of Jimmy Maple.
Roads: Drive carefully, many "kills" by the roadside in this area because of the drought.
Date 02/2006. Park Rating 3.5: Suitable for a week or more.
Report submitted by Gary & Cate, Maryland NSW.

Tambo Caravan Park, Tambo
Arthur Street. On left hand side of main road from Charleville to Blackall. Ph: 07 5545 6463.
UPDATED REPORT NEEDED

This is an excellent park. It is fairly new and layout and facilities show a lot of thought. All sites are drive-through. Amenities are modern, well designed and kept clean. With filtered water, as opposed to bore-water elsewhere, it was the best shower we had in this part of the world (and which shows what can be done with a little forethought). Management a bit off-handed but things worked. Would stay again.
Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Vande, Bald Hills Qld.

Matilda Country Tourist Park, Winton
Winton is 1430 km west of Brisbane, on the Matilda Highway between Longreach and Cloncurry. 43 Chirnside Street, just on entering town from Barcaldine, on the corner of Landsborough Highway opposite the BP. 1km from PO. Ph: 07 4657 1607 or 1800 001 383. All pets allowed.
No longer Top Tourist Park. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($26.00 2A per night, powered, peak season). Inadequate number of amenities, are close to only some sites, cleanliness was average, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Inadequate number of tourist sites, some level sites, poor night lighting, small sites, concrete annex slabs to some sites, shade to most sites, hard to negotiate into site, poor water quality, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere. Clean pool, pool area not considered kid-safe. Suitable for overnighter.
Likes: Entertainment in the peak season
Dislikes: Dusty dirt roads in the park. Basic demountable style amenities
Date 08/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Ann and John.

Manager's name is Mick. Very friendly staff, no complaints, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($140.40 2A per week). Inadequate number of amenities, are close to only some sites, were clean, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, dry change area, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, all level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Poor laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen, kiosk. Quiet, open and roomy, plenty of shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Dirty UC gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for a week or more, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Staff helpful. Easy setup of satellite dish.
Dislikes: Amenities woeful - showers in men’s amenities consists of cubicles separated with curtains.
Added Touches: Bush poet entertains nightly. Park has tour bus to Lark Quarry.
Local Information: TV reception - Satellite dish easy to set up. Mobile phone reception - Good. Autogas available locally. Liked town/region. Tattersalls Hotel still providing best meals, at reasonable price, anywhere. Tatts also only place to get cash out of bank cards with no additional fees! Larks Quarry worth a visit - but 100+ kms journey on mostly uneven gravel roads means you'd only want to do it once.
Date 10/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Derek & Del.

Average staff friendliness. Price was higher than expected, poor value for money ($21.60 2A per night powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to most sites, were dirty, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, small sites, drive-through sites, poor water quality. Poor laundry, no rec room. Noisy, claustrophobic park, not enough shade. Dismal UC bbq area atmosphere. No playground. Suitable for overnighter.
Likes: A good camp roast ($15/person) and bush poet.
Dislikes: Very poor atmosphere and facilities. A dusty park with very poor quality water.
Date 08/2008. Park Rating 1:
Report submitted by Noel and Jill, Boronia.

This is a very busy park in the winter months. The dirt roads within the park need improving as the dust blows everywhere. The amenities in the park are very old demountables and also need attention. Many of the sites are very difficult to negotiate due to the narrow roads and small trees everywhere. Average staff friendliness, van parking assistance provided by staff. Price was higher than expected, poor value for money ($23.00 2A powered site after the Top Tourist discount). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is poor, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, soap provided, paper towels/dryer provided. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, small sites, hard to negotiate into site, adequate taps close by. Poor laundry, no rec room. Quiet, claustrophobic park, too much shade. Clean gas bbq (free), congenial bbq area atmosphere, seating provided at bbq. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for few days.
Dislikes: Dry dusty park with sub standard roads. Amenities need upgrading.
Parking: Room for one rig outside the office or park on road outside.
Added Touches: Bush poet appears nightly and is very good. Meals available.
Local Information: Waltzing Matilda Centre is excellent. Easy drive to visit Lark Quarry. Winton is a very nice small town.
Roads: Reasonable bitumen roads north and south.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Toto.

For a top tourist park this place is a disgrace. New owners took over at the beginning of the year and they couldn't give a stuff. Have never come across such unhelpful people before. Driveways in the park are fine white dust about 30mm deep. Male owner drove his ute around with complete disregard to the huge 8kph signs and when I chipped him about the dust clouds he was kicking up he just shrugged his shoulders and said "there's a drought on". Amenities were donga style and could not cope. Vans and campers were parked on the footpath and wherever the owners could squeeze them in. Could not use the camp kitchen because vans and camper trailers were plugged into all the power outlets. Very poor management. Poor value for money. Poor amenities. Average sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry. Poor atmosphere to park.
Roads: Good (sort of).
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 1:
Report submitted by Wayne & Shelley, Donnybrook.

We have stayed here several times now. Has been under new ownership for about a month, and new owners are friendly and helpful. We were taken to site and guided on. Park is fairly dusty, with little or no grass and only a few annexe pads, but is reasonably well shaded. Amenities are clean and adequate but rather antiquated, and are scattered through the park rather than in one place. A feature during the tourist season is that evening meals can be ordered every day and are provided by the Winton Hotel at a very reasonable price and brought to the campfire area. This is followed by a presentation by the highly regarded bush poet, Milton Taylor, who has appeared there for many years now. Cost of $24 per night 2A for powered site before Top Tourist discount reasonable value. A friendly park, suitable for short to medium stay. When considering any shortcomings remember this is the Outback, not the Queensland coast! Main tourist attraction in town, Waltzing Matilda Centre and Museum, is now charging $19 per adult ($16.50 concession). As with Longreach, these prices are getting out of hand!
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 3.5.
Report submitted by Peripatetic Perrys, North Rocks.

Manager's name is Mick & Tammy. Mick and Tammy have only bought the park in mid-April and along with the rest of the staff are doing a great job in fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere. The park management/owner turnover has apparently been frequent in the last few years but they are in it for the long haul. Their kids are terrific and more than willing to show you around the nearby attractions - our daughter wanted to move here permanently. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice. Price was as expected, very good value for money ($68 2A C1 per night cabin). Cabin was clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, mostly level sites, good night lighting. Average sized van sites, drive-through sites. Good laundry, no rec room, good camp kitchen. Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. UC bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground. Clean pool is open to sun, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for few days, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: Staff friendliness, general atmosphere of the place and the people staying there, campfire dinner and bush poetry, and proximity to Lark Quarry tours (they depart from here).
Dislikes: It is the outback so you've got to expect some dust and the town gets its water from the Great Artesian Basin so the smell of hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg gas) is present when you turn the taps on.
Added Touches: Milton Taylor the bush poet who performs every night was excellent as were the catered campfire dinners provided by Kev from the Winton Hotel.
Local Information: There is a lot to see considering the size of the place. Lark Quarry, the world's only known site of a fossilised dinosaur stampede is a must, as is the Waltzing Matilda Centre and the Corfield & Fitzmaurice Building. Arno's Wall, Bladensburg Homestead, Musical Fence, North Gregory Hotel, Route of the River Gums Drive and Royal Open Air Theatre are also worth doing. Look for the Shin Plasters to save money as they offer discounted entry to multiple attractions.
Roads: Kennedy Developmental Road from Hughenden to Winton is all sealed but a lot of it is quite patchy.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by JK&L - The Big Trip.

Only one in town. Signposts along main road. Unfriendly staff, staff helped us at the site. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($23 2A per night powered). Amenity cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Mostly level sites, average sized sites, drive-through sites, poor water quality, adequate taps close by. Plenty of shade. Suitable for overnighter.
Dislikes: Reception staff attitude.
Parking: Wait for guidance to site - cheerful assistance
Date 07/2007. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by John.

This is a friendly park and we have stayed several times in the last couple of years. Although the region is dry, the host tries to provide some shrubs and bush barriers from sites. Good management, friendly management, management responsive to comments, management was helpful. Very good value for money. Good amenities, adequate number to cater for tourists, close to sites, were clean, were in good condition, water pressure was okay, there was adequate hot water. Very good sites, sites were level, lighting at night was adequate, the site size was okay, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Laundry, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen, dump point. Very good park atmosphere, quiet, shady park, family-friendly park. Clean free UC bbq with a congenial atmosphere, lit at night, with seating provided. Average pool. The park was well maintained, the park can be considered kid-safe.
Likes: The siting of the sites; spacious and well placed.
Added Touches: Entertainment evenings in top season, can buy roast dinner for reasonable cost.
Local Information: Tattersalls Hotel provides great meals; great country butchers; area is close to the fossil/dinosaur attraction Lark Quarry.
Date 09/2006. Park Rating 3.5: Suitable for a week or more.
Report submitted by Chris Martins.

A surprisingly large park for such a small town. Gravel road and sites. Dry and dusty as expected in the outback. Most sites are pleasantly shaded, but get in early for the best ones. Amenities are basic, but clean. Smelly bore water showers, but drinking water was fine.
Likes: Winton Hotel provides a roast dinner every night in season at the caravan park - good value. Bush poet was excellent.
Dislikes: Bore water showers.
Visit: Waltzing Matilda Centre - as good as, but different from Longreach Stockmans Hall of Fame. Lark Quarry Dinosaur Stampede site. Caravan Park organizes a tour if you don't want to drive - 110km from Winton on mostly dirt road - well worth the visit.
Date 07/2006. Park Rating 3: Good for the time needed to see the local sites
Report submitted by FnJ, Sunshine Coast.

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