Australian Caravan Park Reports

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Queensland

Channel Country

Bedourie Council Caravan Park, Bedourie (DFP)
Birdsville Caravan Park, Birdsville (DFP)
Eromanga Motel/Caravan Park, Eromanga (DFP)
Jundah Caravan Park, Jundah
Noccundra Hotel, Noccundra
Wilson River Camping Area, Noccundra (Campground)
Channel Country Caravan Park, Quilpie (DFP)
Explorers Caravan Park, Thargomindah (DFP)
Windorah Caravan Park, Windorah (DFP)
Artesian Waters Caravan Park, Yowah (DFP)

There are 2 parks in town. The council one is an open area on the south side of town. There are 3 power heads with 2 points in each. The heads are not logically set out and the sites are not defined, this could cause problems if the early comers do not park so as to allow late comers access. There is no grass in the powered section Powered sites are $7 per head per night - unpowered $6. The unpowered area is nicely grassed. You book in at the info centre in the middle of town. When booking in you are offered a key to the aquatic centre ($20.00 deposit). There are 3 pools large one (not Olympic size,) children's pool and a spar pool heated from the local bore. The other park is opposite the Oasis Road House at the northern end of town. Has ensuites @ $22 per night I believe. Average staff friendliness, staff offered tourist advice. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($7.00 1A per night, powered). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, no sites with concrete annex slabs, shade to some sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (past noon), disabled facilities. Quiet, open & roomy park, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Suitable for few days.
Likes: On edge of town, near pub, open area
Parking: Bookings are made at the tourist info centre in middle of town.
Roads: Good gravel roads
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by PeterD (23).

Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($25.00 2A per night, powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, were clean, condition is reasonable, 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, average sized sites, no sites with concrete annex slabs, very few sites are shaded, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (past noon). Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade, family/friendly atmosphere, no permanents. Clean bbq ($1). No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more.
Added Touches: Tours are organised to Big Red and bookings for flights available
Roads: Roads are good graded gravel.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by PeterD (23).

This park is affiliated with Channel Country Caravan Park in Quilpie and they offer reciprocal discounts for staying at both parks. The managers are relatively new. Average management, management responsive to comments. Reasonable value for money. 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. Good sites, adequate number of tourist sites, sites were level, drive-through sites were available, adequate taps close by. Laundry. Good atmosphere to park, quiet, open and roomy park, family-friendly park. Clean UC bbq (free), lit at night, with seating provided. Suitable for a few days, the park was well maintained.
Likes: Good facilities and amenities block. Reasonable prices.
Dislikes: Poor drainage. Birdsville had 3" rain just before we arrived. Parts of the park were flooded and the water and mud were a problem up until we left.
Added Touches: Had a great bush poet who put on a show as well as a camp oven meal which was very good value and reasonably priced
Local Information: Birdsville pub, bakery, museum and hospital are all well worth a visit.
Roads: Roads in very poor condition on our arrival due to lots and lots of rain but I would guess in good weather conditions after the roads are graded they would be no problem.
Date 06/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Mark & Sharon (13).

This park is more than ok for overnight stay, probably a bit expensive at $20 considering the setup, but was clean and tidy with grass sites. Towels supplied in shower area. Average staff friendliness. Poor value for money ($20 2A per night, powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, dry change area, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, no sites with annex slabs, shade to some sites, drive-through sites, poor water quality. Basic laundry, no rec room, no camp kitchen, late checkout allowed, no wireless internet available, mobile wireless not available. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, no permanents. No bbqs, no playground. Clean pool, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for overnighter.
Local Information: Meals available in motel restaurant. Cheap diesel at service station over the road (25 cents less than other towns in area)
Date 07/2011. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick (113).

The worst park I have ever been in. Average staff friendliness, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, poor value for money ($15 2A per night). Amenities are close to all sites, were dirty, condition is poor. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, average sized sites, poor water quality. Poor laundry, no rec room. Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, no permanents. No bbqs, no playground, no pool. Clean pool is shaded, kid-safe pool area, tables and chairs provided. Suitable for overnighter.
Likes: Small flat and some grass sites.
Dislikes: The amenities block was dirty and not cleaned. The shower heads, taps & basins were black with filth. The paint work was filthy. The showers were just fibreglass cubicles with dirty curtains and no drying area. The laundry was similar. If anyone stays at the park I suggest they use the showers at the community hall at the other end of the town.
Parking: Plenty out the front.
Local Information: Cheapest fuel in Qld across the road at the refinery.
Roads: Sealed road from Thargomindah/Noccundra around to Quilpie through Eromanga. All maps show some gravel sections but they have recently been sealed.
Date 07/2008. Park Rating 1:
Report submitted by PeterD (23).

Manager's name is Barcoo Shire Council. This small park has everything you need for overnight stay; power, good amenities, water all for $10 per night. Next door is the swimming pool, very good playground for the kids. Friendly staff. Very good value for money ($10 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. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with annex slabs, shade to some sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, no camp kitchen, late checkout allowed, dump point, no wireless internet available, mobile wireless not available. Peaceful, open & roomy park, no permanents. Excellent playground in good condition. Clean pool. Suitable for few days.
Likes: Close to Hotel with good meals.
Date 07/2011. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick (113).

Called in there a week intending to stay. There was only room for about 8 vans. We were about to drive in and set up when we were approached by a resident. She said they were having problems with power and the breaker kept tripping. I indicated that I would park next to her and use the other power head and she said that they were also having power problems and "they would probably unplug you as well." I did not think much about shoe-horning into another site and plugging into the block so we departed for the overflow. The overflow was a couple of streets away at the sports ground - dry desolate and dusty. The amenities were very good though. We unhitched and had lunch, during that time we suffered dust from quads and trail bikes. We drove around town (Sunday) and everything that was supposed to be open wasn't. We hitched up and departed for Stonehenge. Nicer place.
Date 07/2008.
Report submitted by PeterD (23).

Manager's name is Don. We were extremely happy with the hospitality from the guy that now owns it. He is a mechanic by trade from Orange NSW, and has a great sense of humour. You can also leave your caravan behind the pub safely, to travel on to wherever and come back later like we did. We went on up to Innamincka for a week. You give him a donation for the RFDS. Very accommodating guy. Also the showers and toilets at hall very good. Hot water and a gold coin for RFDS. Very friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff offered tourist advice.
Roads: Bitumen all the way from Sunshine coast to there.
Date 06/2010.
Report submitted by Gordon (2).

The pub looks inviting from the front but is as dry and untidy as any other back country pub. 50m away is the hall with new facilities at the front of it. These are kept clean and tidy, the water is nice and hot. They serve the campers along the Wilson River (about a kms or so away) as well. I believe there are some power points around the back somewhere but I did not explore. I free-camped on the water hole on the Wilson River, 400m S of the hotel, and drove back and forward to the amenities as there was a water hole in between because of recent rains. All in all it was a pleasant camping spot.
Date 07/2008.
Report submitted by PeterD (23).

This park is well run, with meals from camp kitchen supplied every night (good value). I don't know whether the camp kitchen is available because of the evening meals. The only complaint we had which is out of the managers control was the neighbours over the road were very noisy (loud and bad language till early hours). Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. Good value for money ($26 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, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, annex slabs to most sites, shade to some sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, basic camp kitchen, van parking, no wireless internet available, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 3). Open & roomy park, not enough shade, no permanents. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days.
Date 06/2011. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick (113).

We paid $25 per night for a powered site. The owners are working hard to provide a good experience for visitors and they organise tours as well as nightly campfires and good value meals. The park is busy during the winter season. Sites are of reasonable size, with a dump point at each site. Amenities are modern, clean and adequate for the numbers. Rainwater is available for drinking. Suitable for several days to explore the many attractions of the area, including flights to Lake Eyre. Quilpie is well served with all necessary facilities. We would return.
Date 06/2011. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by John and Lynne (14).

As the rains were pouring down on our way we were happy to know that we had booked ahead to ensure a large site for our rig but when we arrived we found that many people had decided to stay there instead of heading out to the Birdsville/Cameron Corner Country as the roads had been closed, and proposed to go onto another site. This was laughable and in no way could we get onto the area proposed and we were placed onto a grassed area in front of another van, (no way they could get out). We had booked in for two nights but as the rain keeps falling, more and more travellers kept arriving and the manager was shoving people into any area he could. We finished up with another van and a large 5th wheeler parked into the same area as us and cords and hoses run everywhere including into the managers residence and a number of water hoses connected to a single tap. The manager then even put another van into his own house area. We have never seen anything like it before. The rains kept falling all night and we awoke to find our whole area under about 50 mm of water. We decided to move on to Charleville again and left after a most unpleasant stay. No refund given. Unfriendly staff, bad staff response to complaints, staff helped us at the site. Poor value for money ($24.00 2A per night, powered, peak season). Amenity number would not cope in peak times, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, hot water was usually adequate but not when busy. Inadequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, concrete annex slabs to most sites, very few sites are shaded, hard to negotiate into site, poor water quality. Basic laundry, dump point, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 4). Claustrophobic park, no permanents. Suitable for few days.
Roads: From Thargomindah through to Quilpie via the shortest route, there is still a section of about 42 kms of formed road yet to be bitumen'd. This road was closed behind us once the rain started and set in.
Date 07/2010. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by LOPAJO (51).

The amenities block has been renovated and is in very good condition. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, van parking assistance provided by staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Price was as expected, reasonable value for money ($22.00 2A per night, powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, were clean, condition is very 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, good night lighting, average sized sites, concrete annex slabs to most sites, shade to some sites, poor water quality, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, no rec room, late checkout allowed (up to noon), good camp kitchen. Quiet, open & roomy park, family/friendly atmosphere, a few permanents. UC gas bbq, congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. Clean heated pool, kid-safe pool area. Suitable for a week or more, well maintained park.
Likes: Newly refurbished amenities block
Dislikes: Concrete slabs are getting old and the surface is deteriorating.
Added Touches: Campfire at night with resident song leader during tourist season.
Roads: Sealed roads in good condition.
Date 06/2009. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by PeterD (23).

Manager's name is Bob and Sue Stewart. Outback Parks takes all reports issued carefully and since December 2008 we have replaced the managers and have started to renovate the toilet block. We are in the process of upgrading the sites and planting more trees. Safe travelling to all.
Date 06/2009.
Update submitted by Troy, Outback Parks.

Click here to see more reports for Channel Country Caravan Park

No longer BIG4.

Manager's name is Ide & Paul Rush. We stayed at this park in 2009 and nothing has changed, everything at the park is still A1. Ide & Paul run a very good park, can't do enough for you. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Good value for money ($24 2A per night, powered, peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, 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, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with annex slabs, shade to some sites, drive-through sites, poor water quality, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, no rec room, good camp kitchen, late checkout allowed, dump point, van parking, book swap available, wireless internet is available, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 3). Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, no permanents. Clean UC gas 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: Walking distance to town, hotel etc
Date 06/2011. Park Rating 4.5:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick (113).

Was a BIG4 park but this affiliation has now been dropped. Being one of the last major stops before the real outback, can get a bit busy during peak period and advisable to book to ensure a powered site. Plenty of unpowered sites available if that is what you want. Sites are usually of a gravel nature and the grass areas are around the facilities, but that is to be expected outback. Friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice Reasonable value for money ($22.00 2A, powered). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all sites, cleanliness was average, condition is reasonable, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with concrete annex slabs, no sites are shaded, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, camp kitchen, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 4). Quiet, open & roomy park, not enough shade, no permanents. Clean UC bbq, bbq area lighting, seating provided at bbq. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days.
Likes: Large drive through sites available for big rigs with individual sullage, even though they are in the wrong location and a bit uphill
Parking: No problem
Date 07/2010. Park Rating 3:
Report submitted by LOPAJO (51).

Manager's name is Paul And Ide Rush. A modern up-market park. Owned by the Bulloo Shire Council. A credit to all concerned. Thargomindah is a pleasant small historic town. Good services. Internet, mobile, TV. Reception is excellent. Business houses and locals outgoing and friendly. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff helped us at the site, staff explained park layout and facilities. Good value for money ($24.00 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 very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with concrete annex slabs, no sites are shaded, drive-through sites. Good laundry, good rec room, good camp kitchen, disabled facilities, car wash, dump point, secure entry, van parking, wireless internet is available, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 5). Peaceful, open & roomy park, not enough shade, no permanents. Clean UC gas bbq, congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: standard is very high. Other outback councils should take note.
Added Touches: allow open contained fires.
Date 08/2010. Park Rating 5:
Report submitted by Captain Sam (14).

Although listed in the BIG4 directory, this council owned park is no longer affiliated. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that it is owned by the council. Very friendly staff, staff offered tourist advice, staff explained park layout and facilities. ($95 2A per night, cabin, peak season). Cabin was were clean, condition is very good, water pressure is good, there was adequate hot water, separate bathroom, soap provided, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with concrete annex slabs, very few sites are shaded, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by. Good laundry, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 4). Peaceful, open & roomy park, no permanents. Clean UC gas bbq (free). Suitable for few days, suitable for families, well maintained park, park is considered kid-safe.
Likes: This is a very well maintained park and a lot of effort has been put into establishing grassy areas. Our cabin was very spacious and well appointed.
Date 07/2010. Park Rating 4:
Report submitted by Jon Williams (9).

Manager's name is Paul & Ide Rush. An absolutely well kept clean and friendly park. Very friendly staff, good staff response to complaints, staff offered tourist advice. Good value for money ($22 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, dry change area, disabled facilities. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with concrete annex slabs, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Good laundry, late checkout allowed, good camp kitchen, disabled facilities, car wash, van parking, wireless internet is available, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 4). Peaceful, open & roomy park, no permanents. Clean UC gas 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: The friendliness of the managers and the state in which the park was kept. It had been a struggle since the floods to maintain the shade trees and grassed areas but it was getting back on track.
Local Information: A very friendly and helpful staff at the Thargomindah information centre. The Hydro plant demo with the bore drain run off was very interesting. A very nice river walk with lots of bird life at the rear of the park.
Roads: The sealed road to Cunnamulla was fine, but the dirt road from Hungerford was an absolute nightmare due to the weather conditions. This was even though assurances were given about the road surface by the publican from the Royal Mail Hotel at Hungerford. Before travelling this route it is advisable to research it thoroughly.
Date 07/2010. Park Rating 5:
Report submitted by Stephen & Nola (8).

Click here to see more reports for Explorers Caravan Park

This is a great park for a stay, everything you need - power, toilets, shower, and clean and tidy. Ranger arrives late afternoon for payment. Walking distance to pub with good meals. Information Centre is very well run as well. Very friendly staff. Very good value for money ($10 2A per night, powered, peak season). Amenity number was adequate to cope with the number of people, are close to all 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, exhaust fans/good ventilation. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, good night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with annex slabs, shade to most sites, drive-through sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, no camp kitchen, late checkout allowed, no wireless internet available, mobile wireless not available. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, no permanents. No playground, no pool. Suitable for few days.
Date 07/2011. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Baz&Mick (113).

This is a basic stopover point in the outback but is adequate for the purpose. Friendly staff. Very good value for money ($10 2A per night, powered, off-peak season). 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, poor night lighting, no sites with concrete annex slabs, poor water quality, adequate taps close by. Poor laundry, no rec room, no wireless internet available, mobile wireless not available. Peaceful, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, no permanents. No playground, no bbqs, no pool. Suitable for overnighter.
Likes: Quiet and cheap. Pub close by had good meals at reasonable prices.
Dislikes: Facilities in one toilet block old and not clean. Other one new and OK.
Parking: Just pick a site and wait for the Ranger to come and collect the $10.
Roads: Single lane bitumen. Watch out for road trains.
Date 04/2010. Park Rating 2:
Report submitted by Rob K, Melbourne (17).

This is a fine little park and the price of $10 2A still terrific value. Amenities basic but very clean and perfectly adequate, select your own site and a very friendly caretaker lady calls in the afternoon to collect fees. Sites themselves are not very well defined and surface is all gravel, but there is plenty of room for everybody. Suitable for short term stay.
Date 05/2008. Park Rating 3.5:
Report submitted by Peripatetic Perrys, North Rocks (59).

The park is under contract to sell as the present owner want to retire. This hiatus has meant that there are no obvious improvements and the park has been maintained. The new owners, who we met, seem keen to spruce the place up and upgrade facilities. The amenities blocks each have one shower and four toilets but there is a bath house that has a number of bathtubs to soak your weary bones in artesian waters. Some cubicles have two baths so you won't get lonely. Friendly staff, staff explained park layout and facilities. Good value for money ($17.50 2A per night, powered, peak season). because of There is an extra charge of $1 to pay by eftpos or $2 for payment by credit card. Inadequate number of amenities, are close to most sites, cleanliness was average, condition is poor, water pressure is bad. Adequate number of tourist sites, mostly level sites, poor night lighting, sites will accommodate large motorhomes and 5th wheelers, no sites with annex slabs, shade to most sites, adequate taps close by, adequate sullage close by. Basic laundry, no rec room, no camp kitchen, no wireless internet available, you can use your mobile wireless (carrier used was Telstra, reception quality was 4). Quiet, open & roomy park, plenty of shade, no permanents. Clean UC wood bbq, congenial bbq area atmosphere, bbq area lighting No playground, no pool. Suitable for a week or more.
Likes: The sites are nice and big and there is plenty of space for manoeuvring your rig. Everybody is friendly.
Dislikes: There is an extra charge for using air conditioners and heaters.
Added Touches: There is a weekly three course dinner put on by the owners, usually on a Thursday during the peak season. Cost is $14 per head.
Local Information: You come to Yowah for the opals. Close to the park there is a public fossicking area with plenty of space for you to go and dig holes hoping to make your fortune. You need robust implements as the ground is hard. Steer clear of claims that are marked with white posts.
Roads: The road is sealed for the whole distance with a few rough patches closer to Eulo. It alternates between dual and single lane with solid shoulders most of the way that makes it easy to get off the road to allow for passing.
Date 07/2010. Park Rating 2.5:
Report submitted by Bob and Coral (14).