Australia So Much to See

Winton Road Boulia. By the Burke River to the east side of the bridge on the Winton Road (east side of town).

Large area with grassy sites, with those closest to the river not level. Those closer to the road are level, but subject to traffic noise including trucks until late in the evening.

Clean amenities in reasonable condition (transportable style).  Interior light on a timer which does not give adequate time to shower and dress.  Movement activated light to exterior of block.   Water pressure good and adequate hot water.  Block is close to sites near road.  There is one disability suitable bathroom, but signed as Men's not Disability. Basic laundry. Camp kitchen with sinks and wood fires. Some cabins and donga accommodation.

Pros: Mats in shower dressing areas. Green grassy sites. Bore water very good quality. Dogs permitted on leash.

Cons: Cash only - no cards accepted.

Tourism Information: Exceptionally good ancient marine fossil display. Min Min light experience; a unique tourist attraction. A friendly outback town. 

$22 per night for two powered  Update 2012 $25 for two powered.

Date of stay:  August 2009.

Rating 8

Phone: 07 47463320.

This caravan park is accessed via the road signed to Carnarvon Gorge, leaving the Carnarvon Developmental Road 110 kilometres north of Injune or 61 kilometres south of Rolleston.  The last twenty kilometres are dirt road (all sealed since our visit), but weather permitting, all regular vehicles and caravans can enter using this road.  Turn off to Takarakka camp ground is four kilometres prior to reaching information centre at the start of the gorge walks. 

This private camp ground is the only camping option for Carnarvon Gorge # most of the year and booking is recommended to ensure a site.  At Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland Parks camping is available near the day area only during the Easter, winter and spring Queensland school holidays and must be pre-booked. $5.15 per person per night.  At all other times, camping is only available at the privately run Takarakka camp ground.  Despite the high price, the park scored well overall due to amenties.  It is desirable to stay on site to see Carnarvon Gorge. 

Sites in a bushland setting with some shade.  Sites mostly level and on dry dirt. 

Good tiled amenities block, moulded shower base with curtain and a roomy dressing area. Disability bathroom. Water pressure was good and there was adequate hot water. Creek water drinkable and taste was tolerable. Large camp kitchens. Campers were not permitted to cook outside other than in the kitchens due to fire risk. On site 'canvas cabins'. Basic laundry.

Camp was full and pre-booking is advised year round.  We were very lucky to get two nights in a good large site with no booking. 

Pros: Bushland setting along Carnarvon Creek, with a backdrop of sandstone cliffs. Very good amenities block.

Cons: High price which has continued to increased regularly. Laundry - washing machines $5 per load, plus you have to purchase their washing powder due to water recycling. No pets as in a National Park.

Tourism Information: Carnarvon Gorge. It would take several days to do all the walks in this scenic gorge.

$38 per night for two powered which was the most expensive park we stayed at. 

Update: February 2021 charges from website are $55 for two powered site in peak period 2 April - 7 October and $45 in off peak period, with unpowered sites for two being $45 in peak and $35 off peak. Check website for latest prices.

Date of stay: September 2009.

Rating 9

Ten kilometres east of Lawn Hill National Park.  Dirt road access and some (usually) shallow river crossings.

Campground is well spread out with sites flower petal style in a pleasant bushland environment. Roomy sites but no drive through sites. We were lucky camp was near empty (late August).  In addition there are shady campsites by the creek (no generators). 

No powered sites, but generators allowed 8 am - 8 pm in designated sites. Untreated bore water suitable for drinking but high calcium and contains some sediment. Taps near camp sites. Designated wood fire places at some sites. Gas refills and fuel on site. Central rubbish trailer. Amenities some distance from most sites. Adequate hot water and water pressure.  Can swim or canoe in creek at campground.  Pets permitted in designated areas, and may be left on a chain while visiting the National Park. 

Large new amenities block near reception, with roomy shower and toilet cubicles and disability access bathroom.  Smaller amenities block central to main campground is old but well appointed.  Wood fired hot water systems. 

Booking is recommended as it can be crowded peak season. 

Normal price $32 for two. We received a 10% discount due to time of year and paid $28.80 per night. Credit card surcharge applies.

Pros: Pleasant bushland setting, roomy semi shaded sites, approved pets permitted, disability access, shop and restaurant on site.  Swimming canoeing in creek at site and walk trails.  Close to Lawn Hill Gorge, with Riversleigh D fossil site fifty kilometres to the south.   

Cons:  No powered sites.

Tourist information:  Lawn Hill National Park has a number of walking and canoes can be paddled up the river.  Interesting formations such as the tufas.  Abundant wildlife, particularly birds and reptiles.

Date of stay:  August 2009

Rating 7

Web: Adel's Grove

Phone: 07 47485502

Email: reservations@adelsgrove.com.au

On line booking available.

Turn off Barkly Highway four kilometres west of Mount Isa, opposite airport.  Access is 500 metres on Lake Moondarra Road and after crossing the Leichhardt River. 

Pleasant camping area far enough away from highway for a quiet night, that appears to cater mostly for mining personnel accommodated in cabins and a fenced off new residential area.  Old park is well maintained. 

Roomy sites with annex slabs and shady trees. 

Old but renovated amenities blocks were kept clean and in reasonable condition. Showers had extras such as shower curtain, floor mat and even a stool in dressing area.  Water did not drain well off floors after cleaning.  Water pressure was good, and there was adequate hot water, however town water supply was poor quality and not nice to drink.  Basic laundry with adequate washing machines but only one trough which machines emptied into, so unsuitable for hand washing.  Some machines stained clothes (mining residue?).  There is a new laundry in the adjacent fenced off accommodation area and camp staff said I could use that.

Small camp kitchen with table and chairs, fridge and microwave, electric cook top and free gas barbecue.  Clean swimming pool.

Pros: Showers had shower curtains to keep dressing area dry, ribbed plastic mats and plastic stool in dressing area. Toilet doors open outwards (safety feature).  Dogs on leash permitted.

Cons: Town water tasted terrible. Only one power outlet per site (we need two if using air conditioner and other appliances). Office not staffed full time, resulting in delays to book in if arriving when office is closed.  No dedicated disability access bathroom, but there is one unisex bathroom with could be used with assistance. 

Tourist information:  The Mount Isa visitor centre with museum and displays is extensive and incorporates a display of Riversleigh Fossils.  An underground mining experience can be undertaken at the centre.  Nearby a lookout gives views over the town in all directions.  Drive to town water supply dam Lake Moondarra for boating, fishing and picnics. 

$25 per night for two powered, $20 unpowered.  Higher rates may apply during events. 

Date of stay: August 2009.

Rating 8

Phone: 07 47439780

Email: aaokmoondarra@gmail.com