Calliope River North Rest Area – River Ranch

The Calliope River North Rest Area is one of the most popular and well-loved free camps in Central Queensland, providing travellers on the Bruce Highway with a fantastic, spacious, and scenic place to rest. Located just north of the Calliope River crossing, this council-run facility is set on the river’s banks, offering a beautiful, natural environment for a stopover of up to 48 hours. The campground is a massive, sprawling grassy area that can accommodate a huge number of vehicles, from the largest big rigs and buses to smaller campervans and tents, without feeling overcrowded. Its key appeal is the beautiful riverside setting, which is a haven for birdlife and a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. Many campers can secure a prime spot right on the water’s edge. The facilities are basic but cover the essentials, with a toilet block provided. Campers should be largely self-sufficient, especially with power and shower facilities. Its proximity to both the small town of Calliope and the major regional centre of Gladstone makes it an incredibly convenient base for resupplying or exploring the region’s attractions, such as the Gladstone Marina or Tannum Sands. The sheer size, beautiful location, and the fact that it’s free make the Calliope River North Rest Area an absolute must-stop for budget-conscious travellers exploring the Capricorn Coast.

Calliope River North Rest Area – QLD Location Map

Calliope River North Rest Area

Address: River Ranch QLD 4680
GPS Coordinates: -23.9598, 151.15377

Site Information

• Location: On the Bruce Highway, just north of the Calliope River, about 25 km from Gladstone.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, buses, caravans, and tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the entrance.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass with some dirt patches. Can get boggy in the wet.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 48-hour maximum stay rest area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins. No showers or power.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, some tables are available.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but must be used with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large open area without defined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Best to be self-contained with water, power, and shower facilities.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, very popular for fishing in the river for Barramundi and Mangrove Jack.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the riverbank.

Local Amenities

The nearest services are in Calliope and the major city of Gladstone.

• Local Pubs:
  • Railway Hotel, Calliope (approx. 10 km)
  • Calliope Central Bowls Club (approx. 10 km)
  • Numerous options in Gladstone (approx. 25 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • The local pub, IGA, and cafes in Calliope. Extensive options in Gladstone.
• Local Attractions:
  • Calliope River Historical Village
  • Gladstone Marina and East Shores Precinct
  • Tannum Sands Beach
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Calliope River Holiday Park (on the south side of the river)
  • Numerous options in Gladstone.
• Next Free Camps:
  • Catfish Creek Rest Area (24hr, approx. 40 km south)
  • Frank Forde Park, Rockhampton (24hr, self-contained only, approx. 85 km south)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Available at the Calliope Historical Village for a donation.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • A large service station is located at the Calliope Crossroads (approx. 8 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Calliope Historical Village for a donation.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Gladstone region has a subtropical climate with warm weather year-round, featuring a humid, wet summer and a mild, dry winter.

Season	Average Temp (Max/Min)	Conditions
Summer (Dec – Feb)	31°C / 23°C	Hot and humid with the highest chance of rain, thunderstorms, and tropical cyclones. The river can rise quickly.
Autumn (Mar – May)	28°C / 20°C	Warm and pleasant with decreasing humidity. A beautiful time of year to visit.
Winter (Jun – Aug)	23°C / 13°C	Dry, sunny, and mild days with cool nights. The peak season for travellers.
Spring (Sep – Nov)	28°C / 18°C	Temperatures and humidity rise. Mostly dry and sunny conditions.