Granite Creek Rest Area – Lowmead

The Granite Creek Rest Area is a large and popular free 24-hour stopover, serving as a vital rest point for travellers on the Bruce Highway in the Discovery Coast region of Queensland. Located between the towns of Gin Gin and Miriam Vale, this is a classic, well-serviced highway rest area that provides a safe and spacious environment for an overnight break. The site features a large, level area with a mix of bitumen and gravel surfaces, offering an abundance of room for all vehicle types, from cars to the largest caravans and big rigs. It is set in a pleasant bushland setting next to Granite Creek, which, when flowing, offers a nice spot for a paddle and adds to the tranquil atmosphere. The facilities are basic but cover the essentials for a short stay, including a toilet block, rubbish bins, and several sheltered picnic tables. Its size and accessibility make it a very popular choice, especially during peak travel seasons, so it can get busy. While not a destination in itself, it’s a highly practical and comfortable place to manage fatigue on the long journey along the coast. Its location makes it a convenient stop before exploring nearby attractions like the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk in Agnes Water or the historic town of Bundaberg.

Granite Creek Rest Area – QLD Location Map

Granite Creek Rest Area

Address: Bruce Hwy, Lowmead QLD 4676
GPS Coordinates: -24.61235, 151.6684

Site Information

Location: On the Bruce Highway, approximately 15 km south of Miriam Vale.
Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs.
Road Access: Sealed highway to the site.
Site Surface: A mix of bitumen and gravel/dirt areas.
Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free 24-hour maximum stay rest area.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins. No showers or power.
Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, best with Telstra.
TV Reception: Variable to poor.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use for other campers.
Number of Sites Available: Very large area with no defined sites.
Essentials to Bring: It is best to be fully self-contained with water, power, and shower.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Limited, if the creek is flowing.
Short Walks: Walking around the large rest area and along the creek.

Local Amenities

The nearest towns with services are Miriam Vale (north) and Gin Gin (south).

Local Pubs:
- Miriam Vale Hotel (approx. 15 km)
- Lowmead Hotel (approx. 20 km, requires detour off highway)
- Gin Gin Hotel (approx. 60 km)
Places to Eat:
- Pubs, cafes, and bakeries in Miriam Vale and Gin Gin.
Local Attractions:
- Gateway to Agnes Water and Town of 1770
- Eurimbula National Park
- Lake Monduran (near Gin Gin)
Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Miriam Vale Caravan Park (approx. 15 km)
- Gin Gin Central Motel & Caravan Park (approx. 60 km)
Next Free Camps:
- Gin Gin Rest Area (48hr, donation, approx. 60 km south)
- Calliope River Rest Area (48hr, approx. 85 km north)
Nearest Dump Points:
- A public dump point is available in Miriam Vale.
Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple service stations are available in Miriam Vale.
Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Miriam Vale.
Public Toilets:
- Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

This coastal region has a subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and very mild winters.

Season	Average Temp (Max/Min)	Conditions
Summer (Dec – Feb)	31°C / 22°C	Hot and humid with the highest chance of rain and thunderstorms. Can be affected by tropical cyclones.
Autumn (Mar – May)	28°C / 18°C	Warm and pleasant with decreasing humidity. A beautiful time to travel.
Winter (Jun – Aug)	23°C / 11°C	Dry, sunny, and mild days with cool nights. The peak season for travellers.
Spring (Sep – Nov)	29°C / 16°C	Temperatures and humidity rise. Mostly dry and sunny conditions.