If your usual campsite feels more like a crowded office than a peaceful escape, it might be time to refresh your pitch list. Enter the Western Downs – a region where wide-open skies, tranquil bushland, and starry nights offer the perfect backdrop for your next camping adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, the Western Downs has a spot for every kind of explorer. From riverside retreats to bushland hideaways, the Western Downs delivers more camping space than you can poke a tent peg at.
Caliguel Lagoon, Condamine
FOR THE SUNSET LOVERS.
Set up camp beside the serene waters of Caliguel Lagoon, just a few minutes from Condamine. This peaceful spot is perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. With powered and unpowered sites, toilets, and picnic facilities, it’s a great base for a weekend getaway.
Local tip: Visit in spring when the wildflowers bloom and birdlife is at its best.
Archers Crossing, Chinchilla
FOR A TRUE BUSH CAMPING EXPERIENCE.
Archers Crossing (East and West) offers a rustic riverside escape. Located along the Condamine River, it’s a favourite for fishing, kayaking, and spotting native wildlife. Facilities are minimal, so come prepared – but the serenity is worth it.
Note: 4WD access may be required after rain.
Lake Broadwater Conservation Park, Dalby
FOR WATER VIEWS.
Just 30 minutes from Dalby, Lake Broadwater is the only naturally occurring freshwater lake on the Darling Downs. It’s a haven for birdwatchers, water sports lovers, and families. The campground has toilets, showers, BBQs, and a playground – making it ideal for longer stays.
Possum Park, Miles
FOR A BIT OF HISTORY WITH YOUR CAMPSITE.
Looking for something a little different? Possum Park offers a quirky camping experience with converted train carriages, bush cabins, and powered sites. Nestled in a former army base, it’s rich in history and surrounded by bushland.
Fun fact: You can even sleep in a restored army bunker!
Tara Lagoon
FOR THE LOVE OF FISHING.
A peaceful spot for fishing and relaxing, Tara Lagoon is known for yellowbelly, jewfish, and yabbies – perfect for a campfire feast. Enjoy the 4km walking circuit around Memorial Park, or simply unwind by the water. With town amenities just minutes away, it’s an easy place to settle in and stay a little longer.
Bunya Mountains
FOR SOMEWHERE LUSH.
Escape to cooler temperatures and lush rainforest at the Bunya Mountains. With three campgrounds to choose from – Dandabah, Westcott, and Burtons Well – you’ll find everything from powered sites to remote bush camping. Expect wallabies at your doorstep, scenic walking trails, and breathtaking mountain views.
Waterloo Plains, Wandoan
WAKE UP TO THE BIRDS.
Located on the edge of Wandoan, Waterloo Plains is a quiet, grassy campground beside a lagoon teeming with birdlife. It’s a great spot for a peaceful overnight stay or a base to explore the town’s heritage trail and local history.
Camping Tips for the Western Downs
- Check conditions before you go – some sites may be affected by weather or seasonal closures.
- Bring supplies, especially for remote sites with limited facilities.
- Respect nature – take your rubbish with you and leave no trace.
- Support local – grab supplies from nearby towns and explore local attractions.
Ready to Pitch Your Tent?
Whether you’re chasing sunsets, casting a line, or just craving some quiet time in nature, the Western Downs has a campsite calling your name. So pack your gear, hit the road, and discover that holiday feeling in Queensland’s heartland.