Camping on the Western Downs has gone upmarket, five of our most popular campsites have had makeovers in 2021. So hook up your caravan, camper trailer or pack your tent and explore our region.
Everyone knows the best part about camping is when you get to sit back, relax, and not have to worry about the cooking and cleaning.
In the Western Downs, we’re all about convenience, which is why five of our most popular campsites have had makeovers in 2021, with upgraded facilities including new amenity blocks, electric BBQs, camp kitchens and communal firepits.
Whether you’re new to camping or more seasoned at it than the canvas on your swag, sleep under the stars, wake up to water views and stress less about your campsite’s amenities with this guide to our new campground upgrades.
1. Tara Lagoon Parklands, Tara
Known as the home of the Sunset Way, Tara delivers on its promise of magic hour every afternoon.
To soak it up, make the Tara Lagoon Parklands your campsite home, with scenic views and peaceful vibes by the tent-bag-ful.
Soon you can experience the brand spanking new 150m boardwalk built over the water complete with a viewing platform and seating.
Looking for more activities in the area? Check out our local’s guide to Tara aka Camel Country.
2. Chinchilla Weir, Chinchilla
If you’re searching for a campsite that’s close to town but still offers a slice of seclusion, head to the Chinchilla Weir.
Located 10kms south of Chinchilla, on the banks of the Condamine River, this campsite is perfect for nature lovers.
As part of this campsite’s 2021 upgrade, 1500 plants were added to the landscape, along with five new shelters furnished with picnic tables – so you can enjoy your lunch surrounded by greenery.
If you’re a keen fisherman, try your luck reeling in dinner with local favourites silver perch and Murray cod – then cook your catch on one of two new electric BBQs.
3. Caliguel Lagoon, Condamine
If your idea of camping involves more time out of the tent, than in it, drop your tent pegs at Caliguel Lagoon.
Your day’s plan will look something like this – BBQ breakfast, fishing, swimming, watersports, followed by beers and a BBQ, how does that sound?
You’ll find all the essentials needed for a seamless camping trip including a new camp kitchen equipped with electric BBQ plates and sink – stock up on groceries first from the nearby town of Miles (half an hour drive from the lagoon).
BYOB(oat) and head out on the water via the boat ramp for a fun-filled day of exploring, before settling around the communal firepit to swap stories with fellow campers.
4. Lake Broadwater, Dalby
There’s no need to rough it while camping at Lake Broadwater in Dalby.
Enjoy ten powered sites, a camp kitchen with picnic tables and electric BBQ plates, plus the amenities block with flushing toilets and best of all – hot showers.
One little ‘r’ separates camp from cramp, so if you’re looking for camping minus the crowds, you’ll be happy to know Lake Broadwater offers oodles of space within its 250 hectares of natural beauty. Lake Broadwater is the only naturally occurring freshwater lake in the Western Downs, after all.
If you’re looking to break away from the camp site for the day head into town to Dalby with our guide of things to do in the area.
5. Waterloo Plains Environmental Park, Wandoan
For those who enjoy waking up to the sound of native birds, set your GPS to Waterloo Plains Environmental Park in Wandoan.
Over 30 species of birds have been spotted around the park, which is home to a man-made lake, built to preserve the wildlife population in the area.
The camp site is perfect not only for bird watchers, but also those looking for a tranquil spot to pitch a tent or park their RV – camping facilities include hot showers (perfect if you’re camping the Western Downs in winter), new BBQ and picnic tables.
Thanks for posting about this great area. We haven’t been out that way for a couple of years. Looking forward to visiting again. #we love rv friendly areas. Well done to the council.
Thank you Chris
I have added a link for your information with regards to other camping and caravanning areas on the Western Downs.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
Hi I recently stayed at the Chinchilla weir. Wow. You have left an impression on me their. Great work and will be back to explore the others. Rob
Hi Robert
We are glad that you enjoyed your stay at Chinchilla Weir. Please click on the link below for more information about camping and caravanning on the Western Downs.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
Can you please advise if these great updated camp sites have fees, and if so how you go about paying. Or are they donation or free camps.
Thanks in advance for your reoly
Kim
Hi Kim
Thank you for your enquiry. Please click on the link below for all relevant information regarding camping and caravanning fees on the Western Downs.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
Stayed at Broadwater will be back
Thank you Lawrence
Follow the link below to find out more about other camping and caravan sites on the Western Downs.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
Thank you western downs. We’ve stayed at chinchilla and Wandoan but not the others. People have told us they’re not dog friendly. Can you confirm please if dogs on leash are allowed? Great job. We love short getaways with our two old cockers.
Hi Lee
Please click on the link to find relevant information regarding camping and caravanning on the Western Downs.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
Thank you
We stay at Chinchilla Weir last week could not believe how fantastic it was 10 /10
Hi Kent
Thank you for your comment on the upgraded Chinchilla Weir. Please come back to the Western Downs to check out Lake Broadwater near Dalby, Calliguel Lagoon near Condamine and Tara Lagoon Parklands at Tara. These sites have been upgraded as well.
Click on the link to find out more information.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
thank you
Which is closest to Brisbane ?
Do the all come with fall facilities?
Can you swim at all of them. ?
I like how you put in best sunset spot. Secret spot. You could add bed to watch full moon raise or sun rise if they had 1
Hi Erica
The closest camping spot on the Western Downs to Brisbane would be Lake Broadwater near Dalby.
Click on the link below for all relevant information on the camping areas on the Western Downs.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
Thank you
Can you please tell me if any are pet friendly?
Hi Julie
Please click on the following link with all relevant information for camping in the Western Downs.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
Thank you
Awesome work, we’re always looking for different places to stay on the run west and back along the Warrego Way, will definitely check them out. http://www.travellingtwo.com.au
Thank you Shane
Please click on the link below for more information Camping and Caravanning on the Western Downs.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
Once again Jandowae is left off the list. Our bird life is amazing and our dam has showers and toilets and a boat ramp. A great place to visit for a couple of nights.
Thank you Kay for the information. I have included a link for updated information regarding camping at the dam and also a link to the Birds on the Western Downs and Jandowae is included.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
https://issuu.com/ourwesterndowns/docs/227240_wdrc_birds_a4_bklt_prf?utm_source=western_downs_website&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=external_links
Loved staying at Chinchilla Weir recently. Wish you had put in coin operated power and coin operated showers. Such a shame to see at least 4 vans hog the power for more than 5 days when there is a limit of 48 hours. Also put I donation boxes at your camps.
Hi Ricky
Thank you for your comment. All suggestions will be taken on board.
Stayed at Caliguel Lagoon recently. Fantastic. Council really on task. Will return and would be happy to pay camping fee. WELL DONE!
Thank you Paul for the great review of Caliguel Lagoon. The Western downs Council has upgraded other camp sites.
Please click on the link below to find out more.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
We look forward to seeing you back in the Western Downs.
Are they dog friendly ?
Hi Paul
Some of the new campgrounds within Western Downs are dog friendly but must be kept on a leash. Please click on the link below for further information.
https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/stay/caravan-camping/
Thank you and hope to hear about your adventures in the Western Downs.
Why not visit Meandarra on the road heading towards Surat it is a lovely little town with a amazing museum and hotel has powered sites and toilet and showers behind the hotel which by the way sell great pizzas, then you have the other end near the bowls club which also has toilets and showers, there are other shops with very friendly service. So why not visit.
Good morning Jacquelyn
Yes why not visit Meandarra, great little country town to visit and stay. Thank you for these details, can you let me know if there is a cost for the sites at the back of the hotel?
Thank you
We stayed overnight at Caliguel Lagoon while the works were being done…my bad! Looks great now! Thanks for the update!
Yes they are awesome, come back and see the new upgrades for yourself and stay awhile. Looking forward to hearing of your adventures when you return to the Western Downs.