FREE CAMPS & NATIONAL PARKS
camp out under Outback skies
For travellers seeking wide open spaces, star-filled skies and authentic Outback adventures, Blackall and Tambo provide the perfect gateway to some of western Queensland’s most rewarding camping and nature experiences.
Whether you’re travelling by caravan, camper trailer, 4WD or motorhome, the region offers everything from remote national park adventures to peaceful riverside camping right on the edge of town.
Discover Idalia National Park
Just south-west of Blackall lies the rugged beauty of Idalia National Park, a remote landscape of rocky ranges, native wildlife and historic pastoral sites. The park offers opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, scenic drives and camping beneath some of the clearest skies in Queensland. Access is best suited to 4WD vehicles, rewarding visitors with a true Outback wilderness experience.
For those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature, Idalia is one of western Queensland’s hidden gems.
Explore Tambo’s Wilderness Way
East of Tambo, the spectacular Wilderness Way loop takes travellers through what is often referred to as the “Rooftop of Queensland”. This self-drive route winds through dramatic sandstone country, deep gorges, towering cliff lines and rugged bushland. The loop provides access to Salvator Rosa National Park, where visitors can enjoy bushwalking, birdwatching, camping and the spring-fed waters of Mitchell Springs.
At approximately 270 kilometres, the Wilderness Way can be explored as a full-day adventure or a relaxed overnight journey for those wanting to spend more time in the national park.
Camp Under the Stars at Salvator Rosa
For campers and 4WD enthusiasts, Salvator Rosa National Park delivers a classic Outback camping experience. Sandstone formations, spring-fed creeks, panoramic lookouts and native wildlife create a landscape that feels worlds away from everyday life. Camping areas within the park allow visitors to fully experience the peace and solitude of this remarkable environment.
Free Camping in the Heart of Town
Not every camping experience needs to be remote.
For self-sufficient travellers, both Blackall and Tambo offer free riverside camping options that place you close to town while still enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Barcoo River Campsite – Blackall
Located along the banks of the Barcoo River, this popular camping area provides a peaceful setting just moments from Blackall’s attractions, cafés and visitor services. It’s an ideal base for travellers wanting easy access to town while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of riverside camping.
Stubby Bend – Tambo
Nestled beside the Barcoo River, Stubby Bend offers free camping for fully self-contained travellers. Away from highway noise, it provides a quiet and scenic place to unwind, with easy access to walking tracks and the welcoming community of Tambo.
Important: both campsites are designed for self-sufficient travellers and do not provide amenities.
Experience the Outback Naturally
From remote national parks and 4WD adventures to quiet river camps and scenic drives, Blackall and Tambo offer countless ways to connect with the landscapes that make Outback Queensland so special.
Whether you’re setting up camp beneath the stars, exploring rugged sandstone ranges or simply enjoying a peaceful morning by the river, you’ll discover that some of the region’s best experiences happen when you slow down and spend a little more time outdoors.
