Destinations
Calliope River Rest Area, River Ranch Queensland

The Calliope River Rest Area is located on the Bruce Highway just 7kms north of Calliope and approximately a 30 minute drive to Gladstone in Queensland.
There are 2 Free Campgrounds, one each on either side of the Calliope River.
The South Campground within the Rest Area is via a turnoff 2 kms before the bridge onto the Old Bruce Highway.
It’s easy to miss heading north so use your GPS to ensure you don’t miss the turn, like we did.

About Calliope
The town of Calliope is nearby to the camping area and provides a place to purchase fuel, groceries and use the public dump point.
Calliope has a population of approximately 5100 people.
It is 505 kms north from the capital city of Brisbane and just 26 kms from nearby city of Gladstone.
If you’re keen for a game of golf, Calliope also has an excellent 18 hole Golf Course at the local Country Club.
What is the maximum stay for the Calliope River Rest Area?
Either campground on the South and North of the Calliope River Rest Area are great locations for a short stay of 48 hours.
There is heaps of room with space for big rigs and you can find a spot to stay right on the river.
There is a toilet block on the North side of the river and bins are available.

Are Campfires allowed at Calliope River Rest Area?
Camp fires are allowed however please check on local conditions to confirm.
Please ensure you put out any fires after use.
Are Pets allowed at the Calliope River Rest Area?
The campgrounds are pet friendly and therefore dogs are allowed.
Dogs are required to be on a lead at all times and cleaned up after them.
I had good 3G Telstra and 4G Vodafone phone coverage.

5 Essentials – Camping Accessories
A good Tent or Swag is the first decision for going camping. We like the Coleman Tent from Tentworld or the Wanderer 7 Man Tent from BCF. For a Swag, we were so close to buying the Kings Double Swag from 4WD Supacentre .
We like our BCF Wanderers Camping Chair which gets a lot of use as we travel Australia.
No more lugging around a huge BBQ and gas bottle now that we have a brilliant Gasmate Dual Burner Butane Cooktop from Tentworld
A good Portable Fridge Freezer we have found to keep the beers cold and steaks frozen are the Kings 70 L Fridge Freezer in the budget range, the Waeco 75L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer or the ever popular and long lasting Engel 75L Fridge Freezer.
A good quality Hand Held UHF is ideal and I like this Uniden UH750 5 watt UHF for long range and quality. The 5 watt range will give you maximum distance, especially if you need help!

Things to see and do in and around Calliope River Rest Area
Calliope River Fishing
Fishing in the river can be very good with Barramundi and Mangrove Jack both available.
Signs do say to be aware of possible crocodiles in the Calliope River however you will often see people swimming, on kayaks and cooling off within the river.
There has also been reports of Box Jellyfish stings here so be aware when swimming.

The Calliope River Historical Village
The Calliope River Historical Village is an open-air museum.
They sometimes run tours for just $5 and it’s a very interesting look into the local history.
Country Markets are also often held on the grounds of the Historical Village. Entry is just $2 for an adult.
Visit their Website here – https://callioperiverhistoricalvillage.com/
Lake Awoonga
Lake Awoonga is approximately 30 minutes from Gladstone and is just under 30kms from the Calliope River Rest Area.
Fishing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are all popular activities on the tranquil waters of Lake Awoonga.
The Boynedale Bush Camp right on the edge of Lake Awoonga is a great free camp with a large open area and a maximum 7 day stay.

Tondoon Botanic Gardens
The Tondoon Botanic Gardens are just a short drive from the Gladstone CBD area.
The gardens overlooking Lake Tondoon have been voted by Australian Geographic as one of the Top 10 Australian Regional Gardens.
Shopping in Gladstone
The major city of Gladstone is less than 50kms away and provides all the major shopping and retail facilities you may require.
We stopped in Gladstone to take our dog to the vet and to arrange new tyres for the Motorhome.
A visit to Tannum Sands and it’s lovely long beach is worth it when in Gladstone.

Cost to stay at the Calliope River Rest Area, both North and South, is Free.
Our stays were 4th and 21st June 2018.
Below is a video of the Calliope River camping area.
See the full list of: Our Best Free Camps in Australia
Contact details:
Phone: (07) 4970 0700
Website
The Calliope River Rest Area is provided by the Gladstone Regional Council.
How to get to the Calliope River Rest Area
Heading north, to access the south side of the Calliope River camping area take the Old Bruce Highway turnoff on the left approximately 2 kms prior to crossing the Calliope River Bridge.
Follow the Old Bruce Highway until you reach the camping area.
To access the north side of the Calliope River camping area continue past the Old Bruce Highway turn, go over the bridge and take your first left into the Historical Village.
Turn left again and follow the road around alongside the Historical Village until you reach the camping area.
Other who liked this also read:
The Workmans Beach Campground in Agnes Water near 1770
Check out Midskinrick Lodge and Camping at Baffle Creek
Read about the 7 Towns in Australia where we could Live
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47 Caravan Motorhome RV & Camping Accessories
These are our Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia
Pin – Calliope River Rest Area!
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Check out our: 16 Great Queensland Free Camps from Brisbane to Cairns
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.
Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.
Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.to/2XQYnsk – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Lenses – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.us/br9MeO This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – http://ebay.us/zWvfuI – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
________________________________________________________________
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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Camp Grounds
Florence Falls Campground, Litchfield National Park NT

Litchfield National Park is a fantastic location south of Darwin in the Northern Territory. Within a short walking distance to Florence Falls is the Florence Falls Campground.
The campground is excellent with big sites making it easy to park your Caravan, 4WD or Motorhome.
There are two camping areas at the Florence Falls Campground.
The lower level and old 4WD Campground has smaller sites that are more suited to campervans and tent camping with the upper level campground suitable for all 2WD.

Florence Falls Campground Facilities
Most of the camp sites in the Florence Falls Campground are sloping so you may need to level up your Van.
The sites are all gravel and they are all unpowered. There are no powered sites.
Each site comes with its own fire pit although you will need to bring your own fire wood.
On our latest visit in 2021 we noticed there is a sign saying you can collect firewood from the side of the main road in to Litchfield National Park.
There are modern toilets and showers at the Florence Falls Campground which are currently quite new and very clean.
The facilities also include barbecues.

There are no bins and you will need to take your rubbish away with you to dispose of. Please ensure the area remains clean and tidy.
Generators are not permitted in the Florence Falls Campground.
Caretakers are now located within the campground and were helpful to us in providing information and advice about roads and where we could go.


Are Pets allowed at the Florence Falls Campground?
This is National Park and therefore it is not pet friendly and dogs are not allowed.
When we first visited Litchfield National Park we had MACKS looked after with Mad Paws.
Read more: Travelling Australia with our dog MACKS
The Florence Falls Campground has no phone coverage although in the early morning, sometimes we did receive limited coverage until around 9am.
Phone coverage is spasmodic throughout Litchfield National Park and isn’t something you should rely on having access to during your stay.

For the best chance to find a site you should arrive before midday, ideally between 8am and 10am.
Many campers arrive late in the afternoon and end up disappointed as the campground is almost always full by soon after lunch time.
There are 2 Campgrounds at Florence Falls Campground, the upper section known as the 2wd campground and the lower section known as the 4wd campground.
The campgrounds are near to each other and both are accessed by a sealed road.
Cost to stay is $6.60 per adult per night, children are $3.30 per night or there is a family rate of $15.
Update March 2022:
$10 per Adult per night, Children 5 – 17 years $5 per night and Families (2 A & 4C) $25 per night
Update June 2025:
$15 per Adult per night, $8 per night per Child up to 15 yrs old.
Our stays at Florence Falls Campground were 25th-27th June 2017 and 19th – 20th May 2021
View our 29 Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia
The video provides information on how to pay for your stay at the Florence Falls Campground and lots more about Litchfield National Park.
Florence Falls Contact Details
Phone: 08 3999 3973
Address: Florence Falls Trail off Litchfield Park Road, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
Website:
How to book Florence Falls Campground:
There is an on-line booking facility for the Florence Falls Campground, pay to stay at the website for Florence Falls Campground.
Tip: The Florence Falls Campground 2WD and old 4WD Campground fill up fast so best to arrive early in the day to secure a campsite and avoid disappointment.
Update March 2022: There is now an on-line booking system via the N.T. Government website
Check out our: Brisbane to Darwin Free Camping

How to get there:
From Darwin it is approximately 115kms drive to Litchfield National Park and takes about 90 mins to drive there.
Take the Stuart Highway south from Darwin to the Batchelor Rd exit on the right.
Follow the signs along Batchelor Rd through the township of Batchelor and also Rum Jungle until you arrive at Litchfield National Park.
The road in from Berry Springs is now fully sealed and is another entry in to Litchfield National Park.
Follow Litchfield Park Rd until you see the sign to turn right to the Florence Falls Campground.
The roads to Litchfield National Park and the Florence Falls 2WD Campground are fully sealed.
Do you need a permit for Litchfield National Park?
A permit is not required for Litchfield National Park however you do need one when you enter nearby Kakadu National Park.
Find more information on the Kakadu National Park Pass here>

Florence Falls
The Florence Falls Campground is the perfect place to stay to get out and enjoy Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls and so much more.
Florence Falls is 135 steps down from the Lookout to a short track at the base of the falls. Here you can swim and enjoy the scenery of this amazing waterfall.
Please don’t climb to the top and jump in, we witnessed people ejected and fined by National Parks staff for doing so.
It’s also extremely dangerous for both those who jump and others below.

5 Essentials – Camping Accessories
A good Tent or Swag is the first decision for going camping. We like the Coleman Tent from Tentworld or the Wanderer 7 Man Tent from BCF. For a Swag, we were so close to buying the Kings Double Swag from 4WD Supacentre .
We like our BCF Wanderers Camping Chair which gets a lot of use as we travel Australia.
No more lugging around a huge BBQ and gas bottle now that we have a brilliant Gasmate Dual Burner Butane Cooktop from Tentworld
A good Portable Fridge Freezer we have found to keep the beers cold and steaks frozen are the Kings 70 L Fridge Freezer in the budget range, the Waeco 75L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer or the ever popular and long lasting Engel 75L Fridge Freezer.
A good quality Hand Held UHF is ideal and I like this Uniden UH750 5 watt UHF for long range and quality. The 5 watt range will give you maximum distance, especially if you need help!

Things to See and Do in Litchfield National Park
There are a number of other falls and rock pools to explore in Litchfield National Park.
By basing yourself at the Florence Falls Campground, you are easily able to access all of the other attractions.
Buley Rockhole
Nearby Buley Rockhole rock pools are a lot of fun. Lay in the fast running stream and swim and jump in the deep holes of water.
There are different sections you can enjoy, just be careful of the very slippery rocks whenever walking across the waterways.
Buley Rockholes are our favourite spot in the park and it is often busy with lots of people enjoying the cool fresh water rock pools and swimming holes.
Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls is a short drive further on from the Florence Falls Campground.
This is a big rock pool with lots of fun to be enjoyed. Climb into the rocks to find small pools of water with views back over the main area.

You can also have a picnic in the grounds overlooking the Falls or take the walking track
There is also the Wangi Falls Cafe to enjoy lunch and a drink after your swim.
Tolmer Falls
The Tolmer Falls plunge 35m into the pool below and are one of the most magnificent of the waterfalls in Litchfield National Park.
Take the 1.5km loop Tolmer Creek Walk along the side of creek, up and around to the top of the falls and ending up at the lookout and viewing platform before the short walk back to the carpark.
No swimming is permitted at Tolmer Falls.

Read more: Things to See and do in Top End Darwin, NT and Kakadu and Litchfield National Park by Motorhome
Check out these great places to stay in Kakadu National Park:
Pin – Florence Falls Campground
Have you enjoyed a stay at the Florence Falls Campground? Tell us about your Litchfield National Park camping experience.
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.
Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.
__________________________________________________________________________
Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Samsung s21 Phone – https://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Nikon Coolpix p1000 – https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.
Lenses
Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.us/br9MeO This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – http://ebay.us/zWvfuI – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
_______________________________________________________________________
Where to Find Us
Follow us or Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/
Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/indefiniteleave
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3
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This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Camp Grounds
Little Roper Stockcamp, Mataranka Northern Territory

Are you heading north to Katherine or Darwin? Don’t miss this great place to stay at Mataranka called Little Roper Stockcamp.
It opened only 5 weeks prior to when we were there the first time back in 2017 and we have visited a couple of times since.
Little Roper Stockcamp is one of the most enjoyable outback stays you will have.
It’s also listed as one of Our Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia.
Des and Telka, the owners of Little Roper Stockcamp are fabulous.

Des is a former stockman and school Principal while Telka is still teaching at the local school.
They are a lovely couple and work hard on their property in Mataranka.
Every morning is free brekky and there’s friendly python snakes you can hold or pat Cows, Buffalo, Pigs, Chickens and their pet dogs.
Update 2021 – Johnny Cakes are $2 each and are delicious!
All the animals are friendly and the kids get a lot of enjoyment out of interacting with them.

Little Roper Stockcamp Facilities
There are rustic toilets and showers with a unique difference that are semi-open air which adds to the country atmosphere.
Washing facilities are available for a small donation.
Update 2021– There is now a Guest Laundry with washing tubs and two Washing Machines.
It is just $4 per wash and it is a case of leaving the money in the bucket.
There is a Dump Point in the township of Mataranka just 5-10 minutes away.


During our stay we had 1-2 bars with the Telstra network, just enough to use it.
We had no Vodafone or Optus coverage.
There’s a communal fire pit set up each night to cook dinner on an open fire in the cooking pots provided.
You can start up the fire at any time if you’d like to sit around it or cook a meal.
The grounds aren’t great for being level so the hosts provide levelling chocks to use if required.
Read more about: Our Best Low Cost Campgrounds in Australia
Are pets allowed at Little Roper Stockcamp?
Little Roper Stockcamp campground is pet friendly.
This allowed us to stay the first time with our adorable Golden Retriever MACKS only a few weeks before we had to say farewell to her in Darwin.
Read more: A Tribute to MACKS the Best Dog I’ve ever known

It’s best to bring as much water with you as possible, the local H2O is bore water in the town of Mataranka and doesn’t taste that great.
Just 2 kms down the road is the Mataranka Thermal Pools or it is a short 5 minute drive to Bitter Springs.
Both of these are incredible and definitely need to be visited during your stay.
Come meet Des and Telka, enjoy a fabulous outback experience with some very special features.
Mataranka is an hours drive south of Katherine in the NT, around 4.5 hours south of Darwin.

Cost to stay at Little Roper Stockcamp
Cost to stay is $15 per night unpowered or $30 per night powered.
Update 30/7/2018: Unpowered cost is now $20 per night. Powered remains $30 per night
Update 27/3/2022: Unpowered cost is $30 per night and powered site is $35 per night for 2 adults. Extra adults are $10 a night. Single Adults – $15. Children are free.
Update June 2025: Unpowered cost is $30 per night and powered site is $40 per night for 2 adults. Extra adults are $10 a night. Single Adults – $15. Children are free.
Our stays were firstly 25th-27th May 2017 and again on 17th May 2021 as part of our Brisbane to Darwin trip.
Read more: Brisbane to Darwin Free Camping
5 Essentials – Outside RV Accessories
- To plug your RV with standard 15amp in to standard residential 10amp power source you will need a converter. We love our waterproof Ampfibian and after over 4 years it’s still perfect.
- Most people carry a Generator for back up power. 4wd Supacentre has a good low cost and popular generator while the Yamaha 2000w is a robust yet quiet excellent performer.
- A 20m 15amp Power Lead will ensure you reach your power source in Caravan Parks and Campgrounds.
- You will want a good blue Drinking Water Hose. Your typical green garden hose is not suitable for drinking from.
- A 4 way tap handle will help you find water whenever you need it
_____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Details for Little Roper Stockcamp:
Phone: 0427 880 819
Website:
Address: 547 Homestead Road Mataranka NT
Open hours are during every dry season starting in April

How to get to Little Roper Stockcamp
Mataranka is approximately 100kms and a 1 hour drive south of Katherine in the Northern Territory.
From the Stuart Highway just south of Mataranka turn East in to Homestead Road.
Follow Homestead Road and go over Roper Creek and Little Roper Stockcamp is on your left soon after.
5 Essentials – Camping Accessories
A good Tent or Swag is the first decision for going camping. We like the Coleman Tent from Tentworld or the Wanderer 7 Man Tent from BCF. For a Swag, we were so close to buying the Kings Double Swag from 4WD Supacentre .
We like our BCF Wanderers Camping Chair which gets a lot of use as we travel Australia.
No more lugging around a huge BBQ and gas bottle now that we have a brilliant Gasmate Dual Burner Butane Cooktop from Tentworld
A good Portable Fridge Freezer we have found to keep the beers cold and steaks frozen are the Kings 70 L Fridge Freezer in the budget range, the Waeco 75L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer or the ever popular and long lasting Engel 75L Fridge Freezer.
A good quality Hand Held UHF is ideal and I like this Uniden UH750 5 watt UHF for long range and quality. The 5 watt range will give you maximum distance, especially if you need help!

What is there to do in and around Mataranka?
Bitter Springs
Once you have found your Bitter Springs accommodation at Little Roper Stockcamp it’s time to head to Elsey National Park and find these amazing spring fed thermal pools within Roper Creek.
Take some noodles with you and float down Bitter Springs where the water temperature is 33-34c.
Whilst Crocodiles have been spotted at Bitter Springs they are rare and it’s not often you visit without there being a crowd already enjoying the fun.
Bitter Springs is located by following Martin Rd all the way to Roper Creek.
There is a carpark there and signs directing you to the short walk to Bitter Springs Thermal Pools.

Mataranka Thermal Pool
The Mataranka Thermal Pools are a series of crystal clear natural pools which you can float down to Mataranka Falls.
This is a small water flow over rocks that has incredible force given it’s small size.
Mataranka Thermal Pools are located just behind the Mataranka Homestead at the end of Homestead Road past Little Roper Stockcamp.

Territory Manor Barramundi Feeding
Territory Manor is located on Martin Road on the left as you head out to Bitter Springs.
We stopped in for an ice cream and to watch the Barramundi feeding.
Our son Matt was invited to feed a Barra.
If you’ve never seen a Barramundi bite you should try.
But you better be watching closely, they are super fast and it all happens very quickly.

Katherine Gorge
Just an hour north of Mataranka is Katherine Gorge located in Nitmiluk National Park which is simply amazing.
It is made up of Sandstone and has formed in to 13 Gorges and features waterfalls and rapids.
Kayaking the Katherine Gorge is very popular way to experience it.

During the wet season the Gorges fill with water and Salt Water Crocodiles are able to make their way in to the waters of Katherine Gorge.
There is therefore no swimming in the wet season.
At the start of the dry season the Salt Water Crocodiles are captured and removed back to the lower reaches of the Gorge.
Fresh Water Crocodiles live in Katherine Gorge and there all year round.
They do not attack humans and it is safe to swim there during the wet season as we did.
To see the full beauty of Katherine Gorge, you do really need to do a tour which is our experience.
Book your Tour of Katherine Gorge here

We of the Never Never
Jeannie Gunn left Melbourne in January 1902 after her husband bought in to the Elsey Cattle Station at Mataranka.
In those times white woman were not considered appropriate on a cattle station is such remote locations but Jeannie had other ideas.
In 1908 Jeannie wrote an Autobiography called We Of The Never Never of her life moving from Melbourne to Mataranka.
She talked about her time there which was short lived when her husband Aeneas died of malarial dysentery just over 12 months of arriving.
The park in Mataranka has memorials of people featured in her book.
We of the Never Never Book had sold over 1 million copies over 30 years ago in 1990 and in 1982 a movie by the same name was made and filmed in Mataranka based on Jeannie’s novel.

Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs
Whenever you are visiting Mataranka, be sure to check whether Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs is doing a show at the Mataranka Homestead which is just down the road from the Little Roper Stockcamp.
Nathan is a legendary whip cracker and is a five time Guiness World Record holder.
His show is very captivating and entertaining.
You can even be one of the lucky audience members and join Nathan up on stage!

______________________________________________________________________________________
Other great places to stay in the region:
Pin – Little Roper Stockcamp
Check out these other interesting stories:
Have you stayed at the Little Roper Stockcamp in Mataranka?
Tell us about your Mataranka camping experience.
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.
Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Photography and Socials
Our camera equipment we use for all our photos and videos are:
Samsung Note 10 Plus Phone – http://ebay.us/9vMXEH – Most of our photos are simply from our phones. The Samsung phone cameras are pretty insane. Our phones have 512gb storage in ours but the 256gb in this one is heaps. We have sourced this one which is approx $500 less than we paid for ours.
Samsung s21 Phone – https://ebay.us/QAdwva – this looks an insane camera within a phone. We have friends and our son who own one and it seems quite extraordinary with their camera quality. If you’re after a new phone this is what I’d be looking at.
Canon 800d – https://ebay.us/Q0UV1z – the latest DSLR Canon 24mp camera, buy here to save.
Nikon Coolpix p1000 – https://ebay.to/37cORUV – We have the Nikon P900 and this is the new model. The zoom lens is unbelievable and so awesome when travelling and you want to capture photos from a distance.
Lenses
Lens – Canon 50mm lens – https://ebay.to/3nx5pyG This is the lens I use the least, ideal for still, close up shots.
Canon 24-105mm lens – https://ebay.us/br9MeO This is my all round, everyday use, zoom lens. Amazing quality, great price.
Canon 70-300mm lens – https://ebay.to/33xYeht – I use this one a lot for long range shots.
Sigma 10-20mm lens – http://ebay.us/zWvfuI – My wide angle lens for all my inside photos & video plus lots more, love this lens.
Our Go Pro 9 Hero Black – https://ebay.us/6CQOVC – is an awesome piece of equipment. I use this for all underwater, action video and some general use. Buy here brand new and great value.
Mavic Pro Platinum Drone – https://ebay.to/2ARPxTo This is an absolute ripper of a drone. The Fly More Combo will provide you with everything you will need. I use this for all my aerial footage and this price is well below other retail stores.
_______________________________________________________________________
Follow us or Subscribe, Like, Share, and Comment on our website and social media here:-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indefiniteleave/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indefinite_leave/
Website: https://indefiniteleave.com.au/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/indefiniteleave
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/indefiniteleave/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indefiniteleav3
_____________________________________________________________________________
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through a link on this page we may receive a small commission. It will not cost you any more, in fact we’ve sourced out some great deals for you. Thank you for supporting us.
Destinations
Corella Dam and Clem Walton Park, Queensland

One of the most enjoyable Free overnight camping stays right around Australia is without doubt right here at Corella Dam.
Corella Dam is located approximately half way between Cloncurry and Mount Isa in North-West Queensland and offers excellent free camping opportunity directly beside the water.
This is a beautiful location to relax, enjoy the amazing scenery and the peace on offer.
We arrived the first time for a 1-2 day stay and were there for 5 nights.
The sky at night lights up and in the dark the stars would shine. The Sunsets are truly magnificent.

About Corella Dam
Corella Dam is about 50 kms west from Cloncurry and 70 kms East from Mount Isa along the Barkly Highway.
When you turn off into the entrance you will come across what you will perceive to be a locked gate.
It is not locked, simply unravel the chain, open the gate and once you have entered close the gate and place the chain back.
This is a cattle station and it’s important none of the cattle are able to escape.
You will likely meet some of the cows during your visit.
The track in is gravel but easily navigated with 2wd vehicle as we do it in our Winnebago Motorhome.
Corella Dam was created in the 1950’s to supply water to the nearby thriving Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine.
Camping here becomes very popular during with winter northern escape season for Caravanners and Motorhomes.


Corella Dam Facilities
There are no facilities at Corella Dam.
Some skip bins are available at the camping grounds however there are no toilets, no showers and no drinking water.
We enjoyed some fires that kept us warm and allowed us the opportunity to cook some amazing meals in the open over the coals.
Phone coverage at Corella Dam is very poor.
We had no Vodafone coverage and the Telstra network dropped in and out but is too low to really utilise at any time.

Clem Walton Park
Clem Walton Park is nearby and does have toilet facilities.
Access is via a much rougher gravel track where you can park along the creek.
It tends to be quieter and more peaceful at Clem Walton Park but it has no direct access from here to Corella Dam.
Some people prefer it for it’s more serene location and it has a stunning natural beauty along the creek too.
To find the creek at Clem Walton Park, continue on the track past Corella Dam and follow it until you eventually come to a Y section.
Follow it to the left down alongside the banks of the creek.


Are dogs allowed at Corella Dam?
Corella Dam is pet friendly and therefore dogs are allowed.
It’s highly advisable to keep your dogs within sight and on their leash at all times as the cattle roam the area and other wildlife remain in the vicinity.

Corella Dam Crocodiles
Corella Dam does have plenty of Fresh water crocodiles although we didn’t see any.
They tend to spend their time away from the camping areas however those that kayak and have boats usually report sightings of Freshies on the banks.
It’s not a known area for Salt Water Crocodiles and you will often see people swimming in the water.
Don’t be frightened by the many cows and big bulls that come by at night, some nights they do come through in large numbers.

Corella Dam Red Claw
We caught some Red Claw from the shore but had to get over the back areas away from most of the campers.
Lots of campers here have boats and kayaks and go fishing each day and drop their pots out further away and often have good success.
Opera House style Yabbie pots are most commonly used here.
These style of pots are not permitted in some other states so check before you use them elsewhere when travelling.
5 Essentials – Ryobi Tools for Traveling
- A chainsaw certainly is an essential tool while traveling especially when camping and 4WDing. Perfect for cutting up wood for the campfire and ideal for clearing tracks of fallen branches when 4WDing. I really like the Ryobi Chainsaw and will be looking to buy one very soon to match all of my other Ryobi tools.
- The Ryobi Cordless Hand Vacuum has been super handy for the motorhome while traveling and now it is also great to use in our 4WD.
- Even prior to traveling, I have always used a Ryobi Cordless Drill. They are an essential tool for use at home and while on the road.
- We have had heaps of use from our Ryobi 18v Area Light. It’s great for fishing, camping and outdoor entertaining and even when we want to save power at night while free camping. Just charge it up the next day when you have solar.
- There are so many uses for our Ryobi Blower while traveling. Blowing the leaves off the top of the slideout before bringing it in, accelerating the campfire, clearing away any dirt, grass or sand from around your campsite.


Free Camping at Corella Dam
We highly recommend Corella Dam as a fantastic Free camp and it is one of our favourite experiences in Australia.
Enjoy the video and a look around this awesome location, it’s one of the best free camps in Australia.
It features high in our Best Free Camps in Australia.
Cost to stay at Corella Dam is Free.
Our first stay was July 22-25th 2017 and our second stay on our trip from Brisbane to Darwin was 13-14 May 2021.
Read more about: Brisbane to Darwin Free Camping
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How to get to Corella Dam:
Follow the Barkly Highway west of Cloncurry or east of Mt Isa until you see the sign to Corella Dam on the south side of the Highway.
There is a gate to open and then close at the entrance to the camping areas.
Access in to the campground is via a short and easy to drive 2km dirt track off the highway.
We did it easily in our 2WD Motorhome.
Corella Dam is approximately 9kms east of Mary Kathleen.

What is there to do at Corella Dam?
Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine
Visit the old deserted Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine which is now a ghost town.
Discover the locations of the school, shops and houses that used to exist in the township now evacuated since 1984.
Ask for a map of the original town at the Mount Isa Information Centre and it outlines where all the buildings once stood and the layout of the Mary Kathleen township.
There’s a big signboard now at the old Mine with a full map on show.
You can also camp for free in the abandoned township.
Read more: Mary Kathleen Camping for free in a Ghost Town
Corella Fishing and Red Claw
Go fishing and catch Red Claw which is good fun and make for a great meal.
Get out some pots and use some fruit or veges within the pot to attract the Red Claw.
Boating and Kayaking
Plenty of people take their boats to Corella Dam.
There is a boat ramp available or you can take care to launch your boat fairly easily from the bank.
Kayaking at Corella Dam is also very popular.


Other great places to stay in the region:
Pin – Corella Dam Free Camping!
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Check out these other great blogs:
Safe travels
Kev & Adele
Indefinite Leave

We are Adele & Kevin, an Aussie couple from Brisbane in Queensland Australia who have embraced our adventurous spirit and ventured out to explore the world around us. We had spent so much time overseas we decided it was time to see our own truly amazing country and we needed to take some time to see everything it has to offer.
Our Aim is to inspire others to travel and help design the greatest adventure they can experience.
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