Free Camping is never far from the thoughts of travellers camping or caravanning in Australia. Sprinkling free camps liberally amongst paid caravan park stays is a great way of keeping costs down. South of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, the Burnett Highway leaves the coast and the Bruce Highway behind and heads inland to a great little free camp.
Dululu Free Camp – a Dululu Progress Association rest area.
At 452 km south of our last camp north of Mackay at Cape Hillsborough, Dululu was perfectly placed for our next night’s stop. Shadows were lengthening as we arrived so we quickly used what light was left to chose a flat level site, to avoid unhitching the van. We were one of the last to arrive and although another ten vans were set up, the camp was as quiet as an old people’s home.
Dululu is 33km south of Mt. Morgan. We’ve been to Mount Morgan a couple of times before but never really explored it in any depth. I had it in my mind that we would this time, but because we had been dawdling along ever since we left Townsville, the decision was made to push on to Dululu free camp.
We hate back-tracking so the next morning it was full steam ahead to Biloela, Monto and Cania Gorge. Next time – and there will be a next time – we will stay longer in the old gold mining town of Mt. Morgan.
As we drove through the township looking for the camp ground we noticed the remains of the Dululu Hotel. I’d read about it burning down in September 2015, but was surprised to see the outside of the hotel looked quite intact.
It would be lovely if this historic hotel was rebuilt but I guess the profit is just not there in these small communities, or maybe they weren’t insured… Anyways, the building started life as a boarding house in Mount Morgan and was shifted into Dululu community in 1935. In a strange twist of fate the original Dululu Pub was also destroyed by fire in 1928.
I wonder if these tennis courts, attached to the free camp rest area, are still in use? The grass encroaching onto the court suggests not!
I can imagine eating scones and pouring billy tea courtside…
Before the pub burned down, the key for the free camp hot shower was collected from the bar, bringing a little interaction between campers and residents. For now, the showers are not locked and an honour box is in place.
Our trip north from the Sunshine Coast to Townsville was via the coastal Bruce Highway and Dululu was our first free camp inland. Overnight the temperature dropped to 5 degrees and because we didn’t have power we couldn’t use our A/C as a heater. The next morning I rugged up and took some early photos. The sun shining through dewy grass and the rural view was quite beautiful.
It was ages since we’d been Outback and I was in love. The Burnett Highway or A3 is also called Australia’s Country Way and is signposted as such. Traffic is minimal on Australia’s Country Way and the peace and solitude of the outback is seductive.
Sunrise, through the Tennis Court. Note the undercover BBQ and information boards in the shelter.
Imagine the wonderful country dances Dululu Hall has hosted.
Dululu 48 Hour Rest Area.
Free Camp Credentials. Dogs Allowed. Camping Free. Toilets Free. Hot Showers $5. Limited Power Points Available $5. No drinking water. Picnic Tables. BBQ. TV and Mobile Phone Reception. Suitable for Caravans. Nice views.
Although Dululu is near the meeting of the A3 and A4, the camp itself is 200m away from both roads and peaceful.
Modern flush toilets, supplied with toilet paper and cleaned regularly.
Dululu is a free camp to keep in mind when driving Australia’s Country Way in Central Queensland.
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You gotta love free camping. There are not that many of those areas here in California. At least, you can find a good spot for about $30. But, it would be cool to have more cool spots in the state. #TPThursday
I love the way free camps get travellers off the beaten track in Australia. I think I would stay in a paid Caravan Park in California because I would be a foreigner and not understand the protocol of free camping. If I was there longer term though I would embrace it.
This looks like a great free camping area along the Bruce Highway. We actually stayed in Rockhampton in a Caravan Park so weren’t in need of a place to stay in this area. But I will definitely keep it in mind for our next adventure up north. I can’t believe if was 5 degrees! Brrr!
We have stayed in Rocky so many times in our child-rearing years. We always stayed there on the way to the Sunshine Coast in the September school holidays. Our son often had his birthday in a Rocky Caravan Park lol.
Oh, this looks really cool!! We didn’t have a campervan when we were traveling in Australia, so this wasn’t an option. But how cool! My husband would love it.
Getting away from the coast really shows a different Australia. I guess it’s the same in most large countries bounded by the ocean.
Oh these photos are lovely and make me wish I were set up right next to you sharing a cup of coffee or glass of wine! Too sad, about the old historic hotel – those are my favorites.
Yes I love old pubs anywhere in the world. An Aussie Country town really needs a pub.
I’m not much of a camper anymore, but you can’t beat free. My husband even gets us free flights and hotels, due to his hobby of points and mile collecting.
Yep I am a fan of free also Sharon. 🙂
That looks like a great place to stop, and it’s even better for being free. Great early morning photo. We have yet to campervan anywhere, although my girl does keep hinting that she’d like to give it a try.
Yes do that – I’d think it would be a great adventure.
it’s always great to get info about free camps. I think a number of towns are offering free overnight camps to encourage people to stay. Happy travels and thank you for stopping by my blog last week.
I think they’re a great idea for small communities.
How come I missed this place while I was In Austalia. I have to go back again and check this place!
It is only small Agness – most Aussies would not know about it!
Free campsites are a fantastic idea. I’m not sure we have this in Nova Scotia. I’ll have to explore this once I get home. Although I have to be honest, I have not camped in years. This looks like a lovely area to explore. Thanks for co-hosting this week and sorry I am late in getting around. This move of mine has taken on a life of its own! #TPThursday
We are really loving them here in Australia Nancie.
Free camping is the best! My son camps almost every summer weekend in Colorado for free on national forest public lands – he says it fits his budget perfectly!
I agree with him Jill!