Cunnamulla: The Offroad Campers Paradise

If you’re looking for caravan destinations, add Cunnamulla to the top of your list. Located almost nine hours west of Brisbane, and 12 and a half hours north west of Sydney, it’s a long drive but worth it for the adventures waiting here.

Queensland State Archives, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Things To Do in Cunnamulla

From wildlife encounters, ancient Artesian waters, and historical sites, Cunnamulla is great for families, grey nomads and everyone in between.

Visit the hot springs capital of Australia

Experience the ultimate in relaxation and wellness by soaking in hot artesian spring water. The Paroo Shire boasts seven hot springs destinations across four towns! Here are three to check out.

• Cunnamulla Hot Springs
• Artesian Mud Baths, Eulo
• Yowah Artesian Bore Baths Spa

See iconic Aussie wildlife

A visit to the Outback must include an encounter with our beautiful native wildlife!

• Cunnamulla Bushlands Reserve – visit at sunset to see kangaroos and emus.
• Currawinya National Park – an absolute must-visit for keen birdwatchers, Currawinya is located on Budjiti Country and is one of Queensland’s largest national parks. Its untouched lakes, rivers and wetlands are home to more than 180 species of birds, including rare water birds.
• Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary – typically open between May and October each year, the sanctuary is on the mulga plains of south-west Queensland and is rich with birdlife, reptiles, mammals and amphibians.

Take a dip with these water activities

• Wyandra Beach – Outback Queensland’s only beach, head here for a spot of fishing.
• Charlotte Plains Outback Station – swim, kayak and float on tubes in the Bore Drain.

Immerse yourself in the local history

The township of Cunnamulla was established in the 1860s with the arrival of European settlers. However, it has a rich Indigenous history spanning thousands of years. To discover more about the heritage and historical sites in Cunnamulla, head to the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre.

• Cunnamulla Art Gallery and Museum
• Artesian Time Tunnel
• Cunnamulla Heritage Trail
• Cunnamulla All Aboard 3D Sound And Light Show
• The Cunnamulla Fella statue

Walking trails

After a long drive, a picturesque walking trail is the ideal way to stretch your legs.

• Lake Bindegolly Circuit
• Warrego River Walk

Annual events and festivals

• Outback Rivers Lights Festival – April
• Stars of Charlotte Plains Music Festival – June
• Alroy Station Fire 2 Fork Dinner – July
• Cunnamulla Fella Roundup – September

Where to stay in Cunnamulla

There are many places to park the van for a night or two in Cunnamulla – read on to find the one that best suits your needs.

Cunnamulla Tourist Park

• Camping sites, cabins, caravan sites, motorhome sites
• Camp kitchens, undercover BBQ hut, picnic shelters
• Toilets, showers, laundry
• Free Wi-Fi

Pet friendlyWarrego Riverside Tourist Park

• Communal fireplace
• Camp kitchen and undercover dining
• Bathrooms and laundry
• Free book exchange at reception
• Live entertainment
• Powered sites, unpowered sites, bush camping

Charlotte Plains Outback Station

• Powered and unpowered sites
• Ten minutes of free Wi-Fi
• Dogs are permitted but not in the main Bore Drain
• Fires are permitted with wood available
• Yabby delving
• Livestock and farm animals
• Property tours

Francvillers Station Bush Camping

• $40-$45 per night – reservations essential
• Dogs allowed but must be leashed at all times
• Guests must be self-sufficient
• Fishing and yabbying

Ticklemans Garden Camp Ground

• One composting toilet – BYO camping toilet recommended
• Firewood available
• Dog friendly but must be leashed
• River access

Tips for Staying Safe in Outback Queensland

• Ensure you have all the right permits on your car, sufficient drinking water and food, first aid equipment and that your vehicle is topped up with fuel. Keep in mind that mobile coverage can be unreliable, so bringing a UHF radio in case of emergencies is highly recommended.
• Be vigilant for wildlife, especially when driving at night. Cunnamulla has a high population of roos, wallabies, and even emus. Stay alert to protect the wildlife and to protect yourself from any damage an accidental run-in may do.
• Sand dunes can be dangerous to drive on, and in many cases, 4WDing is prohibited.
• Always leave the camping site as you found it – use the dump points or take rubbish with you, put out all fires, and don’t chop down trees unless explicitly permitted.
• Ensure your camper is serviced and ready to tackle the challenging Outback terrain. The JAWA camper range has been designed for all your off-road adventures. Not only are our hybrid caravans built Aussie-tough and jam-packed with inclusions as standard, our customer service is second to none. Even when you’re on the road and far from home, we’re just a phone call away to help you troubleshoot. After all, you’re part of the JAWA family!