Free camping at Gordonvale, near Cairns

Free camping at Gordonvale, near Cairns

16 July, 2010 4:08 PM 4 comments

We have stayed here for a few days and could stay for many more. Beautiful scene, river beside us and safe swimming holes.

mulgrave river hdr photo Free camping at Gordonvale, near Cairns

HRD photo of the Mulgrave River at dawn. Click the image above for a large version.

29km south of Cairns is the Gordonvale rest area, where there are toilets and tables. Around that is some larger spaces for caravans and campers to park. Looking off to the edges you will notice dirt vehicle tracks that lead down to the river, down here you can setup camp also. Beyond that we drove under both bridges and found a few nice spots. Although I don’t think technically this is part of the rest area, this is one of the best inland camp spots this convoy has discovered. There are plenty of shaded and private sites, rarely do you hear other people.

Walshs Pyramid Gordonvale 1024x640 Free camping at Gordonvale, near Cairns

Great landmark for our camp spot, the view of Walsh's Pyramid Mountain when driving back from Cairns. Click the image above for a large version.

The river meets the base of Walsh’s Pyramid Mountain which is the largest in the area, definitely the most unique. Have had a good time relaxing here, sleeping a glutinous amount and thoroughly enjoying it.

Related article:Free accommodation near Cairns

4 Comments

  • Maryln Baer

    Thank you very much for this great article and information. It is very useful to me, please provide information or a good article like this again.

  • Lorenna

    Thank you :)

  • You are no longer allowed to camp at this stop. It is patrolled regularly by police. Your best bet for Cairns is to park at a Hostel which you can get for $5 a night per person.

  • admin

    Police patrolled it all the time I was there, many times we would stop and chat to them. They did nothing, are they patrolling AND making people leave?

    Either way, you can still camp for FREE at the rest area as described which is just off the highway. And if you don’t stop at the rest area, it’s only $5 to camp at the national parks which are far better than parking at a hostel.

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