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

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‘


at 4:54 AM
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at 6:12 PM
Thank you
at 8:19 PM
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.
at 1:33 PM
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.