There is something special about the hospitality in Outback Queensland. You drive for hours through vast, open landscapes, and when you finally roll into town, a friendly wave and a bit of space make all the difference. That is exactly what we found when we arrived at Blackall Caravan Park.
We had been cruising along the Landsborough Highway, enjoying the changing scenery as we made our way deeper into the outback. We decided to base ourselves here for three nights to properly explore the region, and honestly, we could have stayed longer.
“Sunny,” our 21ft 6 caravan, needs a bit of room to move, and this park delivered in spades. From the moment we arrived, we loved the quiet atmosphere and the genuine country feel. It wasn’t just a place to park; it felt like a little community. As we continue our adventures through Queensland, stops like this remind us why we love hitting the road.
Where is Blackall Caravan Park?
Blackall is a significant town in central western Queensland, situated on the Landsborough Highway between Longreach and Charleville. It is known as the home of the “Black Stump” and offers a real slice of Australian pioneering history.
The caravan park itself is located within the town, making it a convenient base for exploring.
Pro Tip:
While the roads into Blackall are sealed and generally good, always check road conditions if you are heading further west or exploring the back roads, especially after rain. The black soil out here can turn sticky very quickly!
The Camping Experience
If you tow a large van, you know the anxiety of pulling into a tight park. We are happy to report there is absolutely no stress here. Blackall Caravan Park is genuinely Big Rig Friendly.
We were given a Drive-Through site, which makes setting up an absolute breeze. The roads within the park are wide, and the sites are generous, offering plenty of swinging room for even the biggest rigs.
We parked “Sunny” on a nice patch of dirt/grass, but the best part was the concrete slab positioned perfectly for under the awning. It meant we had a clean, solid, albeit cracked and uneven, surface for our chairs and table, without tracking dirt inside. The atmosphere was incredibly peaceful—just quiet, relaxed, and full of other travelers enjoying the journey.
Amenities & Facilities
While the amenities block is a little older style, don’t let that put you off. They are kept absolutely spotless. The layout is fantastic, featuring private ensuite-style bathrooms where the shower and toilet are in the same room. It gives you that little bit of extra privacy and space that we really appreciate.
The park also features a huge camp kitchen which acts as a great social hub. During our stay, we were treated to some free entertainment one night. A couple of singers belted out some old tunes, and it created such a fun, communal vibe. It’s these little extras that make a park memorable.
There is also a laundry available if you need to catch up on washing after a few days on the road.
Things to Do in Blackall
Blackall isn’t just a stopover; there is plenty to keep you occupied for a few days. Here are the highlights from our stay:
- Blackall Wool Scour: This is an absolute must-do. It is the only fully intact steam-powered wool washing plant left in Australia. The tour is incredible and gives you a real appreciation for the history of the wool industry. Link here.
- Blackall Aquatic Centre: After a dusty drive, nothing beats a soak. The artesian spa and swimming pool are thermally heated and absolutely sensational. We highly recommend spending an afternoon here. Link here.
- The Blackall Sculpture Trail: Take a walk around town and spot the various sculptures that tell the story of the region. Link here.
- The Black Stump: Go and see the marker for the original Black Stump used for surveying—it’s a classic photo opportunity. Link here.
- Ram Park: A great spot to see old buildings and machinery moved to one location to preserve local heritage. Link here.
Part of the impressive Blackall wool scour machinery
More of the impressive Blackall wool scour machinery
Colin our tour guide at the Blackall wool scour
The big ram at Ram Park Blackall
Bloody big red kangaroo sculpture Blackall
Roly poly part of the Blackall sculpture trail
Plan Your Stay
- Address: 51 Garden Street, Blackall QLD 4472
- Phone: (07) 4657 4816
- Website: Blackall Caravan Park
- Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is pet friendly (conditions apply, keep them on a leash).
- Cost: Approximately $41 per night for a powered site and $33 for an unpowered site. We recommend calling them directly to book and get the best deal.
FAQ: Essential Info for Blackall Caravan Park
Is Blackall Caravan Park Big Rig Friendly?
Are the roads to Blackall sealed?
Is there phone reception at the park?
Does the park have a dump point?
Is the water potable?
Our Verdict
We thoroughly enjoyed our three nights at Blackall Caravan Park. It ticks all the boxes for us: massive sites, easy access for “Sunny,” and that lovely, welcoming outback atmosphere. Heading northwest toward Winton? Read our complete things to do in Winton Queensland guide — the Waltzing Matilda Centre, Arno’s Wall, dinosaurs and an open-air cinema built in 1918.
The combination of the concrete slab for the awning and the grass for the van was perfect. While the amenities are older, the ensuite style and cleanliness make them more than comfortable. We would happily stay here again.
Where to next?
If you are continuing your Outback Queensland adventure, you might be heading north towards Barcaldine or Longreach.
Did you try the thermal spa in town? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re heading further northwest, we stayed 6 nights at Winton Wanderers Caravan Park — read our honest review.
