There is a rhythm to travelling the Queensland Outback. You drive through kilometres of red dirt and scrub, and then, suddenly, you hit a town that feels like an oasis. St George is exactly that.
Perched on the banks of the majestic Balonne River, St George is a town defined by water, cotton, and country hospitality. On our recent trip, towing our 21ft 6 caravan “Sunny,” we were looking for a comfortable base to explore the region. We found it at Kamarooka Tourist Park.
As we continued our adventures through Queensland, this park stood out for its central location, its relaxed vibe, and—crucially for us—its incredible on-site cafe.
Where is Kamarooka Tourist Park?
Kamarooka is located on Victoria Street, right in the heart of St George. Unlike some parks that are situated kilometres out on the highway, Kamarooka offers the luxury of walkability. You are minutes from the supermarket, the pub, and the beautiful riverbank walk.
Campfire Etiquette
While there is a fantastic nightly fire during the season, please note that fires are not permitted on individual sites. Leave the fire pit in the tunnel boot and head over to the communal fire to meet your neighbours instead!
The Camping Experience
We pulled “Sunny” in and were immediately impressed by the layout. The park features 24 grass sites, and the best news for big rigs is that most of them are drive-through.
Parking: Maneuvering a 21ft 6 van here was stress-free. The drive-through sites mean no reversing arguments after a long drive! The grass was well-kept and level, providing a nice soft base compared to the concrete slabs or dust bowls you find elsewhere.
The Vibe: It feels orderly but friendly. Because it’s not a massive corporate park, the managers are hands-on. The highlight is undoubtedly the communal fire pit. Weather and season permitting, this is lit nightly. It’s the social hub of the park and the perfect place to crack a cold one and chat with fellow travellers.
Amenities & Facilities
For a regional park, the facilities are excellent and well-maintained.
- Bathrooms: The toilets and showers are well-appointed and were kept spotless during our stay. Good pressure and plenty of hot water.
- Laundry: A well-equipped laundry is available, which is always a bonus when you’ve been on the road for a week.
- Camp Kitchen & BBQ areas: A fully equipped camp kitchen complete with an oven and an outdoor BBQ and pizza oven. Does it get any better?
- Dump Point: There is a dump point located within the park for cassette toilets.
- Pool: St George gets hot! The park has a lovely swimming pool which is an absolute lifesaver in the afternoons.
The Cafe: A Hidden Gem
This is the headline act. Most caravan parks have a reception desk that sells ice creams. Kamarooka has a fully functioning, high-quality cafe open all day almost every day.
They take their coffee seriously here, but the real star of the show is the thick shake. We aren’t talking about flavoured milk with a bit of froth. These are old-school, stand-your-spoon-up-in-them thick shakes. Do not plan a heavy lunch if you are tackling one of these! Yum yum yum.
Things to Do in St George
St George is the inland fishing capital of Queensland, but there is plenty to do even if you don’t fish.
- Balonne River Cruise: We highly recommend the Sandytown River Cruise. We did the twilight tour and seeing the pelicans and eagles as the sun set over the water was magic. Book here.
- The Unique Egg: A fascinating collection of hand-carved emu eggs. It sounds kitsch, but the artistry is incredible.
- Riversands Vineyards: Yes, there is wine in the Outback! Visit for a tasting and a platter in their garden.
- Beardmore Dam: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the short drive and enjoy the facilities provided.
Plan Your Stay
- Address: 56 Victoria St, St George QLD
- Phone: (07) 4625 3120
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.kamarookatouristpark.com.au/
- Pet Friendly: Yes (on leash) but check when booking.
FAQ: Essential Info for Kamarooka
Can I have a fire on my site?
Is the park Big Rig friendly?
Is there a dump point?
Do I need to unhitch?
Is there much to do or see in St George
Our Verdict
Is Kamarooka Tourist Park worth the stop? Definitely.
It strikes the perfect balance between convenience and comfort. The drive-through grass sites make setup a breeze, the amenities are clean, and having a cafe on your doorstep is a luxury we didn’t know we needed. Routing northwest toward Winton? Read our complete things to do in Winton Queensland guide before you arrive.
Heading South? You are only 45 minutes from the famous Nindigully Pub (make sure you read our review!).
Heading North? You are on your way to Surat or Roma.
Have you tried the thick shakes at Kamarooka? Or did you catch a big cod in the river? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re routing northwest through outback Queensland, we spent six nights based at Winton Wanderers Caravan Park — read our honest review before you arrive.
