The best camping near Richmond
On the Flinders Highway between Hughenden and Julia Creek, Richmond is a colourful riverside town.
The best camping near Richmond guide
Where to go
Porcupine Gorge National Park
Magnificently coloured sandstone cliffs and lush forest fringe the swimming hole of Porcupine Creek at the heart of Porcupine Gorge National Park. About two hours drive east of Richmond, the park is popular for bird watching, wildlife spotting, and walking trails that offer panoramic views from Pyramid Lookout and Gorge Lookout. Campsites are located at the Pyramid camping area and can be pre-booked.
White Mountains National Park
The spectacular white sandstone bluffs rising above the savannah give White Mountains National Park its name. Its diverse landscape ranges from lush forests with wildflowers to sand dunes devoid of vegetation, but most is accessible by 4WD vehicles from Flinders Highway near Torrens Creek. Book a campsite beside the riverbed and listen out for birdlife in the trees and wallabies bounding across the earth.
Greater Outback QLD
Outback Queensland is like nowhere else on Earth with its unique colours, characters, wildlife, and wide-open spaces. Wild landscapes dominate all the way to the horizon, with gorges and gullies carved by rain and mountain ranges rising from savannah lands. The people who live in Greater Outback Queensland are resilient characters accustomed to adapting to its harsh environment, so take the time to meet the locals over a beer at the pub or when checking into a holiday park. You’ll be rewarded with rare insights into why so many travellers are lured by Outback Queensland road trips.
When to go
Outback Queensland’s harsh climate can be a challenge for those unaccustomed to the conditions unique to this region—maximum summer temperatures can reach well past 40°C. The mildest temperatures occur between April and October with warm dry days and cool nights, while the wettest time of the year is generally December to March. The Richmond Rodeo is held each July, while the Richmond Campdraft is held in September. Richmond Racecourse has an active calendar of events well worth timing your visit around. In Mt. Isa, don’t miss the Mt Isa Show in June, the Boulia Camel Cup in July, or the Isa Rodeo and Outback QLD Masters golf tournament in August.
Know before you go
- Ensure your vehicle is well-equipped and in good condition before driving on Outback Queensland roads, where towns and service stations are spaced long distances apart.
- Off-road camping and 4WD tracks are plentiful around Richmond, though some may pass through private land. If passing through gates or fences, ensure they are left in the same state you found them.
- Be prepared for temperatures to plummet overnight in between high daytime temperatures typical of desert landscapes.
- The Barkly Highway and Flinders Highway are well-used by road trains. Drivers should take special care when sharing the road with these mammoth vehicles.