RV TRAVEL
DRIVING THE ‘BRUCE’. . . OUTBACK HIGHWAYS
BLUEWATER PARK, NORTH
OF TOWNSVILLE It always seems incredible to us when
we travel in vast, uninhabited areas that
sometimes there is nowhere to stop!
Grader scrapes, mulga and dodgy, sandy
surfaces often seem to work against free-
camping and we have often driven many
kilometres looking for the perfect spot, which
for us means safely off the road, out of sight
of passing traffic and on firm ground.
A good tip on major outback highways is to
look for areas where the grader has pushed
off into the bush to clear their blade. You
might have to back in, or out, but at least
you’re off the road.
We often look for gravel pits that road
crews use for their road repair. These are
usually marked on most reputable remote-
area maps, like the excellent ones produced
by Hema and, being flat, are perfect for
several caravans to gather safely in numbers,
light a fire where conditions allow and enjoy
the million-star serenity.
A key thing in these locations is to ‘leave
no trace’. This means taking your rubbish,
extinguishing and covering your fireplace
and, preferably, take your waste water away
in a grey water tank.
One of the best free-camps about half an hour
north of Townsville is Bluewater Park, north of
the city on the Bruce Highway.
Bordered by Bluewater Creek and the Mt
Spec water pipeline/highway, and notable
for its landscaped tree-scape complete with
walking tracks, this camp is a mix of Aussie
bush parkland, undercover eating areas and
children’s playground.
There is loads of space, which fills up quickly,
and reticulated town water to connect your
van to. The toilet block is basic but includes an
open-air shower.
Where: Half an hour north of Townsville
on the Bruce Highway. Facilities: Flushing
toilets, drinking water, wood barbecues and
fireplaces (BYO wood). Sites and access: 20
sites suitable for medium-to-large caravans.
Bluewater Park.
24
gorv.com.au