L.D. Lucey Memorial Park

🏕️ L.D. Lucey Memorial Park

PAID CAMP

🚩 Description & Location

Located just outside Mount Garnet on the Kennedy Highway, L.D. Lucey Memorial Park offers temporary camping during select community events such as the Mount Garnet Races and Rodeo. The reserve spans over 45 hectares of fenced grounds with large open paddocks, access roads, and shared amenities. During event weekends, public campers can enjoy a spacious, semi-bush setting within a festive rural atmosphere.

🪶 History

Formerly known as Newman Park and renamed in 1938 to honour community leader Len D. Lucey, the park has long been the heart of Mount Garnet’s social calendar. It remains a grassroots venue for horse racing, rodeos, and other regional gatherings, managed by a local trustee group with strong volunteer support. The site celebrates both the area’s pastoral roots and vibrant outback spirit.

🚻 Facilities and Amenities

• 🚻 Shared toilet and hot shower blocks (limited during peak use)

• 🔥 Campfires allowed in designated areas (fire conditions permitting)

• 💧 Water access available (non-potable; not suitable for drinking)

• 🛖 Mix of family-allocated campsites and public camping zones

• 🚮 Rubbish facilities are basic—visitors are encouraged to minimise waste

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Direct sealed access from Kennedy Highway

• 🚐 Suitable for caravans, trailers, tents, and motorhomes

• 🅿️ Parking and camping zones allocated upon entry

• 🌧️ Ground may become muddy in wet conditions—check forecast before arrival

🏕️ Stay Information (as at August 2025)

• 💰 Fees apply during public events (included with event camping pass)

• 📆 Booking: Essential—purchase of a camping ticket or event pass is required

• 🏢 Land manager: Trustees of L.D. Lucey Memorial Park Inc.

• 🏕️ Site type: Event-based public campground (not open year-round)

• ⏳ Maximum stay: Limited to duration of event (typically 2–7 days)

• 🐾 Pet policy: No dogs allowed (strict enforcement during all events)

• 🔐 Access notes: Gated entry controlled during events; no casual public access outside these times

• 📞 Contact: 0499 169 493

• 🌐 Website: mtgarnetreserve.com.au

• 📧 Email: mtgarnetreserve@gmail.com

• 🚫 Not required to be self-contained

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• 🍺 Mount Garnet Hotel (~1 km): Traditional pub with hearty meals and country hospitality

• 🥪 Top Shop Café, Mount Garnet: Handy for takeaway food, coffee, and supplies

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🏕️ Mount Garnet Travellers Park (~1.7 km): Powered sites, laundry, showers, and camp kitchen

• 🏕️ Goldsborough Valley Campground (~15 km): National park site for tents and camper trailers; no power

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• 🛁 Innot Hot Springs (~15 km): Relaxing mineral pools along the riverbank

• 🛤️ Wurruma Swamp: Quiet bushland picnic spot popular with birdwatchers

• 🧭 Irvinebank Historic Reserve: Day trip destination with historic buildings and mine ruins

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• 🛍️ Mount Garnet township (~1 km): General store, bakery, fuel, and café

• ⛽ BP Mount Garnet: Fuel and basic groceries

• 💧 Drinking water: Not available on site—must bring your own

• 🏥 Mount Garnet Primary Health Centre for minor emergencies and health needs

📝 Reviews Summary

• ✅ Great event atmosphere with spacious bush-style camping

• ✅ Authentic outback experience with community roots

• ✅ Hot showers and toilet access during major events

• ⚠️ Camping only allowed during designated events

• ⚠️ No drinking water provided—must BYO

• ⚠️ Strict no-dog policy in place

• ⚠️ Weather can affect access and ground conditions

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• 📻 UHF Channels: Road = 40 | Emergency Only = 5

• 📶 Mobile coverage limited on site but available nearby in Mount Garnet

• 🔧 Nearest fuel and mechanic services located in Mount Garnet

• 🏥 Nearest emergency care: Mount Garnet clinic; major hospital in Ravenshoe (~35 km)

• ☎️ Emergency: Dial 000

• ⚠️ Emergency vehicle lanes must be kept clear—camp marshals enforce

🔚 Final Note

L.D. Lucey Memorial Park is a lively, event-only campground perfect for visitors during Mount Garnet’s annual rodeo and race weekends. It offers a genuine country gathering experience, but only for those booked into major events. Be sure to secure your event pass, prepare for off-grid conditions, and follow site rules for a memorable stay in a truly local setting.