Lake Callide Retreat & Caravan Park

🏕️ Lake Callide Retreat & Caravan Park – Dumgree, QLD

Set beside the calm waters of Lake Callide, this retreat-style caravan park offers a relaxed getaway for anglers, families, and nature seekers. With lakeside cabins, powered sites, and unpowered bush camping, it’s one of Central Queensland’s better-kept secrets—offering a balance of comfort and rustic charm.

🕰️ History

Lake Callide is a man-made reservoir created in the 1960s to support irrigation and power generation. Over time, it’s grown into a popular recreation and fishing destination. The retreat was developed to give visitors access to the lake's laid-back charm and is now known as a great base for inland escapes and freshwater trophy catches.

🚿 Facilities and Amenities

• Powered and unpowered sites

• Self-contained cabins (1–2 bedroom) with air conditioning

• Modern amenities block (toilets and hot showers)

• Camp kitchen with gas BBQs, fridge, microwave

• Fire pits (seasonal use permitted)

• Laundry facilities (coin operated)

• Boat ramp access

• Pet-friendly for campers 🐾

• Picnic areas and shade trees

🚛 Vehicle Access

• Access via sealed roads from Biloela (~12 km)

• Suitable for all vehicles including large caravans and motorhomes

• Easy turnaround areas for trailers

• 2WD accessible in all seasons

🛌 Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• Paid stay

  • Powered sites: from ~$35/night

  • Unpowered: from ~$25/night

  • Cabins: from ~$130/night (1–2 BR options)

• Online and phone bookings available – peak periods may fill fast

• Family and pet-friendly atmosphere

• Check-in from 2:00 PM / Check-out by 10:00 AM

• Self-check-in kiosk may be available for late arrivals

• Managed privately as a tourist retreat with strong reviews

🍻 Pubs & Clubs Nearby

• Biloela Hotel – classic pub meals and bar (~10 min drive)

• Silo Motor Inn Restaurant & Bar – local meals with licensed bar

• Multiple venues in Biloela town centre for drinks, live music, or dining

⛺ Nearby Campgrounds

• Callide Dam Free Camping Area – bush-style camping (limited facilities) further around the lake

• Biloela Showgrounds – budget option for larger rigs

• Mount Scoria Conservation Park (Targinnie) – picnic area, day use only

• Lake Awoonga – further east, similar style park with fishing

🌄 Nearby Attractions

• Lake Callide – freshwater fishing (barra, golden perch), kayaking, and birdwatching

• Callide Dam Lookout – views of lake and countryside

• Spirit of the Land Mural – cultural art installation in Biloela

• Queensland Heritage Park – local museum and historical displays

• Dawes Range – scenic driving loop for views and picnic stops

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• Biloela (~12 km):

  • Full supermarket options (Woolworths, IGA)

  • Fuel stations, LPG refills

  • Pharmacy, medical clinic

  • Camping and fishing gear available locally

• Onsite:

  • Cold drinks and bait may be available in office/shop

  • Firewood sold seasonally

🗣️ Reviews Summary

• Loved for:

  • Quiet, peaceful location with water views

  • Clean and modern facilities

  • Great fishing and boating access

  • Friendly and helpful hosts

• Watch-outs:

  • Can be windy on the lakefront sites

  • Some unpowered sites may lack shade

  • Nighttime insects near water—pack repellent

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency: 000

• Medical: Biloela Hospital (fully equipped)

• Mechanics & auto services: Biloela town centre

• Fuel: Multiple service stations in Biloela

• Mobile reception: Good for Telstra; variable for Optus

• Boat safety: PFDs required if fishing/kayaking; boat ramp suitable for small watercraft

• CB UHF: Channel 40 for local/regional road traffic

• Local weather can be hot and dry—bring sun protection and water storage

📝 Final Note

Lake Callide Retreat is one of those lakeside stays that blends country calm with creature comforts. Ideal for a weekend of casting lines or watching sunrise shimmer off still waters, it’s a welcome oasis just beyond the bustle of Biloela.