Vincent 'Bushy' Parker Park

🏕️ Vincent ‘Bushy’ Parker Park, Rollingstone QLD

FREE CAMP

🌄 Description & Location

A shady, well-maintained rest area beside Rollingstone Creek, just off the Bruce Highway around 54 km north of Townsville. Popular with travellers, this free camp offers roomy grassed areas, creek swimming, and essential amenities under tall gums—ideal for an overnight recharge.

🏞️ History

This region lies within the traditional lands of the Nywaigi and Bindal peoples, with deep ties to the freshwater creek systems. The park is named after Flight Lieutenant Vincent “Bushy” Parker, a local WWII fighter pilot and POW. The nearby restored railway station adds a slice of early 1900s settler heritage and bush transport history.

🧰 Facilities and Amenities

• 🔌 Unpowered camping beside vehicle

• 🚽 Flush toilets onsite

• 🚿 Cold outdoor showers

• 💧 Drinking water taps throughout park

• 🔥 Electric BBQs and shaded picnic shelters

• 🚮 Rubbish bins available

• 🛻 Dump point onsite (Dump‑Ezy compatible)

• 🅿️ Drive-through access for caravans and big rigs

• 🐾 Dogs allowed on leash

• 🌊 Creek suitable for swimming

• 📶 Mobile reception available (strongest with Telstra)

🚗 Vehicle Access

• 🛣️ Access via Rollingstone Street—sealed road

• 🚐 Drive-through layout; gravel internal roads

• ⚠️ Avoid the low-bridge southern entry off Bruce Hwy

Stay Information (as at July 2025)

• 🌟 Free

• ⏳ Max stay: 48 hours, once per 7 days

• 📅 Booking required via Townsville Council’s online system

• 🏢 Managed by Townsville City Council

• 🏕️ Site type: designated rest area with permitted camping

• 🐾 Dogs allowed on leash

• 🚿 Not required to be self-contained

• 🚪 Open access 24/7 once booked

🍺 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• 🍺 Rollingstone Hotel (~200 m): relaxed local pub with meals

• 🍻 Mutarnee Tavern (~15 km): bush pub with character

• 🍷 Balgal Beach Hotel (~7 km): beachfront bar and bistro

🏕️ Nearby Campgrounds

• 🌴 Balgal Beach Free Camp (~7 km): beachside council site

• 🚐 Big4 Rollingstone Caravan Park (~5 km): full-service park

• 🌿 Beak Creek Rest Area (~20 km): smaller bush stopover

🎣 Nearby Attractions

• 🏊 Swimming and paddling in Rollingstone Creek

• 🚶 Walkway to historic Rollingstone train station

• 🏖️ Day trips to Balgal and Toomulla beaches

• 🌳 Shaded trails and Bunya pines within park

🛒 Nearest Supplies

• ⛽ Rollingstone general store (~200 m): groceries and fuel

• 🏥 Townsville (~54 km): full medical and retail services

• 🍔 Takeaway and café also in Balgal Beach (~7 km)

📋 Reviews Summary

👍 Positive

• 🌳 Spacious, shaded camping with level ground

• 🧼 Clean amenities and reliable dump point

• 🐾 Pet and family-friendly environment

• 🏞️ Creek setting adds a relaxing natural vibe

⚠️ Cautionary

• 🦟 Mosquitoes can be heavy at dusk

• ⏱️ Rangers enforce 48-hour limit

• 🕓 Site can fill quickly—arrive early

🚨 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• ☎️ Emergency: 000

• 📡 UHF channels: Road = 40, Emergency = 5

• ⛽ Fuel in Rollingstone and Balgal Beach

• 🛠️ Major services in Townsville

• 🧭 Bring mozzie repellent, watch for children near creek, arrive before dark for best spots

🧭 Final Note

Vincent ‘Bushy’ Parker Park is a favourite free stop for good reason—reliable facilities, creek-side rest, and wide space for caravans. Book ahead, pack light, and enjoy the mix of nature and convenience this rest area delivers.