Upgraded free camping site to boost tourism in the region
Published on 28 July 2025
Tourism and visitation in the region is expected to see an added boost thanks to upgrades to Rockhampton’s free camping site at Kershaw Gardens.
Rockhampton Regional Council has completed a significant upgrade to the site in North Rockhampton which will greatly improve its use and functionality, and ensure tourists
and visitors using the space, particularly Grey Nomads travelling along the Bruce Highway, have a more pleasant and easier stay.
The site is part a broader initiative by Rockhampton Regional Council to boost tourism in the region and capitalise on the grey nomad and drive tourism market.
The upgrades include:
- New bitumen seal surface across the site
- 35 dedicated caravan parking bays
- 12 dedicated car parks
- Installation of new landscaping and greenery
- Site levelling and stabling
- Improved drainage
Importantly, the project provides a more welcoming and functional space for visitors whilst improving the longevity and management of the site for Council.
The site upgrade also builds on a stellar year in the tourism and visitation space, with Rockhampton recording 941,000 visitors to the region, and aligns with Council’s next tourism campaign focused on the growing drive tourism market.
Rockhampton has the highest number of visitors by Local Government Area (LGA) within the Southern Great Barrier Reef region with Council investing in the tourism and visitation sector through its lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton.
For more information on the Rockhampton Free Camping Site or tourism and visitation across the Rockhampton region, visit www.explorerockhampton.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams:
"The trend of visiting regional areas, particularly with people jumping in the car or caravan and driving up the Bruce Highway, has never been stronger.
“That’s why we’ve invested in the Kershaw Gardens free camp ground, making it a far nicer, more welcoming experience for visitors and ensuring that Rockhampton is a must-stop destination for travellers exploring regional Queensland.
“We know how important tourism is to our economy, local jobs, and small businesses. Every caravan that pulls in means dollars into our economy and we are proud to be investing in that.”
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure Councillor Marika Taylor:
“This upgrade is a great example of how smart infrastructure investments can deliver real benefits for both visitors and locals.
“We’ve made the site more accessible, more durable, and more welcoming - so travellers can enjoy a smoother, safer stopover in Rockhampton.
“By improving the surface, drainage, and layout, we’ve created a space that’s not only functional but also fits beautifully within the natural surrounds of Kershaw Gardens.
“It’s about making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with the growing demand from drive tourists and grey nomads who are choosing to explore regional Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Environmental Sustainability Councillor Elliot Hilse:
“This is a great project that demonstrates how we are looking to be efficient and cost effective with every project.
“By thinking creatively and working with our partners, we’re putting leftover materials from local road projects to use and, in doing so, finding an environmentally responsible solution to upgrade the site.
“We’re proud to have delivered this project using recycled materials which means reduced waste and lower costs for ratepayers. Two things which get a big tick of approval in my book.”
Background on 48-hour Free Camp Site:
- Council has recently completed upgrades to the 48-hour free camp site
- The site allows tourists and visitors to stay for a period of 48-hours, free of charge.
- This site is for fully self-contained campers only
- Tents are not permitted
- Visitors using the site are required to take their waste to the nearest dump point and are not to discharge any waste water onto ground
- The site is strategically located close to shops and transport and helps improve tourism in Rockhampton, particularly for Grey Nomads travelling along the Bruce Highway
ENDS