Update June 9, 2020:
South Burnett Regional Council advised on Tuesday that its 48-hour free camping areas are, in fact, open.
However, this excludes the Stuart River Rest Area which is closed due to a capital works upgrade.
Murgon Caravan Park will reopen on June 12.
The South Burnett Visitor Information Centre in Kingaroy and the Kingaroy Heritage Museum will reopen on June 15.
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Update June 8, 2020:
South Burnett Regional Council advised on Monday that free camping areas will now not reopen until Friday, June 12.
In addition, the Stuart River Rest Area will remain closed for the present due to upgrade works currently being carried out on that site.
Accommodation and camping facilities at the Yallakool and Lake Boondooma tourist parks will remain closed until August.
However, both tourist parks will be open to day visitors between 6:00am and 6:00pm for boating, fishing and general recreation.
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Earlier
June 5, 2020
The South Burnett’s free 48-hour caravan parking areas reopened on June 5 after a two-month hibernation due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The reopening will help provide a welcome injection of cash for local businesses who service visiting caravanners.
The free camps – at Benarkin, Tipperary Flat, Stuart River, Wooroolin, Kumbia, Wondai, Proston and Murgon – allow caravanners to park for up to 48 hours at no charge.
Visitors can also access limited facilities such as dump points, toilets and showers at several freecamps.
South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto said Council had planned to reopen the free camps on June 12.
This was the date the State Government initially selected for the introduction of Stage 2 restrictions.
But when this date was brought forward, Council decided to advance the free camp reopening after verifying the parking areas complied with current restrictions.
Mayor Otto said the closure of the State’s borders meant the South Burnett’s usually brisk winter tourism trade would likely be lower this year.
The region typically plays host to caravanners from NSW and Victoria who travel north each March to October to take advantage of Queensland’s warmer weather.
However, with the State Government removing intrastate travel restrictions and encouraging Queenslanders to “holiday at home”, the free camps provided opportunities to attract Queensland caravanners.
[UPDATED. The original and updated information was supplied by the SBRC]
Qlders and we’re leaving soon. Thank you!
It wood be nice to have a map. And are they dog friendly?
Is the Stuart River Rest Area still closed, last update was June 9th 2020
Honestly, we don’t know, Graham. Council has not notified us that it has re-opened. When we spoke to the local Visitor Information Centre, they had no knowledge that it had been closed. So, we must assume it is open. The overnight stays in Nanango, Wooroolin, Wondai, Proston and Murgon are definitely open.