Charleys Creek Campgrounds, Chinchilla (CG)

Located on the peaceful banks of Charleys Creek, the family-owned and operated Charleys Creek Campgrounds offers a remarkable escape into Queensland’s authentic Australian bush experience. Located just on Chinchilla’s doorstep, this unique 35-acre property seamlessly blends the tranquility of pristine bushland settings with the convenience of being within walking distance of the town center.

The campground, previously known as Clover Hill Accommodation & Camping, represents more than just a place to pitch a tent – it embodies a true Australian experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of rural life. Owned by local cattle producers Steven and Ursula Keating, who have been Chinchilla locals for over 10 years, the property showcases genuine Australian hospitality alongside the beauty of the natural landscape.

What sets Charleys Creek Campgrounds apart is its commitment to providing an authentic paddock-to-plate experience. Guests can witness firsthand the journey from farm to table, with opportunities to taste the finest Australian Wagyu beef raised on the property. The on-site brewery adds another layer to the experience, creating a unique combination of camping, farming, and local craft brewing that truly captures the essence of regional Queensland.

The campground’s location adjacent to Charleys Creek creates a truly tranquil atmosphere where guests can enjoy the sounds of flowing water while being surrounded by native Australian wildlife. The property offers breathtaking creek views from most campsites, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and reflection. With its beautiful bushland setting and proximity to town amenities, Charleys Creek Campgrounds delivers the perfect balance of wilderness adventure and modern convenience, making it an ideal base for exploring the greater Western Downs Region.

FEES & BOOKINGS
Based on the available information, Charleys Creek Campgrounds operates as a paid campground with both powered and unpowered site options available. While specific pricing details were not provided in the search results, visitors have noted that both powered and unpowered sites are “very reasonably priced”.

Priced from $25/night

For accommodation options, the campground offers:
* Powered campsites with access to town water and amenities
* Unpowered campsites in beautiful nature-based, shaded areas close to Charleys Creek
* Pete’s Hut – a self-contained cottage with king bed, ensuite, and sofa bed sleeping up to 4 people with linen included

Additional meal options include:
* Saturday Night Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef Brisket Meal – $35 per adult and $20 per child (under 12)
* Payment accepted via cash, card, or online
* Bookings essential for meals and must be made by 5 PM Friday

For reservations and bookings:
* Website: https://charleyscreekchinchilla.com.au
* Phone: Steve at 0437 149 610 or Ursula at 0457 007 050
* Email: [email protected]
* Pre-booking recommended in advance to avoid disappointment
* Online booking and payment available via website with credit card or EFTPOS

FACILITIES
Charleys Creek Campgrounds provides comprehensive facilities to ensure a comfortable camping experience for all visitors. The campground offers clean toilet and shower facilities with beautiful rain shower heads, ensuring guests can maintain comfort during their stay. Access to potable drinking water is available throughout the property, with powered sites having direct access to town water.

The campground features a well-equipped camp kitchen and communal eating areas, perfect for meal preparation and social gatherings. A large communal fire pit serves as a central meeting place where guests can gather with fellow campers and the property owners for conversation and beverages. Individual open fire pits are available at campsites, with firewood readily available for purchase.

For entertainment and relaxation, the facilities include a seating area with a big screen TV where guests can watch sporting events and other programs. The campground is designed to accommodate various types of camping equipment, with accessibility for RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs, including pull-through bays for easier maneuvering. Tent camping is also welcomed across the property.

Additional amenities include free parking, BBQ facilities, outdoor dining areas, and picnic areas. The property maintains shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, ensuring all guests have access to essential services. For those staying in Pete’s Hut, additional comforts include air conditioning, desk, flatscreen TV, kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator, and walk-in shower facilities.

THINGS TO DO
Charleys Creek Campgrounds offers an impressive array of activities that showcase both the natural beauty of the area and authentic Australian farm life. The property’s location on Charleys Creek provides excellent opportunities for fishing, particularly for Yellow belly, as well as swimming and kayaking with life jackets supplied for water activities.

Farm tours represent one of the campground’s signature experiences, offering guests immersive tag-along tours available on Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. These comprehensive tours take visitors through multiple farming properties including Riverleigh’s cropping and Wagyu programs, Coleridge’s horse stud operations, and areas of ecological significance. Guests can learn about seasonal planting operations, soil preparation, cattle processing including DNA sampling and animal welfare practices, and witness Australian Stock Horse breeding programs.

The Saturday night Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef Brisket experience provides a true paddock-to-plate dining adventure where guests can learn directly from local farmers about the journey from farm to table. This 12-hour smoked meal is served with locally sourced accompaniments and offers an authentic taste of regional Queensland cuisine.

Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching, bush walking, and exploring the abundant wildlife that inhabits the 35-acre property. The campground’s proximity to Chinchilla town center means guests can easily access local attractions including the Lions playground, Chinchilla Botanic Parkland, and the scenic Charleys Creek Walk. Other nearby activities include visiting the famous Big Watermelon, exploring the Chinchilla Museum with its miniature train, and participating in fossicking for the region’s sought-after petrified wood.

GUIDELINES
Charleys Creek Campgrounds maintains specific rules and policies designed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests while protecting the natural environment. Safety is the highest priority, particularly regarding children, and anyone not complying with established rules will be required to vacate immediately without refund.

Water safety regulations are strictly enforced, as no lifeguard supervises the creek facilities. Swimming and water activities are undertaken at guests’ own risk, with a minimum of two adults (18 years or older) required to be present whenever anyone is near the creek. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during water activities. Swimming alone is strictly prohibited, and diving or jumping into the water is not permitted due to safety concerns including potential snake encounters.

Pet policies require that all dogs be current with vaccinations and leashed at all times. Dogs must be secured by strong leashes that do not extend beyond the campsite boundaries and cannot be tied to trees. Pets are not permitted in buildings, swimming areas, or food preparation zones, and owners must clean up after their animals. Aggressive or excessively barking dogs are not tolerated, and dogs with histories of aggressive behavior are prohibited.

Vehicle and equipment restrictions include prohibition of mini-bikes and motorized scooters, with children not permitted to operate any motorized vehicles on the property. Bike riding after dark is not allowed, and all cyclists 16 and under must wear helmets. The campground enforces specific camping area restrictions, including no camping near the communal fire pit or on turfed areas around the camp kitchen.

Fire safety and cancellation policies are also clearly established, with a strict no-refund policy for short-notice cancellations regardless of circumstances, though credits may be offered for up to 12 months.

HOW TO GET THERE
Charleys Creek Campgrounds is conveniently located in Chinchilla, Queensland, positioned strategically for easy access from major regional centers. The campground sits approximately 300 kilometers northwest of Brisbane via the Warrego Highway, representing a comfortable 3.5-hour drive from Queensland’s capital city. From Toowoomba, visitors can reach the campground by traveling 164 kilometers (102 miles) in approximately 2 hours, following the Warrego Highway through scenic rural Queensland.

The property is easily accessible from the Warrego Highway, with visitors entering through the distinctive “CLOVER HILL RANCH” archway and following a long driveway to reach the campground reception area. Upon arrival, guests should stop at the end of the driveway where contact information is displayed and call the caretaker Steve at 0437 149 610 for site allocation and check-in assistance. If Steve is unavailable, visitors can contact Ursula at 0457 007 050.

For those traveling from other regional centers, Chinchilla is located 81 kilometers northwest of Dalby, 188 kilometers east of Roma, and 455 kilometers east of Charleville, all connected via the well-maintained Warrego Highway. The campground’s entrance may appear narrow initially, but the facility can accommodate large machinery, semi-trucks with trailers, 30-foot caravans, and tour buses. Once through the gates, the expansive 35-acre property provides ample space for maneuvering even the largest recreational vehicles.

Public transport options include daily bus services operated by Murrays Coaches and Greyhound Australia connecting Brisbane to Chinchilla, with the journey taking approximately 4 hours. Queensland Rail Travel also operates the Westlander train service between Brisbane and Chinchilla twice weekly.

UPDATED27062025GW