Lara Wetlands is an enchanting oasis tucked away in the heartland of Queensland. This untouched paradise offers a unique opportunity for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. If you are a twitcher or birder, you’ll be in heaven.
We were looking for a Barcaldine camping ground, particularly a free camp. Fortunately, Wikicamps brought up Lara Wetlands camping, which did not disappoint. It’s off-grid camping or bush camping at its best.
Known for its strikingly beautiful, natural hot springs and a rich variety of wildlife, Lara Wetlands is more than just a travel destination – it’s a sanctuary of serenity and biodiversity.
This picturesque haven presents an array of captivating sights and experiences, promising to leave visitors with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for one of Queensland’s remarkable landscapes.
Exactly How To Get To Lara Wetlands Qld
Hot Tip: Do NOT use Google Maps to get to Lara; the map will take you down a dirt track called The Patrick on private property and you’ll have to turn around. Instead, follow the directions below.
Lara is situated 28 kilometres south of Barcaldine, or if you’re coming from the south, it’s 78 kilometres north of Blackall. A further 13-kilometre journey on the red-sand/dirt access road from the Landsborough Highway will lead you directly to Lara Station.
Once on the Landsborough Highway, you’ll see a sign on the left-hand side of the highway just after Narbethong Road on the left to Lara if you are heading from Barcaldine.
Then after the small sign, a little further down the road, you’ll see the entrance to the access road to the station. There is a huge sign (it’s the one above), you can’t miss it!
Lara Wetlands Camping Grounds
Lara Wetlands Barcaldine is a working cattle farm covering 15,000 acres with up to 500 head of cattle. The property is fully fenced and has undercover cattle yards.
Basking in the stunning hues of sunrise and sunset over the water provides an unparalleled experience, as the vibrant colours reflect beautifully off the surface.
A multitude of serene and shady camping spots scatter the area around the wetlands, providing a serene setting for all types of camping.
Whether you’re bringing along a
What to Expect at Lara Station Stay
Lara station stay is bush camping at its best. You have the best of both worlds of off-grid camping and a
The following amenities are all available at Lara
- Free kayaks
- Camp kitchen
- Free pushbikes
- Artesian hot springs
- Toilets and showers
- Wildlife and bird watching
- Generator use is permitted
- Roll on in – no need to book
- A limited number of fire drums are available
- Free water fill-ups from a natural artesian bore
- Camp oven dinners on Saturday evenings for $30
- No allocated sites across 16 acres – plenty of room
- Tours of the Lara Homestead when they are available
- Huge trolly of wood for just $20 OR you can BYO wood
- You can empty your grey water directly onto the ground
- Complimentary Billy Tea and Damper on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 4.30-5.30pm
And if you are travelling with a horse there is accommodation in yards for them too.
Lara Wetlands has no bins, so you must take all your rubbish with you. We’d advise that you burn all you can in your nightly fire if you can. Then you only have to dispose of any bottles. Lara will even take your cans for recycling.
If you travel with a generator, you can use them at the station between certain times.
Thermal Pool From The Artesian Bore
On the eastern side of the property are an inviting thermal pool and the refreshingly cool pool. At first glance, the thermal pool might seem unusual with its sandy/earthy bottom and unique algal bloom, which lends it a distinctive yet natural aroma. But this isn’t your typical chlorinated pool. Think of it as a soothing dip in an old-fashioned farm dam with a sandy bottom, complete with blobs of floating green algae.
But don’t let the unusual description deter you. The moment you submerge into the warmth of this pool, you’ll be captivated by the experience. In the tranquil coolness of the evening or the early morning, the pool’s average temperature of 36-38 degrees Celsius feels more like a comforting warm bath, soothing your muscles and calming your nervous system.
As for the kids, a separate cooler pool is just the spot for them, complete with an amazing playground that will keep them entertained.
The creation of this lake is a testament to nature’s incredible power, resulting from the run-off of the bore. Plus, with the continual replenishment of hot bore water, every dip is as fresh as the one before.
Lara Wetlands Prices
We think it was great value at $30 per couple per night. If you are travelling by yourself it’s $20 per night. There is a family package for 2 adults and 4 kids for $55 per night. Kids over 6 are $12 per night. Kids under 6 are free.
Day visits are also permitted for $10 per person with no camping.
Lara accommodation is in the form of cabins and is $95 per night.
FAQs for Lara Wetlands Station
Can I get phone reception at Lara station stay?
You can get Telstra coverage depending on where you are situated on the property. However, reception is patchy. Campers using Optus said they also had patchy reception.
We use Starlink so had no problems with reception.
What is the road like into the Lara Wetlands?
It is a bitumen road on the Lansborough Highway, once you turn off to the station it’s a dirt road. The road had slight corrugations when we drove in but not enough to really make a difference. If you are driving a motorhome you will easily make it into the station.
Do I Need To Book?
Not if you are travelling alone, however, if you are travelling in a large group you will need to contact the station to book.
Is Lara pet-friendly?
Yes you can take your doggo to Lara. There are strict rules about having your furry friend on a leash, however, there is an off-leash dog area where your dog can have a run.
Is Lara Kid Friendly?
Yes, there is a playground for kids, pushbikes, books and games at the camp kitchen, and kyacks to use and mini golf. Despite being a hot spot for seasoned travellers or the ‘grey nomads’ as they are fondly known, Lara Wetlands welcomes families with open arms.
Are Campfires Allowed at Lara?
Yes, they are. BYO wood or buy a trolly load for just $20
Is there power at Lara?
Power isn’t provided it is completely bush camping or off-grid camping.
Does Lara Have A Dump Point?
Yes, there is a dump point at Lara.
Is it Lara Caravan Park on Wikicamps?
Lara isn’t a caravan park, however, it does have some of the best qualities of a caravan park, see the amenities list above.
Is water available at Lara?
There are water taps for you to fill up with drinking water for free. There are no direct hook-ups. The water is fresh from an artesian bore and has been tested and found to be 100% pure.
Can I Store My Caravan At Lara?
No, Lara doesn’t offer caravan storage.
WHERE DID WE STAY AT LARA?
Once you check in at the office we turned right and parked up on the side of the property with the Funny Dunny, dump point and tap. We were on the edge of the wetlands. Thank goodness we parked where we did as it was only after we’d set up did we remember we’d forgotten to fill our water tanks!
Fortunately, opposite the Funny Dunny, the tap to fill was just behind us. Some lovely neighbours helped us out with extra hose pipes so we could join them in with ours to fill our tanks. Otherwise, we would have had to hook up and drive a few metres to fill the tanks.
Lara Wetlands Contact Details
Via the website
Via the Facebook page
Call Lara at 045-766-1243
Via email larawetlands@gmail.com
Final Thoughts
We rolled in and paid for 3 nights and extended by another 2 nights. The second game of the State of Origin was on the 4th night of our stay so we went to the Origin night at the Camp Kitchen.
What a great atmosphere, steak sangas, BYO beverages, big screen TV and campfires. What’s not to love about that? Even if you are not into footy the social event alone is worth it.
We’d encourage you to stay at least 2-3 nights at Lara, longer if you really want to relax and take in all that is on offer from nature and the great Lara Wetlands team.
If you are looking for things to do around Lara and along the Matilda Way check out the following posts
Driving The Fun Lake Done Scultptures
Driving The Adventure Way
Awesome Outback Queensland Pubs
With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
