When it comes to Quilpie camping, you can’t beat a stay at The Lake! This is no cookie cutter Quilpie Caravan Park – this is an operational sheep station, set in a typical Aussie outback setting with the bonus of gorgeous Lake Houdraman.
The good news is that regardless of whether you’re looking for somewhere to pitch a tent, park a van, or you’re looking for a permanent roof over your head, The Lake, Quilpie has something for everyone. Plus the property has a great range of facilities to ensure your stay is comfortable – it even has a pub around a campfire!
If you’re considering staying at The Lake, then this will be a super handy guide. In this guide, I share with you everything you need to know about The Lake, so you can decide if this is the perfect place to base yourself while in Quilpie.
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Quilpie Camping: The Lake Review
Keep reading below for everything you need to know about staying at The Lake.
Location
The Lake is just a short 10 minute drive outside of Quilpie, just off Diamantina Development Road. The property is expansive and is situated on a sheep station. The landscape surrounding the property is typical of the Australian outback with vibrant red dirt everywhere and the odd shrub or two. Of course you also have the bonus of gorgeous Lake Houdraman.
You will need to drive along a long gravel road to reach the property – but in good dry conditions, it is no problem for 2WD vehicles, buses, caravans and motorhomes. We managed it just fine with our little old Hyundai – so don’t let this put you off coming. Do however expect your car to be absolutely covered in red dust!
Camping / Accommodation Options
The Lake has a wide range of different camping and accommodation options which are discussed further below.
The Cottage
While we stayed at The Lake, we stayed in the gorgeous little Cottage. This was the old cook’s accommodation in the heyday when the shearers would come to the property. Now it has been converted into a lovely, simple place for families to stay.
Inside the cottage, you will find two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the second room with two singles. Each of the bedrooms has AC/heater. The front sitting room contains a fridge, kettle, toaster and a few seats. The cottage also comes with a separate bathroom and toilet.
The cottage is available for just $150 per night.
The Shearer’s Quarters
Another great place to stay if you want a permanent roof over your head is the Shearer’s Quarters. Inside the Shearer’s Quarters, you’ll find 6 bedrooms – 3 have queen beds and 3 have 2 x single beds. Each of the rooms has AC/heating.
If you stay inside the Shearer’s Quarters, you also have access to a private shared bathroom, a huge kitchen as well as a dining area. The front of the building also has a great outdoor area with BBQ.
This is such an excellent place for large families or groups to stay.
A room in the Shearer’s Quarters is $85 per night.
Camp and Caravan Sites
Unpowered campsites are along the banks of Lake Houdraman and there are 6 powered sites close to the amenities. Powered sites are $30 per site, while unpowered sites on the east side of the lake are $12.50 per night and $5 per child per night.
For those that are entirely self sufficient, you can camp in pretty much complete privacy on the western side of the lake. These sites are $7.50 per adult and $5 per child per night and don’t include access to any amenities.
Campsites are also pet friendly.
Facilities at The Lake, Quilpie
The Lake provides a range of facilities for guests to use to ensure their stay is comfortable, which are listed below.
Lake Houdraman
Lake Houdraman is the perfect place for a picnic, a swim, fish, see the native birdlife and other wildlife. If you have a kayak bring it down for a paddle or you can simply take a walk around the banks of the lake.
The Lakeview Pub
One of the best things about the Lake is watching the sunset from the campfire, with a cold drink in your hand from the Lakeview Pub. The pub is opened daily from 5 pm to 7 pm and is such a great way to chat with the locals and other travellers staying on site.
The Lakeview Pub is family friendly too. There are snacks available to purchase and if you’re lucky, Louise might even be making some of her delicious soup or stew.
We visited the pub both nights we were in town and had so much fun.
Camp Kitchen
There is a great camp kitchen for guests to use, which includes everything you need to whip up some fancy meals. Amenities include a BBQ, microwave, stovetop, kettle, toaster – loads of bench space and tables and chairs.
Amenities
There is one large amenity block at the Lake, with hot showers and toilets (the amenities block has toilets and showers on both sides). While we stayed in the Cottage, I did check the amenities and found them to be spacious and clean.
Laundry
For those on the road for a while or having an extended stay at the Lake, you’ll be pleased to know that there is also a coin operated laundry for guests to use.
The Lake, Quiplie – Our Verdict
We spent two wonderful nights at the Lake, staying in the Cottage both nights and had a great time. The property is just stunning and a great place to come and relax for a few days or as a base while exploring Quilpie.
I just loved heading to the Lakeview Pub each night and sitting around the campfire chatting with the locals and travellers. The sunsets here are spectacular as well.
My only criticism about The Lake – is that it’s just too far from where I live in Brisbane to visit often!
If you’re looking for somewhere a little bit unique to stay while in Quilpie – I can’t recommend The Lake highly enough! Say g’ day to Louise and Dan for me while you’re there.
Find out more about The Lake here and read this full guide on things to do in Quilpie here.
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Hopefully you found this guide on staying at The Lake, Quilpie helpful. You can also check out our review on the Explorers Caravan Park (Thargomindah) here or Cunnamulla Tourist Park here.