Campground Gems,  Historic Homesteads and Buildings

Thrushton National Park, Qld

October 31, 2025 /

We absolutely loved our few days of remote outback camping here – all that red dirt is so good for the soul!  Thrushton National Park is about 102km north-west of St George and 40km north-east of Bollon and has been a gazetted National Park since 1990.  Spring wildflowers and golden wattle are abundant here amongst the spinifex and mulga scrub.

Located within Thrushton National Park are the remains of the old homestead, including the outhouse.  This homestead was originally part of Dunkeld Inn, which was located to the north-east, a distance of about 110km away.  The building was relocated to Thrushton in 1921 via 40 horse-drawn carts.  This would have been a sight to see!  We cannot even begin to imagine what a challenge this would have been back then with only rough dirt tracks and dense mulga scrub in this area.

The old Homestead is fenced off as it is no longer in good condition but is still great to check out.  It was originally part of Dunkeld Inn, situated to the north-east, a distance of about 110km away and was relocated to Thrushton in 1921 via 40 horse-drawn carts.  We cannot even begin to imagine what a challenge this would have been back then with only rough dirt tracks and dense mulga scrub in this area.

The Woolshed area of Thrushton National Park was certainly worth exploring.  As well as the woolshed, a few other smaller buildings remain in various states of deterioration, and also some of the sheep yard fencing and sheep washing area.

The woolshed was safe to enter and gave us a fantastic insight into this smaller scale woolshed that allowed for five shearers to be working.  We understand that their was a wool press here, but it has been removed.

Things you need to know before you go:

  • $15.00 per couple per night camping fee
  • Pre-book online via QNP Online Booking Service
  • There are two camping areas – the Woolshed and the Homestead
  • This is a remote National Park, there are NO facilities at all
  • Check local road conditions before you visit
  • Roads in the area may become impassable during and after rain, so extra supplies of food and water are essential
  • 4WD vehicle is recommended
  • April-September are the best times to visit

Before becoming a National Park, this land was grazed by the Gasteen and other families.  Jim Gasteen AM (1922-2017) commenced lobbing in the 1960s and 1970s for this area (and others) to become a National Park.  Jim was a farmer, and also a conservationist, responsible for the establishment of several National Parks, both in Queensland and New South Wales.  At that time, he faced much opposition from graziers and the conservative Queensland Government of that era.

Add this one to your list, we highly recommend it!  You can see more in our video – https://youtu.be/4KisSbrLaew