Kershaw Gardens Free Campground

Kershaw Gardens Free Campground is a free, 48-hour self-contained stopover on High Street in Park Avenue, north Rockhampton, set within the revitalised Kershaw Gardens parkland. It suits caravanners and campervanners needing a short, no-cost stop close to the city rather than a long-stay base.

Dogs at the Kershaw Gardens Free Campground

Dogs are permitted in the camping area and across the gardens, kept on a leash at all times except in the designated off-leash agility area, which sits near the Charles Street entrance to the gardens. Dogs must be registered and under control, and there is no extra fee attached to bringing one.

There are no dedicated pet water stations at the parking area, so bring your own water and bowl. The gardens themselves run several kilometres of walking paths and water features, which makes the morning lead walk a real one rather than a lap of the car park.

Worth knowing

The campground is restricted to fully self-contained vehicles that retain all grey and black water, and tents are not permitted. Generators are allowed only between 8am and 8pm, and the dirt carpark fills with caravan spaces on a first-come basis with a dump point available.

Max: stick to the leash rule outside the agility area. It is enforced here and the paths get busy with families and other dogs.

The site is scheduled for upgrades at times, so confirm current availability with Rockhampton Regional Council before relying on it, particularly over holiday periods.

Getting there and parking

Access is off the Bruce Highway onto High Street, turning right at the roundabout. Stockland Rockhampton shopping centre sits directly across the road for supplies.

Close by with the dogs

The fenced Berserker Leash Free Dog Park at the Charles Street end of the gardens gives your dog a proper off-leash run within walking distance of your van. If the free camp is full or closed, Riverside Tourist Park in Berserker is a pet-friendly powered alternative nearby, and Coffee Society in Rockhampton is an option for a dog-friendly coffee.

More options are on the Queensland stays guide and the Park Avenue destination page.