Tara, Queensland
Oh-em-gee, Tara Lagoon Parklands – you absolute legend!
Okay, I’m almost speechless (but let’s be real, I’m never truly out of things to say). Tara blew us away. This place is like stepping into a wholesome Aussie postcard—except better, because the postcard doesn’t have hot showers or a Foodworks with gourmet sausages.
Located just 69km from Chinchilla (nice), Tara is bursting with country charm. The town has clearly been to hospitality school because they’ve nailed the art of making travellers feel welcome. The old buildings have more character than a soap opera, and the town is clearly proud of its pioneering past—as they should be. Every two years, Tara hosts the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races, which is basically the Olympics but with more camels and fewer rules.
And speaking of camels—you can’t walk five steps down the main street without spotting a camel statue, camel mural or a strong urge to start a camel-themed Instagram page. There’s also a local museum, some “world-famous” botanic gardens, and a delightful collection of local art.
Now let’s talk about Tara Lagoon.
Wow. It’s preeetty as a picture and buzzing with wildlife. A quick Google confirmed that kayaking and canoeing are totally allowed (but sorry jet-ski fans—this place is for the zen crowd). If you’re lucky, you might catch a yellowbelly, jewfish or even some cheeky yabbies. For those of us who think fishing sounds too much like patience, there’s a 4km walk around the lagoon. You’ll get your steps in and possibly spot a duck with attitude.
And let me tell you—Foodworks in Tara is NEXT LEVEL. We’re talking butcher-quality meats and small-town charm that could melt even the coldest heart. You can stroll into town from the lagoon and hit up the pub or admire the camel art again—your choice.
Campsite details? Oh yes.
We easily squeezed our motorhome and our little Jimny into one site and still had room to do yoga (we didn’t, but we could have). There’s water, a dump point (glamorous, I know), and prices that barely make a dent in your wallet. As of our visit:
· Powered sites: $11.50/night
· Unpowered: $5.50/night
Which, let’s face it, is cheaper than a bad coffee in the city.
Facilities? Try: BBQs, hot showers, toilets, outdoor fitness gear (for those who like to squat before sausages), kids’ playground, picnic tables, a walking path, wheelchair access, and yes—it’s Tonka (dog) friendly. Plus, the 5G signal was so strong, you could stream a movie while lying in a hammock and pretending you’re off-grid.
Next door is the Tara Showgrounds, and we were lucky to catch a regional polocrosse competition while we were there. Horses. Mallets. Dust. Drama. Loved every second.
Pre-booking your site is a good idea, but not essential. If you want to lock it in, give the lovely Katie or Lillie a ring on 0475 716 265.
Honestly, this place should be on your “must visit before I kick the bucket (or just want a chill weekend)” list. Trust me, you’ll love it.
Ciao for now, camping legends!
