A Blissful Oasis in Tiaro
Nestled in the small hinterland township of Tiaro, Petrie Park is a genuinely special find along the Fraser Coast. Described as a blissful, shady oasis, the park sits on Van Doorn Road and holds the distinction of being the only access point to the Mary River in the Tiaro area. Whether you're pausing mid-journey along the Bruce Highway corridor or seeking a quiet riverside picnic spot, Petrie Park rewards those who seek it out.
What Facilities Does Petrie Park Offer?
Despite its relaxed, free-to-access character, Petrie Park is well-equipped for a comfortable stop. Visitors will find an undercover picnic shelter, onsite barbeque facilities, picnic tables, and public toilets — everything you need to stretch your legs, cook a meal, and enjoy the surroundings in shade. The tree canopy makes it a particularly appealing spot during the warmer months, when cool shade alongside a Queensland river is a welcome relief.
Is Petrie Park Suitable for RV Travellers and Caravanners?
Yes — Petrie Park is one of Fraser Coast Regional Council's designated free RV rest stops. Self-contained RVs and vans are welcome to stay for up to 48 hours. It's worth noting that the site has no power supply, no potable water, and no dump point, so you'll need to be fully self-sufficient before arriving. Travellers planning a longer journey through the region can cross-reference nearby stops — Tiaro Memorial Park, also in town, offers a separate RV rest stop with bins, toilets, showers, a BBQ area, and a playground, making the two sites complementary options within the same township.
Exploring Tiaro and the Surrounding Hinterland
Tiaro sits within the Tiaro and Hinterland precinct of the Fraser Coast, a quieter, more contemplative corner of the region away from the coastal bustle of Hervey Bay. The township is a convenient gateway for travellers heading north towards Maryborough — Queensland's heritage city and birthplace of P.L. Travers, the author who gave the world Mary Poppins — or south towards the Sunshine Coast via the Bruce Highway. The Mary River itself is a notable natural feature of the region, recognised for its ecological significance and home to remarkable native wildlife including the iconic Mary River turtle and Australian lungfish, both of which are closely associated with this waterway.
How to Get to Petrie Park, Tiaro
The Fraser Coast is a comfortable three-hour drive north of Brisbane along the Bruce Highway (A1), with Maryborough sitting just off the main highway. Tiaro is located south of Maryborough along the Bruce Highway, making it a natural stop for road trippers travelling the Queensland coast. The park is found on Van Doorn Road within the township. If you're travelling by rail, Queensland Rail operates regular daily services between Brisbane and Maryborough West station, from where you could arrange onward transport. For those driving a caravan or motorhome, the route is straightforward and well-suited to larger vehicles.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you're arriving in a self-contained RV, come prepared — there is no water fill station or dump point at Petrie Park itself. Plan your water and waste management before arriving. The 48-hour maximum stay rule applies, so if you're keen to linger longer in the Tiaro area, check availability at the nearby Tiaro Memorial Park. The park is free to use and no permit appears to be required, making it an easy, spontaneous stopover. As always on the Fraser Coast, be considerate of other travellers and leave the site as you find it.