Description

Approximately 34km from Charters Towers is Echo Hole and Big Bend where you will see extensive basalt formations as part of the Great Basalt Wall, a geological formation of the Toomba basalt flow (the last major volcanic activity in northern Australia) and is part of a 120km lava flow. Camping here is free, Big bend is situated on the banks of the Burdiken River. Camping is permitted at various locations around the 4.3km circuit and at Echo Hole (see map in photos). Entry to these locations is from the Lynd Highway. Access to the site is a formed dirt road that leads to a creek crossing. It can be high at times so a high clearance vehicle is a must. The road turns a little rough further in. 4x4 recommended. There are no facilities here. Please be respectful of the land and take out whatever you take in. Campfires are not permitted unless its in a Council fire pit. There are no toilet facilities at this site. If you do not have your own toilet, bury human waste at least 100m from tracks and water bodies. Bury toilet paper or bag and dispose of in a bin once you leave the site. The site is a 4x4/motorcycle playground. Tracks and hills are plentiful. No unregistered vehicles. Sites are large and spaced out. If you pick the weather you can enjoy sunny days with shady mornings and afternoons. The Burdiken river is a beautiful place to sit and enjoy a drink. Public holidays and weekends can be busy, especially during school holidays. But in off peak times you can enjoy the place pretty well to yourself. There is minimal/no phone reception. Except for the lookout hill that if you scale may give you a bar or two.