Major city · Australia
Rolleston
Stop for fuel and one night only: Rolleston is a 309-person highway junction 105 km (65 mi) from Carnarvon National Park, with no sights of its own.Stop for fuel and one night only: Rolleston is a 309-person highway junction 65 mi (105 km) from Carnarvon National Park, with no sights of its own.
Rolleston sits where the Carnarvon and Dawson highways cross in Central Queensland, and its whole reason to exist for a traveller is the national park an hour south. There is one general store with fuel, a pub and a caravan park. Come for a bed and a full tank before the park, or skip it if you are not going to Carnarvon.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Sep (dry, cooler nights)
- avoid Dec–Feb (mid-30s to low-40s °C, storm rain)
- Airports
- EMD · ROK
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Rolleston000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Rolleston, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA quiet highway town and safe by any normal measure.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEMD Emerald Airport (About 3 h by road; the usual arrival point for this stretch of the Dawson Highway.
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or a cold drink at the general storeA$4–7 (≈ US$3–5)
- BeerBeer at the pubA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedCaravan park cabin, a night, per roomA$120 (≈ US$80)
- Mid-range bedPub room, a night, per roomA$130 (≈ US$90)
- High-end bedPub room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$240 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EMD Emerald Airport (About 3 h by road; the usual arrival point for this stretch of the Dawson Highway. Check schedules.) · ROK Rockhampton Airport (About 4.5 h by road via the Dawson Highway. Check schedules.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Feb
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Dec
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Best: Apr–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jan (8 rain days), driest Jun (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rolleston: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
3 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
3 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
3 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Nov
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
Dec
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is a few streets around the highway junction and everything is walkable once you park. Fuel is at the general store on Warrijo Street and is the last supply before the long run south.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min each way
Drive south on the Carnarvon Highway, then the signed park road
The reason to stop here. Walks from a couple of hours to a full day; start early and carry water.
Injune
skipDoor to door: About 2 h
Carnarvon Highway south
175 km (109 mi) of little but road; only worth it if you are heading further south.109 mi (175 km) of little but road; only worth it if you are heading further south.
Springsure
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Carnarvon Highway north
Small town with fuel and a pub; a useful break on the run north.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre, Warrijo Street
Pub rooms and the general store within a short walk; the only real choice in town.
Rolleston caravan park
Powered sites and cabins on the edge of town; book ahead in the cooler months when park traffic peaks.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–220 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pub room1 × 1 night × A$130 | A$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Fuel top-up, 60 L1 × A$120 · check | A$120 |
| Carnarvon Gorge park entry1 × A$0 · check current park fees | A$0 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$60 |
| Trip total≈ A$330 per person per day, bed included | A$660≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and park entry excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or a cold drink at the general store | A$4–7 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Pub counter meal | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Beer at the pub | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Unleaded fuel, per litrecheck; remote-town prices run higher than the coast | A$1.90–2.20 (≈ US$2) |
| Powered caravan site, per nightcheck | A$30–60 (≈ US$20–40) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Fuel south of town is scarce: fill up here before Carnarvon or the road to Injune.
- Kangaroos and cattle on the highway at dawn, dusk and night.
- Phone coverage drops outside town; download offline maps before you leave.
- Summer heat and storm rain can close unsealed park access roads: check park alerts before driving in.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
RollestonRolleston
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
Can you take us to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No consulates here. The nearest are in Brisbane; for emergencies call 000.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Rolleston to Carnarvon Gorge and back: about 210 km (130 mi) round trip; fill up in town first (check)about 130 mi (210 km) round trip; fill up in town first (check)
- Rolleston to Emerald by road: about 3 h
- Rolleston to Rockhampton by road: about 4.5 h
Say or show
- Where's the servo? — Where is the fuel?
- One night, thanks — One night, please
- Is the road into the gorge open? — Is the park road open?
- How far to the next town? — How far to the next town?
Fuel, water and phone signal are the three things to sort before leaving town.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Rolleston. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Sep (dry, cooler nights) · avoid Dec–Feb (mid-30s to low-40s °C, storm rain) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Rolleston
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