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16 Mile Gums Rest Area
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16 Mile Gums Rest Area, Cobb Hwy, Booroorban NSW

16 Mile Gums Rest Area, Cobb Hwy, Booroorban NSW

A Historic Stop on the Long Paddock

The 16 Mile Gums Rest Area is a character-filled free camping spot located on the historic Cobb Highway, part of the touring route known as ‘The Long Paddock’. Situated between the major Riverina towns of Hay and Deniliquin, this rest area offers travellers a peaceful and authentic taste of the region’s pastoral heritage. The site takes its name from the magnificent, old river red gums that provide a shady canopy, creating a welcome oasis in the vast, flat landscape. This is not just a place to rest; it’s a spot to connect with the history of the stock routes and the pioneers who travelled this very path.

Perfect for self-contained campers, the rest area is a spacious, unsealed site that is set well off the highway, ensuring a quiet and tranquil stay. It can accommodate a variety of vehicles, from caravans and motorhomes to camper trailers. The facilities are basic, with picnic tables and rubbish bins provided, reflecting the self-sufficient nature of travel in this part of the country. Campers must bring their own water and have their own toilet facilities. The main appeal of 16 Mile Gums is its serene atmosphere. It’s a place to unwind, listen to the sounds of the bush, and enjoy the brilliant, star-filled night sky, far from the lights of any town. Its location near the tiny village of Booroorban, home to the iconic Royal Mail Hotel, adds a touch of local colour. For those travelling the Cobb Highway and seeking a simple, historic, and peaceful overnight stop, 16 Mile Gums is an excellent choice.

16 Mile Gums Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: 16 Mile Gums Rest Area
  • Address: Cobb Hwy, Booroorban NSW 2710
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.74152, 144.79174

Site Details

  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper Trailers, Tents.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway (Cobb Highway).
  • Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Number of Sites Available: Spacious area with 15+ unpowered sites.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes.
  • Fishing: Not available at this location.
  • Short Walks: Yes, around the spacious rest area and into the surrounding bushland.

Facilities

  • Picnic Tables: Yes.
  • Potable Water: No. You must bring your own complete supply.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; may be weak for other carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No. Nearest public toilets are in Hay or Deniliquin.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Permitted in designated areas when restrictions allow. Bring your own firewood.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers.

Essentials to Bring

  • A full supply of drinking water.
  • Your own toilet facilities as none are provided.
  • Firewood if you plan to have a campfire.

Local Amenities (in nearby Hay, approx. 25 km north)

Pubs

  • The Commercial Hotel Hay: A classic Aussie pub with a popular bistro.
  • The Riverina Hotel: Another great option for a hearty meal and cold drink.
  • Hay Services Club: A large club offering extensive dining and bar facilities.
  • Royal Mail Hotel, Booroorban: A tiny, iconic pub just a few kilometres south.

Places to Eat

  • Bistro dining at the local hotels and clubs in Hay.
  • Jappalou Cafe in Hay for coffee and light meals.
  • Several bakeries and takeaway shops on the main street in Hay.

Local Attractions

  • Shear Outback – The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame (Hay).
  • The Murrumbidgee River at Sandy Point Beach (Hay).
  • The Long Paddock touring route interpretive signs.

Caravan Parks

  • Hay Plains Holiday Park.
  • Hay Riverside Caravan Park.

Next Free Camps

  • Rest areas north towards Hay.
  • Rest areas south towards Deniliquin.

Services

  • Nearest Dump Point: Located at the Hay Visitor Information Centre.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous service stations are available in Hay.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the Hay Visitor Information Centre.
  • Public Toilets: Not on-site. Available in public parks in Hay.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching the high 30s.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights make this the best time to visit.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to mild days with very cold nights and heavy frosts.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and pleasant, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

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