The Bush Tucker Inn and Caravan Park (also known as the Barringun Roadhouse) is a legendary stopover located right on the New South Wales and Queensland border. Situated in the tiny historic village of Barringun, this classic outback roadhouse offers weary travellers a friendly welcome, a hot meal, and a safe place to rest before crossing the state line. It is a vital oasis on the long stretch of the Mitchell Highway between Bourke and Cunnamulla, providing essential services in a remote and rugged landscape.
The park offers a true bush atmosphere with a range of accommodation options. There are powered and unpowered sites suitable for caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes, scattered on level ground around the roadhouse. For those looking for a break from canvas or the van, the “overnight bunkers” (donga-style cabins) provide air-conditioned comfort, which is highly appreciated during the heat of the outback summer. The rustic charm of the surroundings, complete with red dirt and wide-open skies, makes it a quintessential Australian camping experience.
Facilities at the Bush Tucker Inn are practical and geared towards the overland traveller. The roadhouse serves as the reception, cafe, and general store, offering hearty home-cooked meals, cold drinks, and basic supplies. Fuel is available on-site (often BP), making it a critical refuelling point. Guests have access to amenities including toilets, showers, and a laundry. The atmosphere is communal and friendly, often centred around the campfire or the dining room where stories of the road are shared.
Barringun itself is a town steeped in history, once a bustling customs post before Federation. Just a short walk from the park is the historic Tattersalls Hotel, a classic bush pub that has been serving drovers and travellers since the 1800s. Whether you are heading north to the outback of Queensland or south into the heart of NSW, the Bush Tucker Inn is more than just a stopover; it’s a memorable part of the journey.
Bush Tucker Inn and Caravan Park – NSW Location Map
Park Information
- Name: Bush Tucker Inn and Caravan Park
- Address: 13698 Mitchell Hwy, Barringun NSW 2840, Australia
- Phone: +61 2 6874 7584
- Website: Facebook
- GPS Coordinates: -29.01014, 145.71285
Park Location (Satellite View)
Site Information
- Location: Located directly on the Mitchell Highway at the NSW/QLD border. It is approximately 135km north of Bourke and 100km south of Cunnamulla.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, fifth-wheelers, and tents. Drive-through sites are often available.
- Road Access: Sealed road access via the Mitchell Highway. The entrance is wide and suitable for large rigs.
- Site Surface: Dirt/gravel and hardy grass. Typical outback terrain (can be dusty).
Available Facilities
- Powered Sites
- Unpowered Sites
- Air-Conditioned Cabins (“Bunkers”)
- Amenities Block (Toilets & Showers)
- Laundry Facilities
- Restaurant / Dining Room (Home cooked meals)
- General Store (Basic supplies, snacks)
- Fuel Station (Diesel & Unleaded)
- Campfire Area (Communal)
Essentials to Bring
- Water: While water is available, outback water can be mineral-heavy. It is recommended to bring your own drinking water.
- Cash: EFTPOS is usually available, but systems can go down in remote areas. Always carry cash.
- Insect Repellent: Flies can be plentiful during the day.
- Sun Protection: The sun is harsh; bring hats and sunscreen.
- Supplies: Stock up on major groceries in Bourke or Cunnamulla as the local store is limited.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is generally pet-friendly. Pets must be kept on a lead and under control. Please check with management regarding pets in cabins.
- Fishing: No fishing on-site. The nearest major fishing is the Warrego River in Cunnamulla or the Darling River in Bourke.
- Short Walks: You can walk around the small historic village of Barringun, visit the border marker, and walk to the Tattersalls Hotel next door.
Local Amenities (Barringun & Surrounds)
Note: Barringun is very remote. “Local” amenities listed below may be in the next nearest towns (Enngonia, Cunnamulla, Bourke).
Local Pubs
- Tattersalls Hotel: (Barringun) Walking distance – Historic bush pub right next door.
- Oasis Hotel: (Enngonia NSW) Approx. 45km South.
- Hotel Cunnamulla: (Cunnamulla QLD) Approx. 115km North.
Places to Eat
- Bush Tucker Inn: (On-site) – Roadhouse meals, burgers, and breakfast.
- Oasis Hotel: (Enngonia) Approx. 45km South – Pub meals.
- Club Boutique Hotel: (Cunnamulla) Approx. 115km North.
Local Attractions
- NSW/QLD Border Marker: (Barringun) Approx. 200m – Photo opportunity.
- Historic Tattersalls Hotel: (Barringun) Next door – Heritage building.
- Enngonia Races: (Enngonia) Approx. 45km South – Annual bush races (check dates).
- Cunnamulla Fella Statue: (Cunnamulla) Approx. 115km North.
- Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre: (Bourke) Approx. 135km South.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Cunnamulla Tourist Park: (Cunnamulla QLD) Approx. 115km North.
- Warrego Riverside Tourist Park: (Cunnamulla QLD) Approx. 115km North.
- Kidman’s Camp: (Bourke NSW) Approx. 140km South.
Nearest Free Camps
- Barringun Roadside Stop: (Opposite) Basic rest area stopping.
- Warrego River Camping: (Cunnamulla) Approx. 115km North.
- Mays Bend: (Bourke) Approx. 140km South.
Nearest Dump Points
- Cunnamulla Public Dump Point: (Watson St, Cunnamulla) Approx. 115km North.
- Bourke Public Dump Point: (Mitchell Hwy, North Bourke) Approx. 135km South.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Bush Tucker Inn (BP): On-site.
- Enngonia Self Serve (Fuel Stop): Approx. 45km South (Check availability).
- United Cunnamulla: Approx. 115km North.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- On-site: Water available (check quality/boil notice).
- Cunnamulla: Town water supply. Approx. 115km North.
Nearest Public Toilets
- On-site: Roadhouse amenities.
- Barringun Rest Area: Nearby public rest stop.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Barringun
- Summer (December – February): Very hot. Average highs 35°C – 40°C+. Air conditioning is essential. Flies can be intense.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild. Lovely days (25°C – 30°C) and cooler nights. A great time to travel.
- Winter (June – August): Mild days (18°C – 22°C) and cold nights (can drop to 3°C). Perfect for campfires.
- Spring (September – November): Warming up quickly. Highs 25°C – 33°C. Wildflowers may appear after rain.