Coach and Horses campground, Wilcannia NSW
For the intrepid adventurer seeking a truly wild and remote outback experience, the Coach and Horses campground is an exceptional destination. Located in the magnificent Paroo-Darling National Park, this free campground is set on the banks of the Paroo River, the last free-flowing river in the Murray-Darling Basin. This is a place of profound solitude and rugged beauty, accessible only to well-prepared, self-sufficient campers with high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The journey along the unsealed park roads is part of the adventure, immersing you in a timeless landscape of red earth, hardy scrub, and ancient river gums.
The campground itself is a series of natural clearings nestled amongst the trees, providing shade, privacy, and direct access to the river. This is primitive bush camping at its finest, with basic facilities limited to pit toilets and wood barbecues. Self-reliance is absolutely essential; you must bring all your own supplies, including drinking water, and strictly follow the ‘leave no trace’ ethos by packing out all rubbish. The reward for this preparation is an unparalleled connection to nature. The Paroo River is a critical wetland and an internationally recognised birdwatching hotspot. The permanent waterholes are a sanctuary for a staggering array of waterbirds, making it a paradise for birders and photographers.
The river also offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking, providing a cool oasis in the vast outback landscape. Evenings are magical, with spectacular sunsets giving way to an incredible dome of stars, completely free from light pollution. The campground gets its name from the old Cobb & Co coach route that once passed through here, adding a layer of rich pastoral history to the natural splendour. For a true wilderness escape, Coach and Horses is an unforgettable outback experience. Bookings are essential.
Site Information
- Location: In a remote section of Paroo-Darling National Park, on the Paroo River.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: 4WD access only via unsealed and potentially challenging park tracks (Peery Road). Roads are dry weather only and impassable after rain.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free unpowered sites. Bookings via the NPWS website are mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the NPWS booking platform.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 10 designated bookable sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilet, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device is essential.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided BBQs only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Absolutely everything, including water, food, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, 4WD recovery gear, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Fishing for Yellowbelly and other species in the Paroo River.
- Short Walks: Excellent for birdwatching and exploring along the riverbank.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Wilcannia Golf Club (approx. 50 km)
- The White Cliffs Hotel/Motel (approx. 100 km)
- Places to Eat: The nearest reliable options, including a supermarket, are in the town of Wilcannia.
- Local Attractions:
- The Paroo River Overflow and its incredible birdlife
- The vast, remote landscapes of the Paroo-Darling National Park
- The historic town of Wilcannia on the Darling River
- The quirky opal mining town of White Cliffs
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Warrawong on the Darling, Wilcannia
- White Cliffs Caravan Park
- Next Free Camps: Dry Tank campground (also in the park), various rest areas on the Barrier Highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Wilcannia.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Wilcannia. It is essential to have a full tank and spare fuel.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Wilcannia.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Extremely hot. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Travel is not recommended for the unprepared. High chance of thunderstorms which can close roads.
- Autumn (Mar – May): The prime travel season. Days are warm and sunny, with cool, pleasant nights. Perfect for camping and exploring. Temperatures average 12°C to 28°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild and pleasant. Days are often clear and sunny, but nights can be very cold with frosts. Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming days and abundant wildflowers after rain. Temperatures average 10°C to 27°C.