Starview Campsite, Broken Hill, NSW
For a truly stellar outback experience, Starview Campsite lives up to its name, offering one of the most spectacular night skies imaginable. This private farm stay and bush campground, located just a short drive from the iconic city of Broken Hill, is a paradise for self-sufficient campers seeking peace, vast open spaces, and an unparalleled connection to the cosmos. This is not a commercial caravan park; it’s a genuine outback retreat where you can find your own secluded spot on the sprawling property, set up camp, and soak in the profound silence of the arid landscape.
The main attraction, as the name suggests, is the incredible stargazing. Far from the light pollution of any major centre, the night sky at Starview erupts into a breathtaking display of celestial wonders. The Milky Way is so clear it feels almost close enough to touch, making it a dream destination for astronomers and astrophotographers. The experience is fundamentally back-to-basics, with no formal facilities, which is a key part of its charm. It requires campers to be fully self-contained and to practice a strict ‘leave no trace’ ethic. The campground is also exceptionally pet-friendly, allowing dogs the freedom to enjoy the wide-open spaces.
While it feels wonderfully isolated, Starview’s proximity to Broken Hill is a major advantage. It serves as the perfect, peaceful base for exploring the city’s rich mining history and vibrant arts scene. You can spend your days discovering the Living Desert Sculptures, the Pro Hart Gallery, or the Royal Flying Doctor Service base, and then return to the tranquillity of the camp for an evening under the stars. For a simple, authentic, and truly memorable outback stay that combines natural wonder with cultural exploration, Starview Campsite is an unbeatable choice. Bookings, typically via platforms like Hipcamp or WikiCamps, are essential.
Site Information
- Location: Private property in a rural setting, a short drive north-west of Broken Hill.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed access road.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Booking is essential.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the hosts when booking.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous spacious, undefined sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive bush camp for self-contained vehicles.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra provides the best chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Absolutely everything – water, toilet, shower, power, food, rubbish bags, firewood, and a telescope or binoculars.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly campground.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Excellent for bushwalking and exploring the property.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Palace Hotel, Broken Hill (famous from ‘Priscilla’) (approx. 15 km)
- The Silverton Hotel (iconic outback pub) (approx. 20 km)
- Tydvil Hotel & Restaurant, Broken Hill (approx. 15 km)
- Places to Eat: A full range of supermarkets, pubs, clubs, and cafes in Broken Hill.
- Local Attractions:
- Living Desert State Park & Sculptures (especially at sunset)
- The historic ghost town of Silverton
- Pro Hart Gallery
- Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Visitor Experience
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Broken Hill Outback Resort
- Discovery Parks – Broken Hill
- Next Free Camps: McCulloch Park Rest Area (in Broken Hill), various rest areas on the Barrier Highway.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available at the Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous 24/7 service stations in Broken Hill.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets: The nearest are in Broken Hill.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Extremely hot. Daytime temperatures frequently exceed 40°C. Travel should be undertaken with caution.
- Autumn (Mar – May): The prime travel season. Days are warm and sunny, with cool, pleasant nights. Perfect for stargazing. Temperatures average 12°C to 27°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild and pleasant. Days are often clear and sunny, but nights are very cold with frosts. Temperatures range from 5°C to 17°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming days and abundant wildflowers after rain. Temperatures average 11°C to 26°C.