Penrose Park, Silverton NSW
Penrose Park is far more than just a campground; it’s an iconic outback experience steeped in history, character, and a deep love for animals. Located in the legendary ‘ghost town’ of Silverton, this unique facility offers a peaceful and incredibly spacious retreat for travellers exploring the Broken Hill region. The park, a registered wildlife sanctuary, is famous for its resident population of friendly donkeys, emus, and native birds that wander freely amongst the campsites, creating unforgettable close-up encounters. Set amongst the shade of majestic river red gums, the park provides a huge, open area where campers can find their own private spot and soak in the serene desert atmosphere.
This is a classic, low-cost outback park that punches well above its weight with excellent, well-maintained facilities. For a very modest fee, campers have access to powered and unpowered sites, clean toilet and shower blocks with hot water, a camp kitchen, and free barbecue areas. The park is exceptionally pet-friendly, with the vast grounds providing plenty of space for dogs to enjoy. The friendly on-site caretakers and the relaxed, welcoming vibe make it a place where visitors often intend to stay for a night and end up staying for a week.
The location is a dream for history buffs, artists, and movie fans. The park is the perfect base for exploring the historic village of Silverton, with its classic outback pub, quirky art galleries, and fascinating museums. It’s a landscape that has starred in countless films, most famously Mad Max 2, and the sense of being on a movie set is palpable. The vibrant city of Broken Hill, with its rich mining heritage and famous attractions like the Living Desert Sculptures, is just a short 25-kilometre drive away. For a truly unique, memorable, and quintessentially Australian outback stay, Penrose Park is an unmissable destination.
Site Information
- Location: In the historic ‘ghost town’ of Silverton, 25km from Broken Hill.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes of all sizes.
- Road Access: Sealed road all the way to the park.
- Site Surface: Large, level dirt and grass clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with powered and unpowered options.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the caretakers, but extended stays are common.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a good number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, an extensive unpowered area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, camp kitchen, free BBQs, dump point.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available on site.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, camera, walking shoes, a fly net.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location (dogs must be controlled around wildlife).
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Fantastic walks around the historic Silverton township and the park itself.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Silverton Hotel (iconic outback pub) (approx. 1 km)
- The Palace Hotel, Broken Hill (famous from ‘Priscilla’) (approx. 25 km)
- Tydvil Hotel & Restaurant, Broken Hill (approx. 25 km)
- Places to Eat: The Silverton Hotel and local cafes. A full range of supermarkets and restaurants in Broken Hill.
- Local Attractions:
- The historic village of Silverton
- Mad Max 2 Museum
- Silverton Gaol Museum
- Living Desert State Park & Sculptures (near Broken Hill)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Broken Hill Outback Resort
- Discovery Parks – Broken Hill
- Next Free Camps: Starview Campsite (private, fee applies), McCulloch Park Rest Area (in Broken Hill).
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite.
- Nearest Petrol Station: The nearest reliable fuel is in Broken Hill.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
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 exploring. 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.