Barwon River Free Camping Area, Brewarrina

The Barwon River Free Camping Area offers a magnificent outback camping experience, showcasing the vast, open beauty of the Brewarrina region. Located just a few minutes’ drive from the town centre, this huge reserve provides an enormous, flat, and grassy area stretching along the banks of the mighty Barwon River. It’s a classic, no-fuss bush camp that is a paradise for self-sufficient travellers. The sheer size of the reserve means it can accommodate a huge number of campers without ever feeling crowded, making it perfect for every type of setup, from tents and swags to the very largest motorhomes and big rigs.

This is a place to unwind and connect with the timeless landscape of the Australian outback. The river is the main attraction, offering excellent fishing opportunities for the legendary Murray cod and yellowbelly. It’s also a perfect spot to launch a kayak and explore the serene waterway, which is lined with majestic river red gums. The campground is extremely pet-friendly, providing endless space for dogs to run and play. As a basic free camp, facilities are limited to non-flush toilets, so you must be self-contained with your own water and power. The freedom to find your own secluded spot, enjoy a campfire under the spectacular outback stars, and wake up to a chorus of kookaburras and galahs is the real luxury here. Its close proximity to town also makes it a very convenient base for visiting the incredible and ancient Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps, a must-see for any visitor to the region. For a peaceful, spacious, and quintessentially Australian riverside camp, this is a top-tier choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -29.94889, 146.86433

Site Information

• Location: On the Barwon River, just north-west of Brewarrina.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Large, flat dirt and grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for Telstra.
• TV reception: Possible with a good setup.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Insect repellent.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive riverbank.

Local Amenities (in Brewarrina)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Bridge Hotel, Brewarrina (~3 km)
  • Brewarrina RSL Club (~3 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A selection of cafes, takeaways, and the local pub in Brewarrina (~3 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps (~4 km)
  • The Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum (~3 km)
  • Lock and Weir No. 1 (~4 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bokhara Motel & Caravan Park, Brewarrina (~3 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Brewarrina Four Mile Camping Reserve (~6 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Brewarrina Caravan Park may offer access for a fee (~3 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Service stations in Brewarrina (~3 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Brewarrina Visitor Information Centre (~3 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Brewarrina (~3 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Outback NSW (Brewarrina Region)

• Summer (December – February): Extremely hot. Temperatures consistently exceed 40°C. Travel can be hazardous. Average temperatures from 22°C to 38°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. This is a prime time to visit. Temperatures range from 13°C to 30°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, clear, and sunny days with very cold nights that can drop close to freezing. Ideal for campfires. Temperatures range from 5°C to 19°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to hot days with cool nights. The landscape can be spectacular with wildflowers after rain. Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C.