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Meralda Station – Outback Camping & Glamping – Cobar, NSW

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Meralda Station – Outback Camping & Glamping | Cobar, NSW

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and profound tranquility of the NSW outback with a stay at Meralda Station. This authentic working property, located just outside the iconic mining town of Cobar, offers a genuine slice of station life, catering to every style of traveller from the seasoned bush camper to those seeking a touch of desert luxury. Meralda Station is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that captures the heart and soul of outback Australia. The landscape is quintessential red dirt country, defined by vast open spaces, hardy mulga scrub, and a horizon that seems to stretch into eternity.For the traditionalist, the station provides secluded and spacious unpowered campsites where you can be fully self-sufficient and find your own private patch of wilderness. These sites are perfect for those who want to disconnect completely and rely on their own setup. For those who prefer comfort without compromising on the authentic experience, Meralda Station’s glamping tents are a superb choice. These beautifully appointed tents offer a comfortable bed and quality amenities, allowing you to enjoy the raw beauty of the outback by day and relax in style by night, all while being catered for with hearty camp oven meals.

Regardless of how you choose to stay, the magic of Meralda is universal. Days are for exploring the station’s tracks, spotting the abundant wildlife like kangaroos, emus, and goats, or simply finding a shady spot to absorb the profound silence. As the sun dips low, the landscape ignites in a spectacular display of colour, a classic outback sunset that will stay with you forever. Once darkness falls, the show truly begins. With zero light pollution, the stargazing is simply world-class, offering a dazzling view of the Milky Way. A stay at Meralda Station is a chance to reset your clock to the rhythm of the bush, creating memories of campfires, wildlife, and starry nights that last a lifetime.

★★★★★ (4.7 stars)

Meralda Station – Outback Camping | Glamping
Singleton Dr, Cobar NSW 2835

Website: Meralda Station – Outback Camping
GPS Coordinates: -31.52689, 145.8085

Site Details

  • Location: Private working station just minutes from Cobar, in the heart of outback NSW.
  • Site suitable for: All types. Self-contained bush campers (tents, swags, camper trailers, caravans) and glamping guests.
  • Road access: Good unsealed station road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles and caravans in the dry. Check with host if concerned about conditions.
  • Site surface: Natural red earth and native grasses.
  • Camping permitted: Yes. Bookings are essential.
  • Maximum overnight stays: As per booking terms.
  • Number of powered sites: 0
  • Number of un-powered sites: Multiple dispersed unpowered bush sites, plus glamping tents.

Facilities & Rules

  • Facilities: Excellent shared amenities are available, including flushing toilets and hot showers for all guests. Glamping tents have additional comforts.
  • Picnic tables: Communal areas may have tables.
  • Potable water: Yes, drinking water is available.
  • Mobile phone coverage: Can be patchy. Telstra generally has some service, but don’t rely on it across the entire property.
  • TV reception: No.
  • Onsite public toilets: Yes, shared amenities block with flushing toilets.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: No. The nearest public dump point is in Cobar.
  • Drive through sites: Not designated, but the area is open and accessible.
  • Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are generally provided.
  • Open fires: Permitted in designated areas, subject to local fire bans. A key part of the experience.
  • Generator use: Permitted for bush campers, but must be used with consideration for others.
  • Number of sites available: A good number of camping and glamping sites are available, but booking is essential.

Activities & Notes

  • Essentials to bring: For campers: all your own gear. For all guests: fly nets (seasonal), sturdy shoes, camera, and a sense of adventure.
  • Pet friendly: Yes, Meralda Station is very pet friendly. Confirm with host when booking and keep pets under control.
  • Fishing: No.
  • Short walks: Explore the station’s vast landscape and enjoy the wildlife.

Local Amenities

All services are located in the nearby town of Cobar (approx. 5-10 km).

  • Nearest Pubs:
    • Great Western Hotel, Cobar
    • Empire Hotel, Cobar
    • Crossroads Hotel, Cobar
  • Places to Eat: Numerous pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Cobar.
  • Local Attractions:
    • Fort Bourke Hill Lookout & Open Cut Mine
    • Great Cobar Heritage Centre
    • Mount Grenfell Historic Site (Aboriginal rock art – a longer day trip)
    • Cobar Miners Heritage Park
  • Nearest Caravan Parks:
    • Cobar Caravan Park
    • Copper City Motel & Caravan Park
  • Next Free Camps: Various rest areas along the Barrier Highway.
  • Nearest Dump Points: Cobar. Check with the visitor centre for the exact location.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple options in Cobar.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available on site and in Cobar.
  • Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Public facilities in Cobar’s town centre.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The region has a classic semi-arid outback climate with extreme temperature variations.

  • Summer (December – February): Very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Be prepared for a high number of flies.
  • Autumn (March – May): The perfect time to visit, with warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights.
  • Winter (June – August): Days are typically mild and sunny, but nights are very cold and frequently drop below freezing.
  • Spring (September – November): Pleasant warm to hot days. A great time for wildflowers if there has been rain.

 

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