Lions Park Camping Inverell | Perfect New England Riverside Stop

Positioned conveniently on the banks of the beautiful Macintyre River, the Inverell Lions Park offers a fantastic free camping opportunity for travellers exploring the New England region of New South Wales. Maintained by the local Lions Club, this park is a testament to country town generosity, providing a safe and picturesque location for self-contained caravans and motorhomes to stop for the night. The spacious, grassy area allows for easy parking, with many spots offering lovely views of the river and the surrounding gum trees. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the road, with the gentle sounds of the river providing a tranquil soundtrack.

The key appeal of the Lions Park is its brilliant combination of natural scenery and urban convenience. While you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle, the park is just a short drive or a pleasant walk from the heart of Inverell, a major regional town known as the ‘Sapphire City’. This makes it incredibly easy to restock supplies, enjoy a meal at a local pub or cafe, or visit some of the town’s attractions without needing to pack up your entire setup. The park itself is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking, and the level ground is ideal for a leisurely stroll along the riverbank. While facilities are limited to the essentials, it’s this simplicity that makes it a favourite among seasoned travellers. For those looking for an affordable, convenient, and scenic base to explore Inverell and its gem-fossicking surrounds, the Lions Park is an unbeatable choice.

Campground Details

Lions Park Camping Inverell – NSW Map

• Name: Lions Park Camping Area
• Address: Old Bundarra Road, Inverell NSW 2360
• Website: Not applicable. Maintained by the Inverell Lions Club.
• GPS Coordinates: -29.77571, 151.10795

• Location: On the southern bank of the Macintyre River, just south of the Inverell town centre.
• Site Suitable For: Primarily for fully self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and RVs.
• Road Access: Sealed road access directly to the park entrance.
• Site Surface: Mostly level grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a well-known free/donation camp.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally 24-72 hours. Please respect any posted signage.
• Number of Powered Sites: None.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Ample informal sites available.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes, a few tables are available.
• Potable Water: A tap is generally available, but it’s always wise to treat or boil water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Strong digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please help keep the area tidy.
• Open Fires: Not permitted. Please use self-contained cooking equipment.
• Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours (e.g., 8 am to 8 pm).

Activities & Important Information

• Essentials to Bring: Your own power source, food supplies, and levelling blocks.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: Good fishing opportunities in the Macintyre River for species like Murray Cod and Yellowbelly. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: A lovely flat walk along the river and into town.

Local Amenities (in Inverell)

Pubs & Places to Eat

• The Australian Hotel: A classic country pub with great meals, approx. 1.5 km.
• The Oxford Hotel: Another popular local pub with a bistro, approx. 2 km.
• Inverell RSM Club: Offers multiple dining options from cafes to bistros, approx. 2.5 km.

Local Attractions

• Inverell Pioneer Village: A fascinating collection of historic local buildings, approx. 3 km.
• Billabong Blue Sapphire Fossicking Park: Try your luck finding your own sapphires, approx. 18 km.
• Goonoowigall Sound Trail: An Aboriginal heritage walk with unique rock formations, approx. 6 km.

Camping & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks: Several commercial parks are located within Inverell, such as Inverell Caravan Park and Sapphire City Caravan Park.
• Next Free Camps: Basic rest areas are available along the Gwydir Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available at the Inverell Showground.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple major brand service stations are located within 2-3 km in Inverell.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the park or at service stations in town.
• Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available at the park.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Inverell is in the New England region and experiences four distinct seasons.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, often in the high 20s to low 30s (°C), with the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms.
• Autumn (Mar-May): A beautiful season with mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The changing leaves are a feature of the region.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and frosty. Days are often clear and sunny but cool, while nights frequently drop below freezing.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant weather, with sunny days and cool nights. A great time for exploring.