Marsden Rest Area Southbound, Newell Hwy Free Camp

Nestled alongside the vital Newell Highway near Back Creek in New South Wales, the Marsden Rest Area (Southbound) offers a convenient and welcome respite for travellers journeying through the heart of the state. This well-regarded free camp is an ideal stopover for those needing to break up a long drive, providing essential facilities in a straightforward, accessible location. Whether you’re in a self-contained caravan, a sturdy motorhome, or just pulling a camper trailer, this site caters to a wide range of setups, making it a popular choice for road-trippers and long-haul drivers alike. The appeal of Marsden Rest Area lies in its simplicity and practicality. It’s not a destination campsite with bells and whistles, but a functional, safe, and clean space to rest and recharge.

The sealed surface provides a stable and clean footing for all vehicles, a welcome feature after long stretches on the road, especially during wetter weather. While it is a basic facility, it covers the necessary amenities that make a stopover comfortable. The provision of picnic tables invites travellers to enjoy a meal outdoors, while the onsite public toilets and rubbish bins help maintain the area’s cleanliness. It’s a practical spot for a lunch break or a designated overnight stay, allowing drivers to adhere to safe driving practices without needing to detour far from their primary route. The surrounding landscape is typical of rural NSW, offering a peaceful, albeit simple, backdrop for your stay. It’s a place to listen to the sounds of the countryside, enjoy a starry night sky away from city lights, and prepare for the next leg of your Australian adventure. For a no-fuss, no-cost overnight stop on the Newell Highway, Marsden Rest Area is an excellent and reliable option.

Marsden Rest Area Southbound – NSW Map

• Name: Marsden Rest Area Southbound
• Address: Newell Hwy, Back Creek NSW 2671, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -33.76423, 147.51922

Rest Area Details

• Location: Located directly on the southbound side of the Newell Highway.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, big rigs, and cars. Suitable for self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles.
• Road Access: Sealed bitumen road, direct highway access.
• Site Surface: Sealed bitumen/asphalt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours (standard for NSW rest areas unless otherwise signed).
• Number of Sites Available: Not designated, but space for approximately 10-15 mixed-size vehicles.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes
• Potable Water: Not available. Recommended to bring your own supply.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes (coverage may vary between providers).
• TV Reception: Fair to good reception is generally available.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes
• Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
• Drive Through Sites: Yes, the layout is suitable for drive-through access.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes
• Open Fires: Not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers regarding noise and hours of operation.

Suitability & Activities

• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food supplies, levelling blocks.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: Not available at this site.
• Short Walks: Limited to the rest area perimeter. Good for stretching your legs.

Local Amenities

Pubs

• Wyalong Hotel: Approximately 45km north in West Wyalong.
• Forbes Services Memorial Club: Approximately 60km south in Forbes.
• Post Office Hotel: Approximately 60km south in Forbes.

Places to Eat

• Cafes and Bakeries in West Wyalong: Approximately 45km north.
• Various Restaurants and Takeaways in Forbes: Approximately 60km south.

Local Attractions

• McFeeters Motor Museum (Forbes): Approximately 60km south.
• Gum Swamp & Bird Hide (Forbes): Approximately 60km south.
• Wyalong Museum & Information Centre: Approximately 45km north.

Nearest Caravan Parks

• Country Cousins Caravan Park (West Wyalong): Approximately 45km north.
• Forbes River Meadows Caravan Park (Forbes): Approximately 60km south.

Next Free Camps

• Company Dam (West Wyalong): Approximately 48km north.
• Forbes South Rest Area: Approximately 55km south.

Essential Services

• Nearest Dump Points: Forbes Showgrounds (approx. 60km south) or West Wyalong (approx. 45km north).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Forbes (approx. 60km south) or West Wyalong (approx. 45km north).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available in Forbes or West Wyalong at visitor information centres or service stations.
• Public Toilets: Onsite, and available in nearby towns.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and generally dry. Temperatures often exceed 35°C. Prepare for strong sun and high heat.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm days with cooler, pleasant evenings. A very popular time for travelling in the region.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold days with very cold nights. Frosts are common overnight. Be prepared with warm bedding.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm days with increasing temperatures. A beautiful time of year as the countryside greens up.