Florida Rest Area, Kidman Way, Canbelego NSW
A Peaceful Outback Stop on the Kidman Way
The Florida Rest Area is a classic outback free camping spot located on the Kidman Way, providing a quiet and convenient stop for travellers journeying between the major regional centres of Cobar and Nyngan in New South Wales. Set back from the highway, this spacious rest area offers a welcome respite from the long stretches of road, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful, red-soil landscape of the region. It’s an ideal location for those who are fully self-sufficient and appreciate the simplicity and solitude of a true bush camp. The open, level ground makes it accessible for all vehicle types, from the largest motorhomes and fifth-wheelers to smaller campervans and trailers.
As a primitive campsite, Florida Rest Area provides the basic necessities for a comfortable overnight stay. You’ll find toilets, some picnic tables, and rubbish bins, but it’s crucial to arrive with your own supply of drinking water and other essentials. The distance from the highway helps to minimise traffic noise, making for a tranquil night under the spectacular outback stars. It’s a pet-friendly location with ample space for dogs to have a run. For travellers exploring the Kidman Way, this rest area is a reliable and safe choice to break the journey, recharge, and experience the quiet beauty of the NSW outback before heading on to explore the rich mining history of Cobar or the pastoral heritage of Nyngan.
- Name: Florida Rest Area
- Address: Kidman Way, Canbelego NSW 2835
- GPS Coordinates: -31.53243, 146.35082
Site Details
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Sealed highway (Kidman Way).
- Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area, 20+ unpowered sites.
- Pet Friendly: Yes.
- Fishing: Not available in this area.
- Short Walks: Yes, around the immediate bushland area.
Facilities
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited, Telstra is the most likely carrier to have a signal.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (long drop style).
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated areas, subject to local fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, please be considerate of other campers.
Essentials to Bring
- A generous supply of fresh drinking water.
- All food, cooking supplies, and firewood if required.
- A full tank of fuel before leaving Cobar or Nyngan.
Local Amenities (in nearby Cobar, approx. 55 km west)
Pubs
- Great Western Hotel: Famous for its long iron-lacework verandah.
- Empire Hotel Restaurant: Offers meals and a classic pub atmosphere.
- Cobar Bowling & Golf Club: A large club with dining and bar facilities.
Places to Eat
- Cobar RSL Club: Popular for bistro meals.
- Various cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops along the main street.
- Supermarkets (IGA) for self-catering.
Local Attractions
- Great Cobar Heritage Centre & Museum.
- Fort Bourke Lookout (over the open-cut mine).
- Cobar Miners Heritage Park.
Caravan Parks
- Cobar Caravan Park.
Next Free Camps
- Cornish Rest Area (Cobar): Approximately 55 km west.
- Free camps towards Nyngan: Approximately 85 km east to Nyngan.
Services
- Nearest Dump Point: Cobar Caravan Park (fee may apply).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple options in Cobar.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Check at the Cobar Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets: On-site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Western NSW
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and sunny days with cooler, pleasant nights. An ideal time to visit.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days with cold nights and heavy frosts.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Warming up, generally pleasant weather for travelling and wildflowers.