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West Broken Hill Rest Area Westbound, Barrier Hwy, Broken Hill NSW

Your Final Stop in NSW Before the Nullarbor Journey

The West Broken Hill Rest Area (Westbound) holds a special significance for travellers heading west along the Barrier Highway. As the last official free camping spot in New South Wales before crossing into South Australia, it serves as a crucial staging point for the next leg of the journey across the vast expanse of the Nullarbor. Located just 35 kilometres west of the iconic outback city of Broken Hill, this rest area offers the perfect opportunity to make final preparations, enjoy one last NSW sunset, and rest up before the long drive ahead. It is a large, practical, and well-maintained site designed for self-contained travellers of all kinds.

The rest area features a sealed bitumen surface, providing plenty of hard, level ground that is easily accessible for even the largest motorhomes and big rigs. Its location, set well back from the highway, ensures a relatively quiet and peaceful night’s sleep under an incredibly dark and starry sky. While the facilities are basic, they are clean and functional, including toilets and sheltered picnic areas. The key benefit of this site is its strategic position. It allows travellers to spend the day exploring the rich mining history and vibrant art scene of Broken Hill, stock up on fuel, water, and groceries, and then make a short drive out of town to settle in for the night, ready for an early start the next morning. For those embarking on the westward journey, this rest area is more than just a convenience; it’s a memorable part of the great Australian road trip adventure.

West Broken Hill Rest Area Westbound – NSW Map

Name: West Broken Hill Rest Area Westbound
Address: Barrier Hwy, Broken Hill NSW 2880
GPS Coordinates: -32.04098, 141.13483

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
Road Access: Sealed highway (Barrier Highway).
Site Surface: Bitumen.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Large area, 20+ unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes.
Fishing: Not available.
Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk around the large rest area.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: No
Potable Water: No. You must bring a full supply from Broken Hill.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
TV Reception: Variable, a booster is recommended.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers.

Essentials to Bring

A full tank of fuel and a complete supply of drinking water from Broken Hill.
All food and provisions for the journey into South Australia.
Fly nets, especially in warmer months.

Local Amenities (in Broken Hill, approx. 35km east)

Pubs

The Palace Hotel: Famous for its starring role in ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’.
The Tydvil Hotel: A classic, friendly local pub.
The Black Lion Inn: Known for its great food and historic atmosphere.

Places to Eat

Bells Milk Bar: An iconic 1950s-style milk bar for a nostalgic treat.
Broken Hill Musicians Club: Offers large bistro meals.
Numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants throughout the city.

Local Attractions

Living Desert & Sculptures Symposium.
Pro Hart Gallery.
Line of Lode Miners Memorial and Visitor Centre.

Caravan Parks

Broken Hill Tourist Park.
Lake View Caravan Park.

Next Free Camps

Numerous rest areas across the border in South Australia on the way to Yunta and Peterborough.

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Available at caravan parks in Broken Hill (fees may apply).
Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple major service stations in Broken Hill.
Drinking Water Resupply: At the Broken Hill Visitor Information Centre.
Public Toilets: On-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Far West NSW

Summer (Dec-Feb): Extremely hot and dry. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Travel with extra water and care.
Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool, pleasant nights. This is the ideal travel season.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, clear days with very cold nights and heavy frosts.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and generally pleasant.