Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Broken Hill South Rest Area Southbound
by: Posted on:

Broken Hill South Rest Area Southbound, Silver City Hwy, Barrier Ranges NSW

Broken Hill South Rest Area Southbound, Silver City Hwy, Barrier Ranges NSW

A Strategic Stop on the Road to the Murray River

The Broken Hill South Rest Area (Southbound) is a vital free camping spot for travellers embarking on the journey south from the outback capital of Broken Hill along the historic Silver City Highway. Positioned just outside the city limits, it serves as the perfect launchpad for the long, remote drive towards the Murray River and the Victorian border. This rest area allows visitors to fully experience Broken Hill’s unique attractions, stock up on all necessary supplies, and then retreat to a quiet, convenient location for the night, ensuring a fresh and early start for the travels ahead.

The site itself is a large, unsealed area set well off the highway, providing plenty of space for all rigs, from large caravans to campervans, to find a level and private spot. The surrounding landscape of the Barrier Ranges offers a classic outback vista, with sparse vegetation, red earth, and a vast, open sky that delivers breathtaking sunsets and brilliant stargazing opportunities. The facilities are basic, catering to self-sufficient travelers, its key advantage is its strategic location. Being so close to a major regional centre means you don’t have to compromise on services before heading into a more isolated stretch of country. For anyone travelling south from Broken Hill, this rest area is an indispensable resource, offering a safe, practical, and free stopover to rest and prepare for the next stage of their adventure.

Broken Hill South Rest Area Southbound – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Broken Hill South Rest Area Southbound
  • Address: Silver City Hwy, Barrier Ranges NSW 2880
  • GPS Coordinates: -32.00709, 141.43723

Site Details

  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway (Silver City Highway).
  • 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.
  • Short Walks: Yes, around the spacious rest area and immediate bushland.

Facilities

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

Essentials to Bring

  • A full supply of drinking water.
  • A full tank of fuel before leaving Broken Hill.
  • All food and cooking supplies for the remote journey south.

Local Amenities (in nearby Broken Hill)

Pubs

  • The Palace Hotel: An iconic pub famous for its murals and role in ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’.
  • The Tydvil Hotel: A classic and friendly local pub.
  • The Black Lion Inn: Well-regarded for its quality meals and historic atmosphere.

Places to Eat

  • Bells Milk Bar: A must-visit for a nostalgic trip back to the 1950s.
  • Broken Hill Musicians Club: Offers large, reliable bistro meals.
  • A wide selection of cafes, pubs, and takeaway shops throughout the city.

Local Attractions

  • Living Desert & Sculptures Symposium.
  • Pro Hart Gallery and the many other art galleries.
  • Line of Lode Miners Memorial and Visitor Centre.

Caravan Parks

  • Broken Hill Tourist Park.
  • Lake View Caravan Park.

Next Free Camps

  • Various roadside rest areas south towards Wentworth (this is a long and remote stretch).

Services

  • Nearest Dump Point: Available at commercial caravan parks in Broken Hill (a fee may apply).
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous 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, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Travel with extra water and take precautions.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): The best time to visit, with warm, sunny days and cool, pleasant nights.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and clear days, but nights are very cold with heavy frosts.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and generally pleasant for travel.

Leave a Reply