Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

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Broken Hill Rest Area
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Broken Hill Rest Area, Silver City Hwy, Broken Hill NSW

Broken Hill Rest Area, Silver City Hwy, Broken Hill NSW

Your Welcoming Stop at the Gateway to Broken Hill

For travellers completing the long and rewarding journey north along the Silver City Highway from Wentworth, the Broken Hill Rest Area serves as the perfect final stop before entering the legendary outback city. Located just a few kilometres south of the town centre, this large and convenient free camping area provides an ideal place to pause, rest, and plan your exploration of one of Australia’s most historic locations. After the vast, remote landscapes between the Murray River and the Barrier Ranges, arriving at this rest area signals that you have reached the Silver City, with all its attractions and amenities now just minutes away.

The rest area itself is a spacious, practical site suitable for all types of self-contained vehicles, from big rigs and caravans to smaller campervans. It features a large, unsealed surface with plenty of room to find a level spot. The site’s key advantage is its proximity to Broken Hill. Travellers can set up camp and then make a quick, unhitched trip into town to visit the supermarket, refuel, or grab a meal at a classic outback pub. The facilities on site are basic but functional, including public toilets and rubbish bins. As a self-sufficient camp, you will need to bring your own water. This location is not just a place to sleep; it’s a strategic basecamp for discovering the rich mining heritage, vibrant arts scene, and unique character of Broken Hill, making it an essential and invaluable resource for budget-conscious travellers.

Broken Hill Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Broken Hill Rest Area
  • Address: Silver City Hwy, Broken Hill NSW 2880
  • GPS Coordinates: -32.00183, 141.43985

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, 25+ unpowered sites.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes.
  • Fishing: Not available.
  • Short Walks: Yes, around the spacious rest area.

Facilities

  • Picnic Tables: Yes.
  • Potable Water: No. You must bring your own or source it in town.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No.
  • Rubbish Bins: No.
  • Open Fires: Prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers.

Essentials to Bring

  • A supply of drinking water.
  • Levelling blocks may be useful as the ground is unsealed.

Local Amenities (in nearby Broken Hill)

Pubs

  • The Palace Hotel: Famous for its murals and feature in ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’.
  • The Tydvil Hotel: A classic, friendly local pub with a great atmosphere.
  • The Black Lion Inn: Well-known for its quality pub meals and historic charm.

Places to Eat

  • Bells Milk Bar: An iconic 1950s-style milk bar, a must-do experience.
  • Broken Hill Musicians Club: A large club offering reliable bistro meals.
  • A wide selection of cafes, pubs, and takeaway food outlets throughout the city.

Local Attractions

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

Caravan Parks

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

Next Free Camps

  • West Broken Hill Rest Area: Approximately 35km west on the Barrier Highway.
  • Various rest areas north on the Silver City Highway towards Tibooburra.

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. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Travel with extra water and caution.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): The ideal travel season, with warm, sunny days and cool, pleasant nights.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, clear days with very cold nights and heavy frosts.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and generally pleasant for travel.

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