Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Round Hill Rest Area Westbound
by: Posted on:

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

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

The Perfect Welcome to the Silver City

The Round Hill Rest Area Westbound serves as the unofficial welcome mat for travellers arriving at the iconic outback city of Broken Hill. Situated on the Barrier Highway just a short drive east of the city, this free camping spot is the perfect place to pause and prepare for your exploration after the long drive from Wilcannia or Cobar. Its strategic location offers the best of both worlds: the peace and quiet of a bush setting with incredible proximity to all the amenities, attractions, and unique culture that Broken Hill has to offer. The rest area is perched in a scenic location, providing lovely views of the surrounding rugged landscape, giving you an immediate sense of the ancient, mineral-rich earth you are about to discover.

This large, practical rest area is well-suited for all types of self-contained travellers, with a spacious dirt and gravel surface that can accommodate everything from large motorhomes and caravans to smaller camper trailers. The site is equipped with essential facilities like toilets, rubbish bins, and sheltered picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot for a meal break or an overnight stay. One of its greatest advantages is the ability to set up your camp and then make a quick, unburdened trip into Broken Hill to stock up on groceries, fuel, and water before settling in for the night. As the sun sets, the area transforms, offering spectacular outback sky shows and a peaceful night’s sleep under the stars. For those wanting a convenient, scenic, and cost-effective base to begin their Broken Hill adventure, the Round Hill Rest Area is an unbeatable first stop.

Round Hill Rest Area Westbound – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Round Hill Rest Area Westbound
  • Address: Barrier Hwy, Broken Hill NSW 2880
  • GPS Coordinates: -31.93772, 141.51825

Site Details

  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway (Barrier Highway).
  • Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Number of Sites Available: Large open area, 30+ unpowered sites.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes.
  • Fishing: Not available.
  • Short Walks: Yes, around the spacious rest area and into the surrounding low hills.

Facilities

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

Essentials to Bring

  • A supply of drinking water.
  • Levelling blocks may be useful for finding the perfect spot.

Local Amenities (in nearby Broken Hill, approx. 12 km west)

Pubs

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

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 food outlets 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

  • Broken Hill South Rest Area: Approximately 15 km south on the Silver City Highway.
  • Thackaringa Hills Rest Area: Approximately 50 km west on the Barrier Highway.

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.

Leave a Reply