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Mount Gipps Rest Area Westbound
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Mount Gipps Rest Area Westbound, Barrier Hwy, Broken Hill NSW

Mount Gipps Rest Area Westbound, Barrier Hwy, Broken Hill NSW

A Scenic Pause Before Broken Hill

Nestled amongst the rugged, ancient landscape of the Barrier Ranges, the Mount Gipps Rest Area Westbound offers travellers a final, scenic stop before arriving in the historic city of Broken Hill. Located approximately 30 kilometres east of the city on the Barrier Highway, this free camp provides a stunning introduction to the unique geology and natural beauty of the region. It’s the perfect place to pull over after the long drive from the east, allowing you to stretch your legs, take in the expansive views, and anticipate the experiences awaiting you in the Silver City. For self-contained travellers, it’s an ideal spot to spend the night, ensuring you can arrive in town refreshed and ready to explore the next morning.

The rest area is a practical and spacious site, featuring a large, unsealed area that is suitable for all vehicle sizes, including big rigs and caravans with tow vehicles. While the facilities are basic, they cover the essentials for a 24-hour stay, with toilets and some picnic tables available. The real appeal of this location is its atmosphere; it feels remote and authentically outback, despite being just a short drive from a major regional hub. This proximity allows travellers the convenience of making a quick trip into Broken Hill for supplies or a meal, without committing to the higher cost of a commercial caravan park. As dusk falls, the area offers a fantastic vantage point for a classic outback sunset over the rolling hills, followed by a brilliant celestial display in the clear night sky, making it a memorable and highly recommended stop.

Mount Gipps Rest Area Westbound – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Mount Gipps Rest Area Westbound
  • Address: Barrier Hwy, Broken Hill NSW 2880
  • GPS Coordinates: -31.88071, 141.78911

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, 20+ unpowered sites.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes.
  • Fishing: Not applicable.
  • Short Walks: Yes, around the spacious rest area and into the scenic surrounding hills.

Facilities

  • Picnic Tables: Yes.
  • Potable Water: No. Bring your own or source it in Broken Hill.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, may be variable for other carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good, due to proximity to Broken Hill.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers.

Essentials to Bring

  • A good supply of drinking water.
  • Levelling blocks, as the ground is natural and unsealed.

Local Amenities (in nearby Broken Hill, approx. 30 km west)

Pubs

  • The Palace Hotel: Famous for its stunning interior murals and role in the film ‘Priscilla’.
  • The Tydvil Hotel: A welcoming, classic pub popular with locals.
  • The Black Lion Inn: Well-known for its excellent food and historic building.

Places to Eat

  • Bells Milk Bar: An iconic 1950s-style milk bar offering a unique dining experience.
  • Broken Hill Musicians Club: A large club with a reliable and popular bistro.
  • A wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and takeaway shops throughout the city.

Local Attractions

  • Living Desert & Sculptures Symposium.
  • Pro Hart Gallery and the city’s 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

  • Round Hill Rest Area: Approximately 18 km west, closer to Broken Hill.
  • West Broken Hill Rest Area: Approximately 65 km west (past the city).

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.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): The best time to visit, with warm, sunny days and pleasant, cool nights.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, clear days with very cold nights and heavy frosts possible.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and generally very pleasant for travelling.

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