Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Wingadee Rest Area
by: Posted on:

Wingadee Rest Area, Castlereagh Hwy, Wingadee NSW

Wingadee Rest Area, Castlereagh Hwy, Wingadee NSW

A Peaceful Stop in the Warrumbungle Region

The Wingadee Rest Area is a spacious and tranquil free camping spot situated on the Castlereagh Highway in the rich agricultural plains of New South Wales. Located approximately midway between the service towns of Coonamble and Walgett, it provides an essential and welcome haven for travellers exploring this productive region. For those making the long journey north towards the Queensland border or south towards the heart of NSW, this rest area offers a safe, clean, and quiet place to stop, rest, and recharge. It’s particularly well-suited to self-contained travellers in caravans, motorhomes, and camper trailers who appreciate the simplicity and solitude of a true country stopover.

The site is a large, unsealed area set well back from the highway, which significantly reduces traffic noise and enhances the peaceful atmosphere. The level ground makes it easy to find a suitable spot, even for larger rigs, and the open space ensures you are not crowded in by other campers. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, including toilets and sheltered picnic tables, making it comfortable for a meal break or an overnight stay. As is common in these rural locations, campers must be completely self-sufficient, bringing their own water and taking all rubbish with them. The location is perfect for enjoying a classic country sunset, followed by a brilliant night sky full of stars, far from any significant light pollution. For a simple, safe, and cost-free 24-hour camp on the Castlereagh Highway, Wingadee Rest Area is an excellent and highly regarded choice.

Wingadee Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Wingadee Rest Area
  • Address: LOT 73 Castlereagh Hwy, Wingadee NSW 2829
  • GPS Coordinates: -30.46799, 148.19471

Site Details

  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway (Castlereagh Highway).
  • Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Number of Sites Available: Large open area with 20+ unpowered sites.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes.
  • Fishing: Not available at this site.
  • Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the large rest area and adjacent fields.

Facilities

  • Picnic Tables: Yes (sheltered).
  • Potable Water: No. You must bring your own complete supply.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. A Telstra signal is possible but not guaranteed.
  • TV Reception: Variable, a booster may be required.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers.

Essentials to Bring

  • A full supply of drinking water.
  • All food and cooking equipment.
  • Ensure you have sufficient fuel before leaving Coonamble or Walgett.

Local Amenities (in nearby Coonamble, approx. 55 km south)

Pubs

  • Terminus Hotel Coonamble: A historic pub with a classic country atmosphere.
  • Sons of the Soil Hotel: A popular local watering hole.
  • Bucking Bull Hotel: Known for its friendly service.

Places to Eat

  • Bistro meals available at the local hotels.
  • Coonamble Bakery for fresh bread, pies, and cakes.
  • Various cafes and takeaway food shops on the main street.

Local Attractions

  • The Nickname Hall of Fame in Coonamble.
  • Coonamble Museum and Historical Society.
  • The Castlereagh River for walks and birdwatching.

Caravan Parks

  • Coonamble Riverside Caravan Park.

Next Free Camps

  • Rest areas north towards Walgett.
  • Rest areas south of Coonamble.

Services

  • Nearest Dump Point: Coonamble Showground.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple service stations in Coonamble.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Check at the Coonamble Visitor Information Centre.
  • Public Toilets: On-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: North West NSW

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot to very hot, with temperatures often in the high 30s. High chance of thunderstorms.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and generally sunny days with cooler nights. A pleasant time to travel.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days with cold nights and frequent frosts.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Warm and pleasant, with temperatures building towards summer.

Leave a Reply