Gunbar Rest Area on Mid Western Hwy NSW
Located on the iconic Mid Western Highway, the Gunbar Rest Area offers a convenient and essential stop for travellers exploring the vast plains of the Riverina region in New South Wales. This roadside stop provides a welcome break for those journeying between Hay and West Wyalong, serving as a practical location for an overnight stay to combat driver fatigue. Surrounded by the wide-open spaces characteristic of the Australian outback, it’s a simple, no-frills site perfect for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and campervans. While amenities are basic, the rest area delivers on its primary purpose: providing a safe and accessible place to rest and recharge.
The site is particularly suitable for larger rigs, with ample space and a drive-through layout that makes entering and exiting from the highway straightforward. Travellers can expect a peaceful night under a spectacular canopy of stars, far from the light pollution of major towns. The flatness of the surrounding landscape provides magnificent sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant colours. While it lacks the facilities of a formal caravan park, its value lies in its simplicity and strategic location. It’s an ideal spot to pull over, have a meal at the picnic tables, and rest before continuing your journey through the heart of NSW. For those undertaking the long drive across the state, Gunbar Rest Area is a vital and much-appreciated resource for a safe and comfortable trip.
Location Details
Name: Gunbar Rest Area
Address: Mid Western Hwy, Gunbar NSW 2711
GPS Coordinates: -34.05137, 145.38931
Features and Facilities
- Location: Mid Western Highway, Gunbar, New South Wales.
- Site suitable for: Big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and tent camping.
- Road access: Sealed highway access.
- Site surface: Gravel and dirt.
- Camping permitted: Yes.
- Maximum overnight stays: 24 hours.
- Picnic tables: No.
- Potable water: No.
- Mobile phone coverage: Limited coverage, primarily with Telstra.
- TV reception: Limited.
- Onsite public toilets: No.
- Drive through: Yes, this is a drive-through site.
- Rubbish bins: Yes.
- Open fires: Prohibited. Use designated cooking equipment only.
- Generator use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other users.
- Number of sites available: Several informal, unpowered sites.
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, food supplies, levelling blocks.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.
- Fishing: No.
- Short walks: Yes, basic walks around the immediate rest area.
Local Amenities
Please note, Gunbar is a remote location. Most amenities are located in nearby towns.
- Pubs:
- Goolgowi Hotel – Goolgowi (approx. 40 km)
- Commercial Hotel – Hay (approx. 90 km)
- Area Hotel – Griffith (approx. 75 km)
- Places to eat:
- Goolgowi Hotel (Bistro) – Goolgowi (approx. 40 km)
- A range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Griffith (approx. 75 km)
- Local attractions:
- The vast Hay Plains for outback scenery
- Stargazing (excellent dark sky location)
- Cocoparra National Park – near Griffith (approx. 95 km)
- Nearest caravan parks:
- Goolgowi Caravan Park – Goolgowi (approx. 40 km)
- Discovery Parks – Hay (approx. 90 km)
- Griffith Caravan Village – Griffith (approx. 75 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Hay Lions Park Rest Area – Hay (approx. 90 km west)
- Rankins Springs Rest Area – Rankins Springs (approx. 100 km east)
- Nearest dump points:
- Griffith Showgrounds – Griffith (approx. 75 km)
- Hay Visitor Information Centre – Hay (approx. 90 km)
- Nearest petrol station:
- Goolgowi (approx. 40 km)
- Hay (approx. 90 km)
- Drinking water resupply:
- Goolgowi (check with local businesses) (approx. 40 km)
- Hay Visitor Information Centre (approx. 90 km)
- Nearest public toilets:
- Onsite at Gunbar Rest Area
- Goolgowi Public Toilets – Goolgowi (approx. 40 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The Gunbar region experiences a semi-arid climate. Summers (December to February) are typically hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C. Winters (June to August) are cool and crisp, with mild days and cold nights that can approach freezing. Spring and Autumn offer pleasant, mild weather, making them ideal times for travel. Travellers should always carry sufficient water, especially during the warmer months, and be prepared for cool overnight temperatures during winter.