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Benanee Lake Rest Area
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Benanee Lake Rest Area, Sturt Hwy, Euston NSW

Benanee Lake Rest Area, Sturt Hwy, Euston NSW

A Scenic Lakeside Stopover on the Sturt Highway

The Benanee Lake Rest Area is one of the most popular and scenic free camping spots on the Sturt Highway in southwestern New South Wales. Perfectly positioned between Balranald and the border town of Euston, it offers travellers a beautiful and tranquil place to rest on the long journey between Sydney and Adelaide. The main attraction, as the name suggests, is its prime location on the banks of Lake Benanee. This large, picturesque lake provides a stunning backdrop for an overnight stay, with campers treated to magnificent water views, abundant birdlife, and spectacular sunsets that reflect off the water’s surface.

This is a very large rest area, with a sprawling, unsealed surface that can accommodate dozens of vehicles of all sizes, from the biggest rigs and fifth-wheelers to small campervans and tents. While some spots are right on the highway side, the best positions are found further in, right along the lake’s edge, offering a more peaceful experience. The site is equipped with basic but essential facilities, including toilets and some picnic tables. Being a self-sufficient camp, visitors must bring their own drinking water. The lake itself is a hub of activity; it’s a popular spot for fishing for redfin and yabbies, and when conditions are right, it’s also used for kayaking and swimming. For travellers on the Sturt Highway, Benanee Lake is more than just a rest area; it’s a destination in its own right, providing a memorable and relaxing break from the road.

Benanee Lake Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Benanee Lake Rest Area
  • Address: Sturt Hwy, Euston NSW 2737
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.5207, 142.87782

Site Details

  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway (Sturt Highway).
  • Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Number of Sites Available: Very large area with 50+ unpowered sites.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes.
  • Fishing: Yes, popular for redfin and yabbies in the lake.
  • Short Walks: Yes, along the foreshore of the lake.

Facilities

  • Picnic Tables: Yes.
  • Potable Water: No. You must bring your own complete supply.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, can be variable for other carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Permitted in designated areas, subject to local fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers.

Essentials to Bring

  • A full supply of drinking water.
  • Fishing gear and a NSW fishing licence if you plan to fish.
  • Insect repellent, especially during warmer months.

Local Amenities (in nearby Euston, approx. 15 km west)

Pubs

  • Euston Club Resort: A major club on the Murray River with dining, bars, and entertainment.
  • Royal Hotel Euston: A classic country pub in the centre of town.
  • Robinvale Hotel (across the river in Victoria): Another popular option for meals and drinks.

Places to Eat

  • Euston Club Resort Bistro.
  • Local cafes and takeaway shops in Euston and Robinvale.
  • Supermarkets (Foodworks in Euston, IGA in Robinvale) for supplies.

Local Attractions

  • The Murray River for fishing, boating, and relaxation.
  • Euston Lock and Weir 15.
  • The wineries and agricultural region around Robinvale.

Caravan Parks

  • Euston Riverfront Caravan Park.
  • Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park.

Next Free Camps

  • Rest areas east towards Balranald.
  • Rest areas west towards Mildura.

Services

  • Nearest Dump Point: Located at the Euston Riverfront Caravan Park (a fee may apply).
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Service stations available in Euston.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Check at the local visitor information or council.
  • Public Toilets: On-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina/Sunraysia Region

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with temperatures often in the high 30s or low 40s.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights make this an ideal time to visit.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to mild days with cold nights and frosts common.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and pleasant, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

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