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Binalong Rest Area
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Binalong Rest Area, Binalong NSW

Binalong Rest Area, Binalong NSW

The Binalong Rest Area is a large, shady, and highly regarded free camping spot located in the historic village of Binalong, in the beautiful Hilltops region of New South Wales. Situated on the Burley Griffin Way, this wonderful community-provided park is a popular 24-hour stopover for travellers journeying between Yass and Temora. It offers a far more peaceful and engaging experience than a standard highway stop, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a town steeped in the history of bushrangers and the famous poet, Banjo Paterson.

The rest area is a spacious, grassy park suitable for all types of self-contained vehicles, from campervans to large caravans and motorhomes.The park’s mature trees provide excellent shade, making it a very comfortable spot for a break. It’s a pet-friendly location with plenty of open space for dogs to have a walk on a leash. Mobile phone coverage is generally good. As with most free camps, travellers should be self-contained with their own drinking water and power, and there is no dump point on site. The prime advantage of this rest area is its in-town location. It’s just a short drive to the local hotel for a classic pub meal, the general store for supplies, and the local swimming pool in summer. It also serves as the perfect base to explore Binalong’s heritage, including the grave of bushranger Johnny Gilbert. For a comfortable, convenient, and historically rich free camp, the Binalong Rest Area is an outstanding choice.

Binalong Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Binalong Rest Area
  • Address: Burley Griffin Way, Binalong NSW 2584, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.70318, 148.65449

Site Information

  • Location: In the village of Binalong, on the Burley Griffin Way (B94).
  • Site Suitable For: Self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and campervans.
  • Road Access: Sealed road.
  • Site Surface: Grass/Dirt.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for most major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, but with consideration for the village setting and other campers.
  • Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked grassy area with plenty of space.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, power source, levelling blocks.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed and cleaned up after.
  • Fishing: Not available at the park.
  • Short Walks: Excellent for walking around and exploring the historic village of Binalong.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • Hotel Binalong, Binalong: A classic country pub located in the centre of town (approx. 500m).
  • The Bowning Hotel, Bowning: A great little historic pub in the next village (approx. 15km).
  • Royal Hotel, Yass: One of several large, historic pubs in the major nearby town of Yass (approx. 30km).

Places to Eat

  • Binalong: The Hotel Binalong serves meals, and there is a local cafe/general store.
  • Yass: Offers a wide range of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, clubs, and major supermarkets.

Local Attractions

  • Grave of Johnny Gilbert: Visit the final resting place of the notorious bushranger.
  • Binalong Motor Museum: A collection of classic and vintage cars and memorabilia.
  • Banjo Paterson Memorial: Binalong was the childhood home of the famous poet.
  • Cooma Cottage, Yass: The historic former home of famous Australian explorer Hamilton Hume.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Yass Caravan Park: A council-run park on the banks of the Yass River.
  • Harden Caravan Park: Located in the nearby town of Harden.

Next Free Camps

  • Jugiong Wine Cellar Free Camp: A very popular stop in the charming village of Jugiong.
  • Roberts Park, Murrumburrah: A free camp in the park of the twin towns of Harden-Murrumburrah.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Yass Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Binalong: A service station is available in the village.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Yass Visitor Information Centre (Coronation Park): A reliable location to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Onsite: The rest area has its own public toilet block.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Hilltops and Southern Tablelands region experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers and cold winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically warm to hot and dry, with average temperatures from 16°C to 30°C.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful season with mild, sunny days and cool nights.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold, with heavy morning frosts and cool, crisp days. Daytime temperatures average 2°C to 13°C.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant days. The landscape is vibrant with canola fields and blossoms.

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