Bourke Rest Area, Mitchell Hwy, Bourke NSW

A Practical Stop on the Road North

Located on the Mitchell Highway northwest of Bourke, this rest area is a vital stopping point for travellers heading towards the Queensland border and beyond. Positioned on one of Australia’s great outback touring routes, it provides a safe, convenient, and free location to take a break from the long, straight stretches of road. While more basic than some of the larger rest areas, its primary function is to offer a secure haven for drivers to rest and manage fatigue, a critical aspect of outback travel. It’s an excellent choice for self-contained caravans and motorhomes needing a simple overnight stop before tackling the next leg of their journey.

The rest area is a straightforward, unsealed site set just off the highway, offering enough space for several vehicles to park comfortably. Its proximity to Bourke, approximately 20 kilometres away, is a significant advantage. Travellers can easily stock up on fuel, water, and groceries in town before heading out to the rest area for a quiet night. This allows you to enjoy the peace of a bush camp while still having access to the essential services of a major outback centre. The site has basic facilities, including toilets and bins. For those journeying north into even more remote territory, this rest area serves as a final, practical checkpoint to ensure you are fully prepared. It’s a no-frills camp that perfectly serves its purpose, providing a peaceful night’s sleep under the vast outback sky.

Bourke Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: Bourke Rest Area
Address: Mitchell Hwy, Bourke NSW 2840
GPS Coordinates: -30.24565, 146.05865

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
Road Access: Sealed highway (Mitchell Highway).
Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Ample space for 10+ unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes.
Fishing: Not on-site, but available in the Darling River in Bourke.
Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the rest area.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes.
Potable Water: No. Must be sourced in Bourke.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. Telstra signal may be available but can be weak.
TV Reception: Variable to poor.
Onsite Public Toilets: No.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to others.

Essentials to Bring

A full supply of drinking water.
A full tank of fuel before leaving Bourke.
All necessary food and cooking supplies.

Local Amenities (in nearby Bourke, approx. 20 km southeast)

Pubs

Port of Bourke Hotel: A historic and iconic outback pub.
The Oxford Hotel: A classic country hotel offering hearty meals.
Bourke Bowling Club: A large, modern club with a bistro and bar.

Places to Eat

Bistro meals at the town’s pubs and clubs.
Morrall’s Bakery for fresh bread, pies, and cakes.
Several cafes and takeaway options on the main street.

Local Attractions

Back O’ Bourke Exhibition & Visitor Information Centre.
PV Jandra paddleboat cruises on the Darling River.
Historic Bourke Cemetery.

Caravan Parks

Kidman’s Camp.
Mitchell Caravan Park.

Next Free Camps

South of Bourke Rest Area (Kidman Way).
Rest areas further north towards Cunnamulla.

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Located at commercial caravan parks in Bourke (a fee may apply).
Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple service stations in Bourke.
Drinking Water Resupply: Check at the Back O’ Bourke Visitor Information Centre.
Public Toilets: On-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Outback NSW

Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and often humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. High chance of thunderstorms.
Autumn (Mar-May): The premium travel season, with warm, sunny days and pleasant nights.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days with cold nights and frosts.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and generally pleasant for travel, but can heat up quickly.