Brewarrina Four Mile Camping Reserve – Free Darling River Camping

The Four Mile Camping Reserve is an iconic outback camp that offers a quintessential Darling River experience, combining beautiful, serene riverside camping with profound Aboriginal history. Located just a few kilometres outside the town of Brewarrina, this huge, free, and pet-friendly reserve stretches along the banks of the Barwon-Darling River, providing a vast area for self-sufficient campers to find their perfect spot. The campground is a classic bush setting with large, open, and flat areas shaded by magnificent river red gums, suitable for all types of setups from tents to the largest of big rigs.

The main attraction for many is the excellent fishing, with the deep river holes known for yielding the prized Murray cod. The easy access to the water also makes it perfect for launching a kayak to explore the majestic river. However, the true significance of this location lies just a short drive away at the Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps. Known as Baiame’s Ngunnhu in the local Ngemba language, this ancient and complex network of rock weirs is estimated to be over 40,000 years old, making it one of the oldest human-made structures on Earth. Camping at the Four Mile provides the perfect base to visit this incredibly important cultural site. The campground itself is a back-to-basics affair with non-flush toilets provided, requiring campers to be self-reliant with water and power. For an authentic, pet-friendly outback escape that connects you to both nature and ancient culture, the Four Mile Reserve is an unmissable stop on any Darling River run.

• GPS Coordinates: -29.98543, 146.91698

Site Information

• Location: On the Barwon-Darling River, 4km east of Brewarrina.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Large, flat dirt and grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful short to medium stays are the norm.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for Telstra.
• TV reception: Possible with a good setup.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Insect repellent.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive riverbank.

Local Amenities (in Brewarrina)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Bridge Hotel, Brewarrina (~5 km)
  • Brewarrina RSL Club (~5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A selection of cafes, takeaways, and the local pub in Brewarrina (~5 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps (~5 km)
  • The Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum (~5 km)
  • Lock and Weir No. 1 (~5 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Bokhara Motel & Caravan Park, Brewarrina (~5 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Other spots along the Darling River Run.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Brewarrina Caravan Park may offer access for a fee (~5 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Service stations in Brewarrina (~5 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Brewarrina Visitor Information Centre (~5 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in Brewarrina (~5 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Outback NSW (Brewarrina Region)

• Summer (December – February): Extremely hot. Temperatures consistently exceed 40°C. Travel can be hazardous. Average temperatures from 22°C to 38°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. This is a prime time to visit. Temperatures range from 13°C to 30°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, clear, and sunny days with very cold nights that can drop close to freezing. Ideal for campfires. Temperatures range from 5°C to 19°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to hot days with cool nights. The landscape can be spectacular with wildflowers after rain. Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C.