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Cassilis Park Rest Area 2
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Cassilis Park Rest Area 2, Brocklehurst NSW

Cassilis Park Rest Area 2, Brocklehurst NSW

This large and highly convenient free camping spot, located on the Newell Highway at Brocklehurst, serves as a vital 24-hour rest stop on the northern outskirts of the major regional city of Dubbo in New South Wales. It is a popular choice for travellers on the bustling Newell Highway, a key inland route connecting Melbourne and Brisbane. Its prime location provides the perfect balance of a quiet roadside stop with the immediate convenience of having all the services and attractions of a major city just minutes away. The rest area is spacious and suitable for all vehicle types, including the largest caravans and motorhomes, with an easy drive-through layout.

As a designated highway rest area, it offers the fundamental amenities needed for a comfortable short stay. This includes sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The surface is a mix of sealed and gravel areas, set amongst native trees that provide some welcome shade. It is a pet-friendly location, with plenty of space for dogs to have a walk on a leash after being on the road. Mobile phone coverage is excellent for all major carriers due to its proximity to Dubbo. As is standard, travellers must be self-contained as there is no potable water supply or a dump point at the rest area. The standout feature of this free camp is its unbeatable proximity to Dubbo’s world-class attractions, most notably the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, which is just a short drive away. For a practical, spacious, and perfectly located free camp to explore the Dubbo region or break the long journey, this rest area is an outstanding option.

Cassilis Park Rest Area 2 – NSW Location Map

Location Details

  • Name: Cassilis Park Rest Area 2 (also known as Brocklehurst Rest Area)
  • Address: 121L Newell Highway, Brocklehurst NSW 2830, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -32.13589, 148.59261

Site Information

  • Location: On the Newell Highway (A39), approximately 12km north of the Dubbo city centre.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans and motorhomes.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Asphalt/Gravel/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: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, large open area allows for easy access.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
  • Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and all personal supplies.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed.
  • Fishing: Not available at the rest area, but excellent fishing is in the nearby Macquarie River.
  • Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the large rest area.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • The Milestone Hotel, Dubbo: A large, popular pub with a family-friendly bistro (approx. 10km).
  • Commercial Hotel, Dubbo: A classic country-style pub in the heart of the city (approx. 12km).
  • Macquarie Inn, Dubbo: A well-known pub and motel with a large restaurant (approx. 14km).

Places to Eat

  • Dubbo: As a major regional city, Dubbo has an enormous range of cafes, restaurants, clubs, supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, ALDI), and all major fast-food chains.

Local Attractions

  • Taronga Western Plains Zoo: A world-renowned open-range zoo, an absolute must-visit attraction.
  • Old Dubbo Gaol: A heritage-listed site offering a fascinating and immersive glimpse into colonial prison life.
  • Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience: An interactive exhibition showcasing the vital work of the RFDS.
  • Dubbo Observatory: View the spectacular night sky through powerful telescopes.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Discovery Parks – Dubbo: A large, full-facility park close to the zoo.
  • BIG4 Dubbo Parklands: Another major holiday park with extensive facilities.

Next Free Camps

  • Terramungamine Reserve: A popular free camp on the Macquarie River just north of Dubbo.
  • Mount Pleasant Rest Area: A large highway rest area further north towards Gilgandra.

Nearest Dump Points

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

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Dubbo: Multiple 24/7 service stations with all fuel types are located within a few kilometres.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Dubbo Visitor Information Centre: 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 Central West region experiences a typical inland NSW climate with hot summers and cool winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Very hot and predominantly dry, with daytime temperatures often soaring into the high 30s and low 40s (°C).
  • Autumn (Mar – May): A pleasant season for travel, with warm sunny days and cooler nights.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Days are generally cool and sunny, but nights and early mornings are cold with heavy frosts.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather becomes warmer. The landscape is often green, but it can be a season of high winds and thunderstorms.

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