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Cornish Rest Area, 8 Old Bourke Rd, Cobar NSW

Your Convenient Gateway to Outback Cobar

The Cornish Rest Area, situated in Cornish Park right on the edge of the iconic outback town of Cobar, offers travellers an exceptionally convenient and free place to stay. Unlike many remote roadside stops, this rest area’s prime location means you are just a stone’s throw from all the amenities and attractions that this historic mining community has to offer. It serves as an ideal base for exploring Cobar’s rich heritage, from the towering poppet head at the Great Cobar Heritage Centre to the panoramic views from the Fort Bourke Lookout, which overlooks a massive open-cut mine. Its position on the Barrier Highway makes it a perfect first stop when arriving in town or a final resting place before continuing the long journey east or west.

The rest area itself is a large, relatively flat, unsealed area suitable for all types of vehicles, including big rigs and large caravans. While the facilities are basic, they cover the essentials for a comfortable 24-hour stay for self-contained travellers, including toilets and rubbish bins. The park setting provides a pleasant atmosphere, with some trees offering shade and plenty of space for pets to stretch their legs. The real advantage of Cornish Rest Area is its walkability to town. A short stroll will take you to supermarkets for supplies, classic outback pubs for a hearty meal, and service stations to refuel. For travellers wanting the freedom and affordability of a free camp without sacrificing the convenience of being in a major regional hub, the Cornish Rest Area in Cobar is an unbeatable option.

Cornish Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Cornish Rest Area (Cornish Park)
Address: 8 Old Bourke Rd, Cobar NSW 2835
GPS Coordinates: -31.49974, 145.84502

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
Road Access: Sealed road access.
Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Large open area, 30+ unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes.
Fishing: Not applicable.
Short Walks: Yes, easy walk into the main town centre.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes.
Potable Water: No. You must bring your own or source it in town.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
TV Reception: Good.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of neighbours due to proximity to town.

Essentials to Bring

Sufficient drinking water for your stay.
Levelling blocks, as the ground can be uneven in places.

Local Amenities (all within Cobar)

Pubs

Great Western Hotel: Famous for its long iron-lacework verandah.
Empire Hotel Restaurant: Offers meals and a classic pub atmosphere.
Cobar Bowling & Golf Club: A large club with dining and bar facilities.

Places to Eat

Cobar RSL Club: Popular for bistro meals.
Various cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops along the main street.
Supermarkets (IGA) for self-catering.

Local Attractions

Great Cobar Heritage Centre & Museum.
Fort Bourke Lookout (over the open-cut mine).
Cobar Miners Heritage Park.

Caravan Parks

Cobar Caravan Park: The main commercial park in town.

Next Free Camps

Meadow Glen Rest Area (Eastbound): Approximately 75 km east.
Rest areas west towards Wilcannia on the Barrier Highway.

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Located at the Cobar Caravan Park (a fee may apply for non-guests).
Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple major service stations throughout Cobar.
Drinking Water Resupply: Check at the Cobar Visitor Information Centre.
Public Toilets: On-site and also in the town centre.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Western NSW

Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and dry, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C.
Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and sunny days with pleasant, cooler nights. Ideal for visiting.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days but nights are cold with heavy frosts.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Warming up, generally pleasant weather for travelling.