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Currajong Rest Area, Newell Hwy, Parkes NSW

A Classic Outback Stopover in the Heart of NSW

The Currajong Rest Area is a well-known and highly valued stop for travellers navigating the long stretches of the Newell Highway in Central West New South Wales. Located just a short drive north of the vibrant regional town of Parkes, this rest area provides a vital service for drivers, offering a safe, convenient, and free location to rest, reset, and even stay overnight. As a key point on the major inland route connecting Victoria and Queensland, Currajong is perfectly positioned for those needing a break from the wheel before exploring the rich history and unique attractions of the Parkes Shire, most famously the iconic CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, affectionately known as ‘The Dish’.

The rest area itself is a practical, no-fuss facility with a large, level bitumen surface, making it suitable for all types of vehicles, including large caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs. It offers a welcome patch of green and shady trees, providing some respite from the summer sun. For self-contained travellers, the site is equipped with the essentials for a comfortable 24-hour stay, including toilets, sheltered picnic tables for a roadside meal, and rubbish bins to help keep the area tidy. It’s also pet-friendly, giving four-legged family members a chance to have a good stretch. While basic in its offerings—there is no potable water or power available—its proximity to Parkes means that all necessary supplies, from fuel and groceries to a good pub meal, are only minutes away. For an easy and accessible overnight stop on the Newell Highway, Currajong Rest Area is a reliable and popular choice.

Currajong Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Currajong Rest Area
Address: Newell Hwy, Parkes NSW 2870
GPS Coordinates: -33.11258, 148.17489

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
Road Access: Sealed highway (Newell Highway).
Site Surface: Bitumen and some grassed areas.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Large open area, 20+ unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome.
Fishing: Limited local options; fishing available in the Lachlan River further south near Forbes.
Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk around the perimeter of the rest area.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes (sheltered).
Potable Water: No. Travellers must bring their own drinking water.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra; can be variable for other networks.
TV Reception: Variable, a booster is recommended.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.

Essentials to Bring

A reliable supply of drinking water.
All food and cooking provisions.
Levelling blocks may be useful for some spots.

Local Amenities (in nearby Parkes, approx. 5-10 km south)

Pubs

Parkes Hotel: Classic country pub in the centre of town.
The Coachman Hotel Motel: Offers meals and accommodation.
Railway Hotel Parkes: Another popular local spot.

Places to Eat

Parkes Services Club: Offers bistro meals.
Various cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops along Clarinda Street.
Major fast-food chains are available in town.

Local Attractions

CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope (‘The Dish’): Approximately 20 km north.
The Henry Parkes Centre: Home to four museums, including the King’s Castle Elvis Exhibit.
Peak Hill Open Cut Experience: A historic gold mine, approximately 45 km north.

Caravan Parks

Parkes Spicer Caravan Park: Located in town.
BIG4 Parkes Gateway Holiday Park: On the southern side of town.

Next Free Camps

Tichborne Reserve (Southbound): Approximately 25 km south.
Dubbo Rest Areas (Northbound): Various options around Dubbo, approx. 120 km north.

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Parkes Showground.
Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple major service stations in Parkes.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre.
Public Toilets: Cooke Park in the centre of Parkes.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central West NSW

Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and generally dry, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. Occasional thunderstorms.
Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and milder evenings. A very pleasant time to visit.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold days with very cold nights and frequent frosts. Generally dry and sunny.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm with increasing temperatures. Can be windy.