Dolo Hill Rest Area, Barrier Hwy, Little Topar NSW

A True Outback Experience on the Road to Broken Hill

Dolo Hill Rest Area is a vast and remote free camping spot located on the Barrier Highway in the heart of Far West New South Wales. Positioned roughly halfway between the historic towns of Wilcannia and Broken Hill, it provides an essential and authentic outback stopover for travellers tackling one of Australia’s most iconic long-distance drives. This is not a manicured park but a genuine slice of the semi-arid landscape, offering a profound sense of isolation and tranquillity. It is perfectly suited to fully self-contained travellers who are well-prepared for remote conditions and who want to experience the raw beauty of the region. The sheer size of the area ensures that even when other campers are present, you can find your own private space.

The rest area is a massive, open expanse of firm dirt and gravel, easily accessible for every type of vehicle, from the largest motorhomes and fifth-wheelers to smaller campervans. Its main drawcard is the stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and the titular Dolo Hill, which breaks the otherwise flat horizon. Facilities are minimal, with just the basics like toilets and bins, reinforcing the need for complete self-sufficiency. There is no potable water and mobile phone signal is extremely unreliable. However, the rewards for being prepared are immense. Visitors are treated to spectacular, unobstructed sunsets that set the sky ablaze, followed by a night sky so clear and dark that the Milky Way is visible in breathtaking detail. For those wanting a safe, peaceful, and truly memorable 24-hour stop in the outback, Dolo Hill is an outstanding choice.

Dolo Hill Rest Area – NSW Map

• Name: Dolo Hill Rest Area
• Address: Barrier Hwy, Little Topar NSW 2880
• GPS Coordinates: -31.67335, 142.81288

Site Details

• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway (Barrier Highway).
• Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large open area, 50+ unpowered sites.
• Pet Friendly: Yes.
• Fishing: Not available.
• Short Walks: Excellent opportunities for walking around the vast area and up Dolo Hill for views.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own complete water supply.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Almost non-existent. Do not rely on it.
• TV Reception: Very unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (long drop style).
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Prohibited.
• Generator Use: Permitted, be courteous of the large distances between campers.

Essentials to Bring

• A substantial quantity of drinking water for your entire stay.
• All food, cooking supplies, and emergency equipment.
• A full tank of fuel from either Wilcannia or Broken Hill.
• Sturdy footwear for walking and fly nets for comfort.

Local Amenities (in Wilcannia, approx. 100km east, or Broken Hill, approx. 100km west)

Pubs

• Little Topar Hotel: A classic, tiny outback pub nearby (check for opening times).
• Palace Hotel (Broken Hill): Famous for its murals and role in ‘Priscilla’.
• Wilcannia Golf Club: Offers bar and meal facilities.

Places to Eat

• Little Topar Roadhouse: Offers fuel and basic takeaway food.
• Extensive options in Broken Hill: Pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants.
• Wilcannia Roadhouse: Takeaway food and basic groceries.

Local Attractions

• Living Desert Sculptures (Broken Hill).
• Pro Hart Gallery (Broken Hill).
• Historic Darling River waterfront (Wilcannia).

Caravan Parks

• Multiple caravan parks in Broken Hill.
• Warrawong on the Darling (Wilcannia).

Next Free Camps

• Baden Park Rest Area (near Wilcannia): Approximately 100 km east.
• Little Topar Rest Area: A smaller rest area nearby.

Services

• Nearest Dump Point: Available at caravan parks in Broken Hill or Wilcannia (fees may apply).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Little Topar Roadhouse (limited hours), with full services in Broken Hill and Wilcannia.
• Drinking Water Resupply: At visitor centres or service stations in Broken Hill or Wilcannia.
• Public Toilets: On-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Far West NSW

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Extremely hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Travel with extreme caution.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm days and cooler nights make this the prime season for outback travel.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and sunny days with very cold nights and regular frosts.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Pleasant and warm, a great time for wildflowers after good rains.