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Gilgunnia Goldfields Rest Area, Grain Rd, Gilgunnia NSW

Step Back in Time in the NSW Outback

The Gilgunnia Goldfields Rest Area offers a truly unique and historical overnight stop for travellers on the Kidman Way in outback New South Wales. Situated between the major centres of Cobar and Hillston, this is more than just a place to pull over; it’s a destination in itself. The rest area is located on the site of the former Gilgunnia township, which boomed during a short-lived gold rush in the 1890s. Today, travellers can camp amongst the ghosts of the past, with remnants of the old town and mining operations scattered throughout the landscape. This quiet, remote location provides an authentic outback experience, far from the noise of major highways, and offers a brilliant opportunity for stargazing in the clear, dark night skies.

This is a bush camp in the true sense of the word, best suited for self-sufficient campers. The site is a large, open, and relatively level dirt and gravel area, accessible to all vehicle types, from campervans to the biggest rigs. While basic, the facilities provided include toilets and picnic tables, allowing for a comfortable overnight stay. The real appeal lies in exploring the surrounding area, where you can take short walks to discover old mine shafts (use caution), historic cemetery plots, and the foundations of long-gone buildings. It’s a pet-friendly location, with plenty of space for dogs to explore. Due to its remoteness, it is crucial to arrive with ample supplies of water, food, and fuel. Mobile phone service is minimal at best. For those looking to break the journey on the Kidman Way with a peaceful night steeped in Australian history, the Gilgunnia Goldfields Rest Area is an unforgettable stop.

Gilgunnia Goldfields Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Gilgunnia Goldfields Rest Area
Address: Grain Rd, Gilgunnia NSW 2877
GPS Coordinates: -32.41795, 146.03473

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
Road Access: Sealed highway (Kidman Way) to a short dirt access road.
Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours officially, though longer stays are common.
Number of Sites Available: Large open area, 20+ unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes.
Fishing: Not applicable in this area.
Short Walks: Yes, excellent opportunities to explore the historic goldfields area.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes.
Potable Water: No. This is critical – you must bring all your own water.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. Telstra may have a weak signal in some spots.
TV Reception: Unlikely.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (long drop style).
Rubbish Bins: Yes, but it’s best practice to take your rubbish with you in remote areas.
Open Fires: Permitted in designated areas, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
Generator Use: Permitted, be considerate of others.

Essentials to Bring

A large supply of fresh drinking water.
All food, cooking supplies, and firewood.
A full tank of fuel.
Emergency communication device (e.g., satellite phone) is recommended.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Royal Hotel, Mount Hope: Approximately 45 km south.
Various Hotels in Cobar: Approximately 145 km north.
Various Hotels in Hillston: Approximately 140 km south.

Places to Eat

Mount Hope: Limited options at the pub (check opening times).
Cobar: Full range of cafes, bakeries, clubs, and restaurants (approx. 145 km).
Hillston: Good options including a services club and cafes (approx. 140 km).

Local Attractions

The Gilgunnia Goldfields: On-site.
Mount Hope Historic Hotel: A classic outback pub experience (approx. 45 km).
Great Cobar Heritage Centre, Cobar: Approximately 145 km north.

Caravan Parks

Cobar Caravan Park: Approximately 145 km north.
Kidman’s Camp, North Bourke (further north): Approximately 300 km north.
Hillston Caravan Park: Approximately 140 km south.

Next Free Camps

Mount Hope Rest Area: Approximately 45 km south.
Meadow Glen Rest Area (Cobar): Approximately 130 km north.

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Cobar or Hillston.
Nearest Petrol Station: Cobar or Hillston. Mount Hope has limited fuel at times.
Drinking Water Resupply: Cobar or Hillston.
Public Toilets: On-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Western NSW

Summer (Dec-Feb): Extremely hot and dry. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Travel with caution.
Autumn (Mar-May): Warm sunny days and cool, pleasant nights. An ideal time to visit.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and sunny days with very cold nights and heavy frosts.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Warm and pleasant, but can be windy. Wildflowers may be present after rain.