Discover the invigorating beauty of the New England High Country at Glen Rest Tourist Park. Nestled on the outskirts of Glen Innes—famously known as the “Celtic Capital of Australia”—this park offers a premier base for travellers exploring the northern tablelands of New South Wales. Situated on a spacious, elevated site along the New England Highway, Glen Rest provides a tranquil, park-like sanctuary where the crisp mountain air and rolling rural vistas set the pace of your stay. It is a destination that perfectly blends the rugged spirit of the highlands with the warm, genuine hospitality of a historic regional hub.
The park’s location is its greatest asset for history buffs and culture seekers. Glen Innes is a town that celebrates its deep Celtic roots, most famously embodied by the Australian Standing Stones—a megalithic array located just a short drive from the park. Staying at Glen Rest Tourist Park allows you to easily explore the town’s heritage-listed streetscapes, where grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture houses boutique galleries, traditional bookshops, and artisanal cafes. The region is also a world-renowned destination for fossicking; enthusiasts can spend their days searching for the famous “Glen Innes Blue” sapphires in the nearby creeks and designated fossicking areas.
For nature enthusiasts, the surrounding region offers a spectacular tapestry of world-heritage-listed national parks. A highlight for any visitor is the nearby Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks, where ancient rainforests and dramatic granite outcrops provide a stunning backdrop for hiking and photography. The high altitude of Glen Innes ensures that the region experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique charm—from the vibrant floral displays of spring to the golden hues of autumn and the occasional dusting of winter snow. The park itself provides a quiet, shaded haven where you can relax after a day of discovery, enjoying a highland sunset as the local birdlife settles for the evening.
Accommodation at Glen Rest Tourist Park is designed to cater to the practical needs of the modern traveller. The park is renowned for its spacious, level sites that can easily accommodate the largest motorhomes and caravans, featuring stable surfaces and easy-access drive-through options. With exceptionally clean facilities, a friendly resident management team, and a commitment to providing a safe and community-focused environment, the park ensures that your stay in the Celtic Country is both comfortable and authentic. Whether you are using Glen Innes as a strategic stopover on your journey north or as a multi-day base to explore the gemstones and history of the highlands, Glen Rest Tourist Park delivers a quintessentially Australian regional experience.
Glen Rest Tourist Park – NSW Location Map
Glen Rest Tourist Park
- Address: 9807 New England Hwy, Glen Innes NSW 2370
- Website: glenresttouristpark.com.au
- GPS Coordinates: -29.77048, 151.73135
Site Specifications & Information
- Location: Elevated high-country setting on the New England Highway, 3km south of Glen Innes CBD.
- Site Suitable For: Big rigs, fifth-wheelers, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access; easy entry/exit for large vehicles.
- Site Surface: Level grassy sites and stable gravel hard-stand areas with mature shade trees.
- Available Facilities:
- Modern Self-Contained Cabins (Studio to 2-Bedroom)
- Powered and Unpowered Sites (Drive-through available)
- Camp Kitchen with full cooking facilities
- BBQ Areas and Picnic Tables
- Clean Amenities Blocks with hot showers
- Guest Laundry with washers and dryers
- Pet Wash Station
- Free Wi-Fi (Limits apply)
- Dump Point for guest use
- Essentials to Bring: Warm clothing (even in summer), fossicking equipment, hiking boots, and a camera for the Standing Stones.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pet-friendly year-round on sites (subject to park rules and leash requirements).
- Fishing: Fresh water fishing for trout and Murray cod in nearby streams and the Beardy Waters.
- Short Walks:
- Park Perimeter Loop (Direct access)
- Australian Standing Stones Loop (4km drive)
- Grey St Heritage Stroll (3.5km drive)
Local Amenities
Local Pubs
- New England Hotel (3.5km) – Historic grand hotel with popular bistro and regional charm.
- Railway Tavern (3.2km) – Friendly local pub with a classic atmosphere and cold beer.
- The Great Central Hotel (3.6km) – Heritage pub in the heart of the town centre.
Places to Eat
- The Local (3.5km) – Specialty coffee and gourmet breakfast featuring regional produce.
- The Croft (3.4km) – High-quality regional dining and artisanal treats.
- Glen Innes Bakery (3.5km) – Traditional bakery known for fresh bread and meat pies.
Local Attractions
- Australian Standing Stones (4.2km) – Unique Celtic monument and gathering site.
- Land of the Beardies History House (3.8km) – Extensive local museum in the old hospital.
- Reddestone Creek Fossicking Area (12km) – Famous site for Glen Innes sapphires.
- Washpool National Park (75km) – World-heritage rainforest and hiking trails.
- Emirates Park (2km) – Local parklands and picnic areas.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Glen Innes Showground (4.5km) – Low-cost community-run camping.
- Blue Sapphire Caravan Park (3.8km) – Located north of the town centre.
Nearest Free/Low-Cost Camps
- Beardy Waters Rest Area (8km) – Basic roadside rest stop north of town.
- Deepwater Park (42km) – Low-cost camping in the nearby village of Deepwater.
Nearest Dump Points
- On-site Dump Point (0km) – Available for park guests.
- Lions Park Dump Point (3.2km) – Public facility for passing travellers.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Shell Glen Innes (3.0km) – High-flow diesel and easy access for large rigs.
- Ampol Glen Innes (3.4km) – Central town location.
Drinking Water Resupply
- On-site Taps (0km) – Potable town water available throughout the park.
- Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre (3.2km) – Public water access.
Public Toilets
- Lions Park (3.2km) – Accessible public facilities near the highway.
- Glen Innes CBD / Town Hall (3.5km) – Accessible public facilities.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Glen Innes
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool, pleasant evenings. Daytime highs 24°C–27°C. Best for fossicking.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Crisp mornings and spectacular golden foliage in the town. Daytime average 15°C–20°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and bracing. Daytime highs 10°C–13°C. Frost is frequent and snow is an occasional highlight.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Fresh and vibrant. Daytime average 17°C–22°C. Native birdlife and gardens are at their peak.