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Glenhope Bush Camp – Cobar Outback Camping, NSW

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Glenhope Bush Camp | Cobar Outback Camping, NSW

Trade the bitumen for the red dirt and experience the true spirit of the Australian outback at Glenhope Bush Camp. Located on a private working station just a short drive from the historic mining town of Cobar, this is not just a place to park your van, but an authentic immersion into station life. Offering a vast, secluded landscape for fully self-contained campers, Glenhope is the perfect antidote to crowded caravan parks. Here, your neighbours are the kangaroos, emus, and goats that roam the property, and the soundtrack is the gentle whisper of the wind through the mulga trees.The campsites are rustic and private, allowing you to find your own perfect spot to set up and soak in the immense sense of space. This is quintessential outback country, characterised by rich red soil, hardy native vegetation, and endless blue skies that seem to stretch on forever. The experience is about disconnecting from the modern world and embracing the simple pleasures of bush camping. Days can be spent exploring the station’s tracks (with the host’s guidance), birdwatching, or simply finding a shady spot to relax with a good book. As the sun begins to set, the landscape transforms, painting the sky in fiery shades of orange, pink, and red – a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.

As night falls, the real magic happens. With zero light pollution, the stargazing at Glenhope is absolutely phenomenal. The Milky Way stretches across the sky in a brilliant, dense band, and constellations you’ve only ever seen in books become crystal clear. A campfire under this celestial canopy is an essential part of the experience. Being a working station, campers must be completely self-sufficient, bringing their own water, toilet, shower, and power. This ensures the pristine environment is preserved and enhances the feeling of a genuine, rugged adventure. For travellers seeking solitude, incredible scenery, and a slice of real outback life, Glenhope Bush Camp is an unforgettable destination.

★★★★★ (4.7 stars)

Glenhope Bush Camp
Cobar, NSW 2835 (Specific directions provided upon booking)

Website: Glenhope Bush Camp
GPS Coordinates: -31.50462, 145.90261

Site Details

  • Location: Private working station property located near Cobar in outback NSW.
  • Site suitable for: Fully self-contained tents, off-road camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
  • Road access: Unsealed station tracks. A high-clearance 2WD may be sufficient in dry conditions, but a 4WD is recommended for confident access.
  • Site surface: Natural red earth and grass.
  • Camping permitted: Yes. Bookings via a private platform (e.g., Hipcamp) are essential. This is not a public campground.
  • Maximum overnight stays: As per booking platform rules.
  • Number of powered sites: 0
  • Number of un-powered sites: Multiple dispersed, unpowered sites across the property.

Facilities & Rules

  • Facilities: None. This is a self-sufficient bush camp.
  • Picnic tables: No.
  • Potable water: No. You must bring all your own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
  • Mobile phone coverage: Very unlikely. Assume there is no reception. An emergency communication device (e.g., satellite phone or PLB) is recommended.
  • TV reception: No.
  • Onsite public toilets: No. You must have your own portable toilet and take all waste with you.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: No. The nearest public dump point is in Cobar.
  • Drive through sites: No, sites are open and undefined.
  • Rubbish bins: No. A strict leave-no-trace policy applies.
  • Open fires: Generally permitted in a safe, cleared area, subject to local fire bans. Check with host.
  • Generator use: Permitted, but use must be considerate of the natural peace and any other campers.
  • Number of sites available: Limited number to ensure a private and secluded experience.

Activities & Notes

  • Essentials to bring: All water, food, fuel, own toilet/shower, power source, firewood, rubbish bags, fly nets (especially in warmer months), and vehicle recovery gear.
  • Pet friendly: Yes, typically pet-friendly but must be confirmed with the host upon booking. Must be kept under control due to livestock.
  • Fishing: No.
  • Short walks: Explore the vast property by foot, following station tracks.

Local Amenities

All services are located in the nearby town of Cobar (approx. 10-15 km).

  • Nearest Pubs:
    • Great Western Hotel, Cobar
    • Empire Hotel, Cobar
    • Crossroads Hotel, Cobar
  • Places to Eat: A range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Cobar.
  • Local Attractions:
    • Fort Bourke Hill Lookout
    • Great Cobar Heritage Centre
    • Mount Grenfell Historic Site (Aboriginal rock art)
    • Cobar Miners Heritage Park
  • Nearest Caravan Parks:
    • Cobar Caravan Park
    • Copper City Motel & Caravan Park
  • Next Free Camps: Various rest areas along the Barrier Highway.
  • Nearest Dump Points: Cobar. Check with the visitor centre for the exact location.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple options in Cobar.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Cobar.
  • Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Public facilities in Cobar.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The region has a semi-arid outback climate. Conditions can be extreme.

  • Summer (December – February): Very hot. Temperatures frequently exceed 40°C. High numbers of flies. Camping is for the well-prepared only.
  • Autumn (March – May): The best time to visit. Warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights.
  • Winter (June – August): Mild and pleasant sunny days, but nights are very cold and can drop to freezing or below.
  • Spring (September – November): Warm to hot days with mild nights. A beautiful time to see wildflowers after rain.

 

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