Glenhope Bush Camp | Cobar Outback Camping, NSW
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.
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.