Grawin Club in the Scrub, Grawin Opal Fields NSW
For a travel experience that is quintessentially outback, utterly unique, and steeped in quirky character, a visit to the Grawin Club in the Scrub is an absolute must. Located in the heart of the Grawin Opal Fields near Lightning Ridge, this is not just a pub or a campground; it’s an institution and a window into the soul of a true frontier community. Reaching the Club is an adventure in itself, involving a journey over the unsealed, dusty, and often corrugated roads that crisscross the opal fields. The landscape is surreal, dotted with mining mullock heaps, makeshift dwellings, and a palpable sense of hope and history. This is a place for the adventurous and self-sufficient traveller, not those seeking manicured lawns and resort pools.
The camping area is a vast, open, and informal dirt patch surrounding the iconic pub. It’s a low-cost, no-fuss setup where you pick your spot, settle in, and soak up the incredible atmosphere. The facilities are basic but functional, with toilets and coin-operated showers providing a welcome comfort after a dusty day of exploring. The real heart of the experience is the Club itself. It’s a classic outback pub, brimming with memorabilia, friendly locals, and the lively buzz of opal miners and travellers sharing stories over an icy cold beer. The on-site golf course, with its dirt ‘greens’, is a testament to the local ingenuity and sense of humour.
Staying here is the perfect base for exploring the other legendary pubs of the fields—the Glengarry Hilton and the Sheepyard Inn—and for trying your luck at one of the public fossicking heaps. The Grawin is a place that gets under your skin. It’s rough, it’s ready, and it’s real. It offers a genuine connection to the outback, a friendly community, and an experience you will never forget. Just be prepared for the dust, the flies, and a whole lot of character.
Site Information
- Location: In the Grawin Opal Fields, about 70km from Lightning Ridge.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs. Must be suitable for rough, unsealed roads.
- Road Access: Unsealed and often corrugated dirt roads. 4WD is recommended, but 2WD is possible with extreme care in dry weather. Roads can close after rain.
- Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, very low-cost camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the club, but generally very flexible.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a limited number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, an extensive unpowered area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Toilets and coin-operated hot showers. Access to the pub for meals and drinks.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, at the pub.
- Potable Water: It is highly recommended to bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Telstra only, and can be patchy. Don’t rely on it.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No dump point. The nearest is in Lightning Ridge.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, but taking your rubbish with you is appreciated.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans. Be extremely careful.
- Generator Use: Permitted and common. Be considerate of neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Cash, plenty of drinking water, robust tyres, fly nets, a sense of adventure.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Exploring the quirky, scattered opal mines and camps is a walk-in itself.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Club in the Scrub (on-site)
- Glengarry Hilton (short drive)
- Sheepyard Inn (short drive)
- Places to Eat: All three of the Grawin pubs serve food.
- Local Attractions:
- The ‘Pub Crawl’ of the three iconic Grawin pubs
- Opal fossicking at the public dump heaps
- The unique and quirky character of the opal fields
- All the attractions of Lightning Ridge (approx. 70 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Multiple caravan parks are located in Lightning Ridge.
- Next Free Camps: Narran Lake Nature Reserve (check road conditions and access), various rest areas.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available at the Lightning Ridge Pool.
- Nearest Petrol Station: The nearest reliable fuel is in Lightning Ridge.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Lightning Ridge Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Extremely hot. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, and travel can be dangerous. Many locals leave the fields during this time.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A fantastic time to visit. Days are warm and sunny, and nights are cool and pleasant. Temperatures average 13°C to 29°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The peak tourist season. Days are mild, clear, and sunny. Nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming days. Ideal for travel before the intense summer heat. Temperatures average 10°C to 28°C.