Gurley Recreation Reserve Camping | Peaceful Newell Highway Stopover

For travellers seeking a quiet, authentic, and incredibly convenient stopover on the Newell Highway, the Gurley Recreation Reserve is a perfect choice. Located in the tiny, welcoming village of Gurley, halfway between the major regional centres of Moree and Narrabri, this community-run campground offers a true slice of country life. It’s an ideal spot to break a long journey, providing a spacious and peaceful environment to relax and unwind. The reserve is a large, flat, grassy area, easily accommodating all types of camping setups, from the biggest rigs to smaller campervans. Run on a donation basis, it represents the wonderful hospitality for which rural NSW is known.

The beauty of the Gurley Recreation Reserve is its simplicity and tranquility. While it provides the essential amenities for a comfortable night, the main attraction is the profound peace and quiet, a welcome contrast to the hum of the highway. It’s a place to enjoy a spectacular outback sunset and a brilliant starry night sky. The local pub, the Gurley Hotel, is just a short walk away, offering a cold drink and a hearty meal with a chance to chat with the friendly locals. While Gurley itself is small, its location makes it a practical base. The famous artesian spas of Moree are less than half an hour to the north, and the astronomical wonders and national parks around Narrabri are a short drive south. For a no-fuss, friendly, and perfectly located rest stop that allows you to support a small country community, the Gurley Recreation Reserve is a hidden gem.

Campground Details

Gurley Recreation Reserve – NSW Map

• Name: Gurley Recreation Reserve
• Address: Millie Street, Gurley NSW 2398
• Website: Not applicable. This is a community facility supported by donations.
• GPS Coordinates: -29.73349, 149.79335

• Location: In the small village of Gurley, directly off the Newell Highway between Moree and Narrabri.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including big rigs, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road access from the highway.
• Site Surface: Level grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, camping is permitted. A donation box is on site to help with upkeep.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally 24-48 hours is acceptable.
• Number of Powered Sites: A limited number of powered sites are available for a small fee.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Ample unpowered space is available.

Facilities

• Picnic Tables: Limited. Self-sufficiency is recommended.
• Potable Water: Yes, a tap is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra along the highway corridor. Other carriers may be weaker.
• TV Reception: Should be adequate for major digital channels.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available for campers.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please use them responsibly.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Please use self-contained cooking equipment.
• Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours.

Activities & Important Information

• Essentials to Bring: Cash for donations/power fee, long power lead.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be on a leash and cleaned up after.
• Fishing: Not available in the immediate vicinity.
• Short Walks: A pleasant and easy walk around the small village and to the local pub.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Places to Eat

• Gurley Hotel: The local pub offering meals and drinks, approx. 500m.
• The Royal Hotel Moree: A landmark historic pub with a popular bistro in the next major town, approx. 35 km north.
• Moree Services Club: A large club offering a bistro, cafe, and entertainment, approx. 36 km north.

Local Attractions

• Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre: Relax in the famous therapeutic hot spa baths in Moree.
• Narrabri’s Crossing Theatre: A modern cinema and entertainment complex in Narrabri, approx. 65 km south.
• Mount Kaputar National Park: Offers stunning drives and lookouts, accessed from Narrabri.

Camping & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks: Major commercial caravan parks are available in Moree and Narrabri.
• Next Free Camps: This is a key low-cost camp. Other basic rest areas are on the Newell Highway.
• Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Moree and Narrabri.
• Nearest Petrol Station: A service station is available in Gurley (check hours). 24/7 options are in Moree and Narrabri.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
• Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Gurley shares the hot, semi-arid climate of the surrounding plains.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and sunny, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): A pleasant season with warm days and cooler nights, ideal for travelling.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Days are typically mild, sunny, and dry, while nights are cool to cold with a chance of frost.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Weather warms up significantly ahead of the summer heat.