Hillston Rest Area on the Kidman Way

Located just a stone’s throw south of the town itself, the Hillston Rest Area on the Kidman Way is a popular and highly convenient free overnight camping spot for travellers exploring the heart of New South Wales. Positioned on a key touring route that connects Griffith in the Riverina to Cobar in the outback, this site offers a welcome respite for those on long journeys. Its primary advantage is the perfect balance between accessibility and amenity; it provides a free place to stay without sacrificing easy access to the essential services available in the nearby town of Hillston.

The rest area is a large, open, and relatively level gravel expanse, making it perfectly suited for all types of vehicles, including big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and camper trailers. The drive-through layout ensures that even the largest setups can enter, park, and exit with minimal difficulty. This makes it an ideal 24-hour stop to recharge before continuing your travels. The site features basic but essential facilities, including public toilets and rubbish bins, which are a significant plus for a free campsite. While you need to be self-sufficient with water and power, the proximity to town means supplies are never far away.

Beyond its practicality, the rest area’s location near the Lachlan River offers opportunities for recreation. Anglers can try their luck in the river, and the surrounding landscape provides a classic Australian backdrop for a quiet evening. Being so close to Hillston means you can easily drive into town to enjoy a meal at a local pub, restock groceries, or refuel. For travellers seeking a safe, free, and straightforward place to spend the night without venturing far off the beaten track, the Hillston Rest Area is an excellent and reliable choice. Remember to leave the area tidy for the next visitor to enjoy.

Hillston Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Hillston Rest Area
Address: 0872 Kidman Way, Hillston NSW 2675
GPS Coordinates: -33.5044, 145.53225

Features and Facilities

• Location: Located directly on the Kidman Way, approximately 2-3 km south of the Hillston town centre.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained RVs, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs, and camper trailers.
• Road Access: Sealed highway (Kidman Way).
• Site Surface: Gravel and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, overnight stays are permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours is recommended. Please observe any local signage.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone is generally available.
• TV Reception: Fair to good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Drive Through: Yes, this is a large, open area suitable for easy drive-through access.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Not permitted. Check for local fire restrictions and total fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers, especially regarding noise and fumes.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large open area can accommodate numerous vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, power source, and levelling blocks.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be on a leash and under control at all times.
• Fishing: Yes, the Lachlan River is nearby, offering fishing opportunities. A NSW fishing licence is required.
• Short Walks: Yes, you can walk around the rest area and local surrounds.

Local Amenities

All amenities are located in the nearby town of Hillston.

• Pubs:
  • Club House Hotel Hillston – Approx. 3 km
  • Tattersalls Hotel Hillston – Approx. 3 km
  • Exchange Hotel Hillston – Approx. 3 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Local pubs, cafes, and bakeries in Hillston town centre – Approx. 3 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lachlan River Swing Bridge – Approx. 3 km
  • Red Dust and Paddy Melons Community Gallery – Approx. 3 km
  • Hillston Museum – Approx. 4 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Hillston Caravan Park – Approx. 4 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Gunbar Rest Area (south on Kidman Way) – Approx. 35 km
  • Mount Hope Rest Area (north on Kidman Way) – Approx. 85 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Hillston Caravan Park (fee may apply for non-guests) – Approx. 4 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Hillston – Approx. 3 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Hillston Caravan Park or service stations in town – Approx. 3-4 km
• Nearest Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the rest area.
  • Additional toilets in parks within Hillston – Approx. 3 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Hillston experiences a semi-arid climate. Summers are hot and dry, with average daily temperatures often reaching the mid-to-high 30s (°C). Winters are mild and sunny during the day but can be very cold overnight, with frequent frosts. Spring and autumn are typically warm and pleasant, representing the most comfortable times to visit. Rainfall is low throughout the year, so be prepared for dry conditions.