Ivanhoe Rest Area, Cobb Hwy, Ivanhoe NSW
An Outback Hub on the Cobb Highway
The Ivanhoe Rest Area offers travellers a highly convenient and welcoming free camping spot right in the heart of the historic outback town of Ivanhoe in Far West New South Wales. Unlike isolated roadside stops, this rest area’s prime location next to the town’s services makes it an incredibly practical base for those exploring the remote but fascinating Cobb Highway. Ivanhoe itself is a crucial service centre for the vast surrounding pastoral properties and a town steeped in history, originally established as a stop on the famous Cobb & Co coach route. Staying here allows for easy exploration of the town’s heritage and provides a safe, community-oriented atmosphere for an overnight or 48-hour stay.
The rest area is a spacious, flat, dirt and gravel area that is well-suited for all types of self-contained vehicles, from large motorhomes to camper trailers. Its key advantage is its proximity to amenities; it’s just a short walk to the local pub for a cold drink and a hearty meal, the service station to refuel, and the local store for basic supplies. The site itself provides the essentials, including toilets and bins, but travellers should be self-sufficient with water and power. The generosity of a 48-hour stay limit allows visitors to properly rest and appreciate what this resilient outback community has to offer. For anyone travelling the long road between Hay, Wilcannia, and Broken Hill, the Ivanhoe Rest Area is more than just a stop—it’s a destination that offers a genuine and convenient outback town experience.
- Name: Ivanhoe Rest Area
- Address: Cobb Hwy, Ivanhoe NSW 2878
- GPS Coordinates: -32.96274, 144.36577
Site Details
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: Sealed highway (Cobb Highway).
- Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area, 20+ unpowered sites.
- Pet Friendly: Yes.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: Yes, easy walk around the town of Ivanhoe.
Facilities
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: Not available on site, but may be sourced in town (check locally).
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, may be limited for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Possible, but may require a booster.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to the nearby town residents.
Essentials to Bring
- Your own supply of drinking water.
- Levelling ramps, as the ground can be slightly uneven.
- Fly nets, particularly during warmer months.
Local Amenities (all within Ivanhoe)
Pubs
- Ivanhoe Hotel Motel: The classic local pub offering meals and accommodation.
- Ivanhoe Bowling Club: A community club with a bar and often meals.
Places to Eat
- Ivanhoe Hotel Motel Bistro.
- Ivanhoe Central School (often has community events/food).
- Service station for basic takeaway.
Local Attractions
- Ivanhoe Heritage Trail.
- The historic railway station and sidings.
- The vast, open landscape of the region itself.
Caravan Parks
- Ivanhoe Caravan Park: A small, local commercial park.
Next Free Camps
- Various rest areas north towards Wilcannia or south towards Hay. This is a very remote stretch of road.
Services
- Nearest Dump Point: Check at the Ivanhoe Caravan Park (a fee may apply).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Ivanhoe.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Check with local businesses for availability.
- Public Toilets: On-site at the rest area.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Far West NSW
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm days and cooler nights make this an excellent time to travel.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days with cold nights and frequent frosts.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Pleasant and warm, with potential for wildflowers after rain.