John Oxley (Rankin Springs) Rest Area, Rankins Springs NSW

The John Oxley Rest Area is a large and essential free camping spot located on the Mid Western Highway, just west of the small village of Rankins Springs in the Riverina region of New South Wales. This vital 24-hour rest stop is a crucial point for managing driver fatigue on the long and often remote journey between the major inland towns of West Wyalong and Hay. Its spacious, open layout and easy drive-through access make it a popular choice for all types of travellers, especially those with large caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs looking for a safe and convenient place to pull over.

This is a classic outback roadside stop, offering a true sense of the vast, open landscape of the Riverina plains. The facilities are basic but functional for a short stay, including sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The ground surface is a mix of gravel and natural dirt, set amongst native scrub that provides a peaceful environment away from the highway. The site is pet-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to have a good run on a leash. Due to its rural location, mobile phone coverage can be variable, with Telstra typically offering the best signal. As is standard, travellers must be fully self-contained with their own drinking water and power, as there is no dump point on-site. The key advantage of this free camp is its strategic location. It is just a few minutes from the services in Rankins Springs, including a pub and fuel, and serves as an excellent free base to explore the nearby Cocoparra National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and bushwalkers. For a simple, spacious, and well-located free stop on the Mid Western Highway, the John Oxley Rest Area is a reliable and popular choice.

John Oxley (Rankin Springs) Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: John Oxley (Rankin Springs) Rest Area
Address: Mid Western Highway, Rankins Springs NSW 2669, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -33.87227, 146.18512

Site Information

Location: On the Mid Western Highway (B64), approximately 8km west of Rankins Springs.
Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans and motorhomes.
Road Access: Sealed highway.
Site Surface: Gravel/Dirt.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Variable. Telstra is likely to provide the best service.
TV Reception: Unreliable; a satellite dish is recommended.
Onsite Public Toilets: No.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
Drive Through Sites: Yes, large open area allows for easy access.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and all personal supplies.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed.
Fishing: Not available at the rest area.
Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the large rest area and surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Rankins Springs Hotel, Rankins Springs: A classic country pub with a friendly local atmosphere (approx. 8km).
Goolgowi Hotel, Goolgowi: Another great pub option in the next town east (approx. 40km).
Royal Hotel, West Wyalong: One of several large, historic pubs in West Wyalong (approx. 100km east).

Places to Eat

Rankins Springs: The local hotel serves meals, and there is a general store/cafe.
Goolgowi: Has a hotel, club, and basic supplies.
Griffith and West Wyalong: The nearest major towns with a full range of supermarkets and dining options.

Local Attractions

Cocoparra National Park: A beautiful, rugged park known for its scenic drives, walking tracks, birdwatching, and spring wildflowers.
Rankins Springs Sculptures: Look for the giant metal sculptures of a spider and other creatures in the village.
Lake Wyangan, Griffith: A large recreational lake perfect for picnics and birdwatching.

Nearest Caravan Parks

Rankins Springs Caravan Park: A council-run park located in the village.
Goolgowi Caravan Park: A small park in the town of Goolgowi.

Next Free Camps

Chatsworth Wells Rest Area: A smaller rest area located further west towards Hay.
Goolgowi Rest Area: A basic rest area near the town of Goolgowi.

Nearest Dump Points

Rankins Springs Caravan Park: A public dump point is available here.
Griffith Showgrounds: The next closest option to the south.

Nearest Petrol Station

Rankins Springs: Fuel is available in the village (check operating hours).

Drinking Water Resupply

Rankins Springs: Potable water may be available in town, check at the caravan park.
Griffith Visitor Information Centre: A reliable location to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

Onsite: The rest area has its own public toilet block.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Riverina region experiences a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters.

Summer (Dec – Feb): Very hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C.
Autumn (Mar – May): A very pleasant season for travel, with warm sunny days and cooler nights.
Winter (Jun – Aug): Days are often cool and sunny, but nights and early mornings are cold with heavy frosts.
Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather becomes warmer. The landscape can be spectacular with wildflowers, especially in Cocoparra National Park.