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Lake Centenary Rest Area
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Lake Centenary Rest Area, Temora NSW

Lake Centenary Rest Area, Temora NSW

Lake Centenary Rest Area is one of the most popular and scenic free camping spots in the Riverina region of New South Wales, located on the outskirts of the historic town of Temora. This fantastic community-provided facility offers travellers a beautiful lakeside setting for an overnight stay, with a longer permitted stay of up to 72 hours for self-contained vehicles. It’s a perfect base for exploring Temora, renowned as the home of the world-class Temora Aviation Museum, and the surrounding agricultural heartland.

Mobile phone coverage is excellent. While there are taps, it is advisable for travellers to be self-contained with their own drinking water. The town of Temora, with its full range of services including supermarkets, pubs, and cafes, is just a few minutes’ drive away. For a comfortable, scenic, and activity-filled free camp, Lake Centenary is an absolute gem of the Riverina.

Lake Centenary Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Lake Centenary Rest Area
  • Address: Goldfields Way, Temora NSW 2666, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.41303, 147.51373

Site Information

  • Location: On the Goldfields Way (B85), approximately 4km north of the Temora town centre.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including tents, caravans, and big rigs.
  • Road Access: Sealed road.
  • Site Surface: Grass/Dirt.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 72 hours for self-contained vehicles.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables and free BBQs are available.
  • Potable Water: It is recommended to bring your own drinking water. Taps on site are likely non-potable.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
  • Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked grassy area with plenty of space.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, power source, levelling blocks.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed and cleaned up after.
  • Fishing: Yes, fishing is popular in Lake Centenary. A NSW fishing license is required.
  • Short Walks: Excellent walking track that circuits the entire lake.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • Royal Hotel, Temora: One of several large, historic pubs in Temora (approx. 4km).
  • Terminus Hotel, Temora: A classic country pub with a friendly atmosphere (approx. 4km).
  • Temora Ex-Services Memorial Club: A large, modern club with a bistro and multiple bars (approx. 5km).

Places to Eat

  • Temora: A major service town with a full range of supermarkets (Woolworths, ALDI, IGA), bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.

Local Attractions

  • Temora Aviation Museum: A world-class museum with a famous collection of flying historic aircraft. A must-visit.
  • Temora Rural Museum: Showcasing a huge collection of agricultural history, including Sir Donald Bradman’s first family home.
  • Bundawarrah Centre: Home to the Rural Museum and the Temora Ambulance Museum.
  • Lake Centenary: The lake itself is a major attraction for watersports, fishing, and walking.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Temora Caravan Park: A full-facility park in the town of Temora.
  • Temora Showground: Offers low-cost camping with facilities.

Next Free Camps

  • Ardlethan Rest Area: A large rest area in the “Kelpie Capital” to the west.
  • Ariah Park Camping Ground: A donation camp in the historic village of Ariah Park.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Temora Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Temora: Multiple service stations, including 24/7 options, are located in the town.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Temora 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 is often green after winter rains, and canola fields create a vibrant spectacle.

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