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Mallee Highway Junction Rest Area
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Mallee Highway Junction Rest Area, Sturt Hwy, Balranald NSW

Mallee Highway Junction Rest Area, Sturt Hwy, Balranald NSW

A Strategic Crossroads in the Riverina

The Mallee Highway Junction Rest Area is one of the most significant and well-used free camping spots in the Balranald region. Its strategic location right at the intersection of two major touring routes—the Sturt Highway (linking Sydney and Adelaide) and the Mallee Highway (providing a direct route to Melbourne via Ouyen)—makes it a critical hub for travellers and commercial truck drivers alike. Situated on the immediate outskirts of Balranald, this large rest area provides unparalleled convenience for those needing an overnight stop with easy access to town services. It’s the perfect place to pull in after a long day on the road, allowing you to rest and resupply before deciding on your next direction of travel.

This is a very large, open, and practical rest area, with separate, clearly marked zones for trucks and caravans to ensure safety and minimise noise for overnight campers. The vast, unsealed area can accommodate a large number of vehicles of all sizes, making it a reliable option even during busy periods. The facilities are modern and well-maintained, including a clean toilet block and sheltered picnic areas. Being a major stopping point, it’s designed for functionality. While there is no potable water, the incredibly short distance into Balranald means that topping up tanks, grabbing groceries, refuelling, or enjoying a pub meal is effortless. For self-contained travellers, this rest area is an outstanding choice, offering a safe, convenient, and cost-free base from which to explore Balranald’s attractions, like the Murrumbidgee River and Yanga National Park, before continuing the journey east, west, or south.

Mallee Highway Junction Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Mallee Highway Junction Rest Area
  • Address: Sturt Hwy, Balranald NSW 2715
  • GPS Coordinates: -34.66668, 143.56276

Site Details

  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway (Sturt Highway).
  • Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Number of Sites Available: Very large area with 40+ unpowered sites.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes.
  • Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray Cod and other native species in the nearby Murrumbidgee River at Balranald.
  • Short Walks: Yes, around the spacious rest area.

Facilities

  • Picnic Tables: Yes (sheltered).
  • Potable Water: No. Must be sourced in Balranald.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Excellent.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers.

Essentials to Bring

  • A supply of drinking water.
  • Levelling blocks may be useful on the unsealed ground.

Local Amenities (in nearby Balranald, approx. 2-3 km)

Pubs

  • Home Hotel Balranald: A classic country pub with a friendly atmosphere.
  • Shamrock Hotel Balranald: Known for its good meals and historic building.
  • Balranald Ex-Services Club: A large club offering bistro dining, bars, and entertainment.

Places to Eat

  • Bistro dining at the local hotels and club.
  • Balranald Bakery for pies, pastries, and coffee.
  • Several cafes and takeaway food shops on the main street.

Local Attractions

  • The Murrumbidgee River and Balranald Weir.
  • Yanga National Park and the historic Yanga Woolshed.
  • Balranald Discovery Centre and Visitor Information.

Caravan Parks

  • Balranald Riverside Caravan Park.
  • Balranald Caravan Park.

Next Free Camps

  • Prungle Mail Rest Area: Approximately 15 km east.
  • Rest areas west towards Euston on the Sturt Highway.

Services

  • Nearest Dump Point: Located behind the Theatre Royal in Balranald.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Several service stations are available in Balranald.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the Balranald Visitor Information Centre.
  • Public Toilets: On-site, and also in parks in Balranald.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching the high 30s.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights make this an ideal time to visit.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to mild days with cold nights and frequent frosts.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and generally pleasant, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

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