Moree Rest Stop, Newell Highway

The Moree Rest Stop is a well-utilised free camping location situated on the Newell Highway, just north of the major agricultural and tourism centre of Moree in northern New South Wales. This large, unsealed rest area is set a comfortable distance from the main road, offering travellers a convenient and relatively quiet place to pull over for a short break or an overnight stay. Shaded by a good number of native trees, it provides a welcome respite from the intense summer sun typical of the region. Its substantial size means it can easily accommodate a large number of vehicles, from cars and campervans to the largest caravans and big-rig trucks.

While this is a basic, no-frills rest area, its key advantage is its proximity to the town of Moree. This makes it an excellent free base for those wishing to explore the area’s main attraction: the famous Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre. Travellers can set up camp here and make the short 20-kilometre drive into town to enjoy the therapeutic hot mineral baths without the cost of a caravan park. The rest area itself has no facilities – no toilets, water, or bins – so it is strictly for fully self-contained campers. All visitors must arrive with their own water and power and are required to take all their rubbish with them to keep the site clean for others. The surface is a mix of dirt and gravel, which is generally solid but can become soft and potentially boggy after heavy rainfall, so caution is advised. Despite its lack of amenities, the space, convenience, and proximity to town make this a popular and valuable stop on the long Newell Highway route.

Moree Rest Stop – NSW Location Map

Name: Moree Rest Stop
Address: Newell Highway (A39), Moree NSW 2400, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -29.27931, 149.9874

Site Information

Location: On the Newell Highway (A39), approximately 20km north of Moree.
Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained vehicles of all sizes.
Road Access: Sealed highway to a dirt/gravel entry track.
Site Surface: Dirt and gravel. Can be affected by wet weather.
Camping Permitted: Yes, informal free camping for self-contained vehicles is widely accepted.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified; 24-48 hours is a common guideline.
Picnic Tables: Not available.
Potable Water: Not available.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good, especially with Telstra.
TV Reception: Can be poor; a satellite dish is recommended for reliable reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Not available. Must be fully self-contained.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
Drive Through: No, but it is a large open area with ample turning space.
Rubbish Bins: Not available. All rubbish must be taken with you.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, though consideration for other campers is appreciated.
Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked area with space for many vehicles.
Essentials to Bring: All self-sufficiency supplies, including water, power, toilet/shower, and food.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Fishing is available in the nearby Mehi and Gwydir rivers around Moree. A NSW fishing licence is required.
Short Walks: Informal walks around the rest area’s perimeter.

Local Amenities (in Moree, approx. 20km south)

Pubs & Eateries

The Royal Hotel Moree: A historic pub in the centre of town offering meals and drinks.
The Post Office Hotel Moree: A popular spot for dining and socialising.
Moree Services Club: Features multiple dining and bar options, including a bistro and cafe.
Moree offers a full range of services including supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, and fast-food chains.

Local Attractions

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre: The town’s premier attraction, featuring several hot artesian pools.
Moree Plains Gallery: Home to an impressive collection of contemporary Australian and Aboriginal art.
Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM): Housed in a beautiful heritage building.

Caravanning & Camping Supplies

Nearest Caravan Parks: A wide variety of caravan parks are available in Moree, many with their own private artesian pools.
Next Free Camps: Gil Gil Creek Rest Area (north), various other highway rest areas south of Moree.
Nearest Dump Points: A free public dump point is located at the Moree Visitor Information Centre.
Nearest Petrol Station: All major fuel brands are available in Moree.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the Moree Visitor Information Centre and various service stations.
Nearest Public Toilets: Numerous public toilet blocks are available throughout the town of Moree.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Moree region has a semi-arid climate known for its very hot summers, where temperatures frequently exceed 40°C, often accompanied by summer storms. Winters are typically mild and sunny during the day but can be very cold overnight with common frosts. The most pleasant seasons to visit are autumn and spring, which provide warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights, making it the ideal time for camping and enjoying the hot springs.