Old Reservoir (The Old Res) Cobar – Free Camping & Recreation Area

Just a short drive from the bustling outback town of Cobar, the Old Reservoir, affectionately known as ‘The Old Res’, offers a fantastic and convenient free camping experience for self-contained travellers. This historic site, which once served as the original water supply for the town, has been transformed into a valuable community recreation area. It provides a spacious and tranquil setting for an overnight stop, allowing visitors to rest and recharge before continuing their journey or exploring the rich mining heritage of the surrounding region. The large, open, and relatively level ground provides ample room for caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs to find a comfortable spot, with many sites offering pleasant views of the surrounding bushland and the reservoir’s remaining water.

The Old Res is more than just a place to park for the night; it’s a destination in its own right. A network of walking tracks meanders around the reservoir, perfect for a morning stroll or an afternoon walk with your dog, as the site is pet-friendly. Birdwatchers will be particularly delighted with the variety of birdlife attracted to the water and trees. While facilities are minimal, reflecting its status as a free camp, its incredible proximity to Cobar is a major drawcard. All the amenities of town – including pubs, supermarkets, bakeries, a dump point, and petrol stations – are only a few minutes’ drive away. This makes it an ideal base for visiting attractions like the Fort Bourke Hill Lookout and the Great Cobar Heritage Centre. For a peaceful, practical, and budget-friendly stay, the Old Reservoir is an outstanding choice for any outback adventurer.

• GPS Coordinates: -31.47792, 145.86215

Site Information

• Location: On the outskirts of Cobar, NSW.
• Site suitable for: Fully self-contained camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Gravel and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, short-term stays for self-contained vehicles are permitted.
• Maximum overnight stays: Please observe local signage, typically 24-48 hours.
• Facilities: Basic.
• Picnic tables: Yes, some available.
• Potable water: No. You must bring your own.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good (Telstra and other carriers).
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: No.
• Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please use them.
• Open fires: Generally not permitted. Use contained cookers.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Unmarked, large open area.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own drinking water.
• Self-contained toilet and shower facilities.
• Levelling blocks, as the ground can be uneven.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: No.
• Short walks: Enjoy the walking tracks that loop around the reservoir.

Local Amenities (in Cobar)

• Local Pubs:
  • Great Western Hotel (~4 km)
  • Empire Hotel (~4 km)
  • Cobar Bowling & Golf Club (~5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous pubs, cafes, and bakeries in Cobar’s main street (~4 km)
  • Cobar Services Club (~4 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Great Cobar Heritage Centre (~4 km)
  • Fort Bourke Hill Lookout (New Cobar Mine) (~7 km)
  • Cobar Miners Heritage Park (~4 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cobar Caravan Park (~3 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Meadow Glen Rest Area (~50 km east)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cobar Showgrounds, corner of Bloxham and Murray Streets (~5 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations located in Cobar (~4 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Cobar Showgrounds dump point (~5 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.
  • Additional toilets in Drummond Park, Cobar (~4 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Cobar Region

• Summer (December – February): Hot to very hot, with average temperatures from 19°C to 35°C. Days can often exceed 40°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 28°C. Excellent travelling weather.
• Winter (June – August): Cool to mild days with cold nights and occasional frosts. Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Warming up, with pleasant temperatures from 10°C to 26°C.