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Peak Hill Showground Camping | Historic Gold Mine Stopover

Located conveniently on the Newell Highway between Parkes and Dubbo, the Peak Hill Showground offers travellers a friendly, affordable, and historic stopover in the NSW Central West. This classic country showground provides a spacious and relaxed setting, perfect for breaking a long journey. The grounds feature large, flat, grassy areas that are well-suited to all camping styles, from big rigs and large caravans to smaller camper trailers and tents. It’s a fantastic, value-for-money base for visitors wanting to explore the town’s unique gold mining history and experience genuine rural hospitality.

The main highlight of a stay at Peak Hill is the opportunity to visit the spectacular Peak Hill Open Cut Experience. Just a short drive from the showground, this former working gold mine has been transformed into a fascinating tourist attraction, with viewing platforms offering breathtaking views into the massive open pits. It’s a unique chance to get a sense of the scale of gold mining in the region. The showground itself is within easy reach of the town’s main street, where you can enjoy a meal at a classic country pub or restock on essentials. With clean facilities, including powered sites and hot showers, the Peak Hill Showground is more than just a place to park for the night; it’s a destination that offers a comfortable stay and a memorable glimpse into Australia’s rich gold rush past.

Campground Details

Peak Hill Showground – NSW Map

Name: Peak Hill Showground
Address: Coradgery Road, Peak Hill NSW 2869
Website: Managed by the local showground trust.
GPS Coordinates: -32.72832, 148.17576

Location: On the edge of the historic gold mining town of Peak Hill, just off the Newell Highway.
Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large motorhomes, caravans, and tents.
Road Access: Sealed road access to the showground.
Site Surface: Mostly level grass with some dirt/gravel areas.
Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping is available. Contact the on-site caretaker on arrival.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible. Please check with the caretaker for specific policies.
Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a good number of powered sites are available.
Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, ample unpowered camping space is available.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Limited. Self-sufficiency is recommended.
Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra; other carriers may be weaker.
TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, an amenity block with toilets and hot showers is available.
Drive Through: Yes, many sites can be used as drive-through sites.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided for campers.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours.

Activities & Important Information

Essentials to Bring: Cash for payment, long power lead, and water hose.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Fishing: Limited opportunities in the immediate town.
Short Walks: Easy walks around the town and at the Open Cut Experience.

Local Amenities (in Peak Hill)

Pubs & Places to Eat

Club House Hotel: A classic country pub with a friendly atmosphere and bistro meals, approx. 2 km.
Royal Hotel Peak Hill: Another great local pub option on the main street, approx. 2 km.
Peak Hill Ex-Services & Citizens Club: Offers bistro meals and a welcoming environment, approx. 2 km.

Local Attractions

Peak Hill Open Cut Experience: The town’s premier attraction, featuring walking trails and spectacular views into the historic gold mines.
The Big Fish Fossil Hut (Canowindra): A significant paleontological site, though it is a longer day trip from Peak Hill.
Parkes Radio Telescope (“The Dish”): The iconic radio telescope is just a short drive south, approx. 45 km.

Camping & Services

Nearest Caravan Parks: This is the main camping ground. A commercial caravan park is also located in town.
Next Free Camps: Basic rest areas are available along the Newell Highway.
Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is located in Peak Hill on the Newell Highway.
Nearest Petrol Station: Several service stations are available in Peak Hill.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Peak Hill is in the Central West Slopes region and experiences hot summers and cool winters.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with temperatures frequently in the mid-to-high 30s (°C).
Autumn (Mar-May): A very pleasant season with warm, sunny days and mild nights.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Days are cool and often sunny, but nights are cold with frequent frosts.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Weather becomes mild and pleasant, with the landscape green after winter.