Popiltah Lake Rest Area, Silver City Hwy, Scotia NSW

A True Outback Stopover in Far West NSW

The Popiltah Lake Rest Area is a remote free camping spot that offers a genuine taste of the vast and arid landscapes of far western New South Wales. Situated on the legendary Silver City Highway, this rest area serves as a crucial stopping point for travellers on the long and isolated journey between the historic river port of Wentworth and the iconic mining city of Broken Hill. This is not a stop for those seeking extensive facilities, but for self-sufficient adventurers who appreciate solitude, silence, and the rugged beauty of the outback. The area is large and open, set beside the expansive, though often dry, bed of Popiltah Lake, providing a unique and starkly beautiful backdrop for an overnight stay.

The site itself is a simple, unsealed area suitable for all types of vehicles, from large caravans to campervans. Basic amenities including toilets and picnic tables are provided, but the key to a successful stay here is self-reliance. Travellers must carry all their own water, food, and fuel, as there are no services for many kilometres in either direction. Mobile phone reception is practically non-existent, offering a rare opportunity to truly disconnect. The main attractions are the profound sense of isolation and the incredible natural light shows; sunsets here can be breathtaking, painting the entire sky in fiery colours, which are followed by a dazzling display of stars in a sky completely free of light pollution. For those properly prepared, the Popiltah Lake Rest Area is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a memorable part of the Silver City Highway experience.

Popiltah Lake Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: Popiltah Lake Rest Area
Address: Silver City Hwy, Scotia NSW 2648
GPS Coordinates: -33.06718, 141.64374

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
Road Access: Sealed highway (Silver City Highway).
Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Large open area with 20+ unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes.
Fishing: Not available (lake is typically dry).
Short Walks: Yes, around the rest area and onto the dry lake bed.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes.
Potable Water: No. You must bring your own complete supply.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Very unlikely. Expect no signal.
TV Reception: Very unlikely.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers.

Essentials to Bring

A full supply of drinking water for your entire journey.
A full tank of fuel before leaving Wentworth or Broken Hill.
All food and cooking supplies.
Emergency communication device (e.g., satellite phone or PLB).

Local Amenities (in nearby Wentworth, approx. 120 km south)

Pubs

Crown Hotel Wentworth: A historic pub in the heart of town.
Royal Hotel Wentworth: Another classic choice for a meal and a drink.
Wentworth Services Club: Offers bar and bistro facilities.

Places to Eat

Bistro dining at the local pubs and clubs.
Various cafes and bakeries along the main street.
Supermarkets (Foodworks) for self-catering.

Local Attractions

Junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers.
Old Wentworth Gaol.
Perry Sandhills.

Caravan Parks

Wentworth Riverside Caravan Park.
Willowbend Caravan Park.

Next Free Camps

Various rest areas south towards Wentworth.
Rest areas north towards Broken Hill.

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Wentworth Visitor Information Centre.
Nearest Petrol Station: Several options available in Wentworth.
Drinking Water Resupply: Wentworth Visitor Information Centre.
Public Toilets: On-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Far West NSW

Summer (Dec-Feb): Extremely hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Travel with extreme caution.
Autumn (Mar-May): The premium travel season, with warm days and cool, pleasant nights.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days with very cold nights and heavy frosts.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and generally pleasant for travel, with potential for wildflowers after rain.