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Robin Hill Rest Area
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Robin Hill Rest Area, Robin Hill NSW

Robin Hill Rest Area, Robin Hill NSW

The Robin Hill Rest Area is a large, convenient free camping spot located on the Mid Western Highway on the western outskirts of Bathurst, in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. This site is a popular 24-hour stopover for travellers heading west towards Cowra and Grenfell, or for those needing a practical base to explore Australia’s oldest inland city. Its spacious, open-plan layout makes it suitable for all vehicle types, from cars and campervans to the largest caravans and motorhomes, with easy drive-through access for big rigs.

As a designated rest area, it provides essential facilities for a comfortable short stay, including sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The surface is a mix of gravel and dirt and is reasonably level throughout. The site is pet-friendly, offering plenty of space for dogs to have a good run on a leash, well away from the highway. Mobile phone reception is excellent due to its proximity to the city of Bathurst. Travellers should be aware that there is no potable water supply or a dump point located at the rest area, meaning self-sufficiency is required. The key advantage of this free camp is its incredible proximity to Bathurst. All the services of a major regional city—including multiple supermarkets, 24/7 petrol stations, a hospital, pubs, and restaurants—are less than a 10-minute drive away. It also serves as the perfect free base for visiting world-famous attractions like the Mount Panorama racing circuit and the National Motor Racing Museum. For a no-fuss, spacious, and strategically located free camp, the Robin Hill Rest Area is an unbeatable option.

Robin Hill Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Robin Hill Rest Area
  • Address: 586 Mid Western Highway, Robin Hill NSW 2795, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -33.43459, 149.53258

Site Information

  • Location: On the Mid Western Highway (A41), approximately 5km west of the Bathurst city centre.
  • Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large caravans and motorhomes.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway.
  • Site Surface: Gravel/Dirt.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes, sheltered tables are available.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
  • TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Drive Through Sites: Yes, large open area allows for easy drive-through access.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
  • Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and levelling blocks.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed.
  • Fishing: Not available at the rest area, but possible in the nearby Macquarie River.
  • Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the large rest area.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • The George Hotel, Bathurst: A historic pub with a modern bistro in the city centre (approx. 5km).
  • Elephant & Castle Hotel, Bathurst: One of Bathurst’s oldest and most popular pubs (approx. 6km).
  • The Victoria Hotel, Bathurst: A large, family-friendly hotel with a great atmosphere (approx. 6km).

Places to Eat

  • Bathurst: As a major city, it has a vast array of cafes, restaurants, clubs, supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, ALDI), and all major fast-food chains.

Local Attractions

  • Mount Panorama Racing Circuit: Drive the world-famous track and visit the National Motor Racing Museum at the base of the mountain.
  • Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum: Home to the Somerville Collection, including a complete T-Rex skeleton.
  • Abercrombie House: A magnificent 1870s historic mansion offering tours and events.
  • Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG): A high-quality regional gallery with a diverse exhibition program.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park: Located right at the base of Mount Panorama.
  • Bathurst Showground Caravan Park: Offers basic camping facilities close to the city centre.

Next Free Camps

  • Mitchell Highway Rest Area, Vittoria: A large rest area west of Bathurst towards Orange.
  • The Lagoon Park, The Lagoon: A small community park south of Bathurst that may allow overnight stays.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Bathurst Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Multiple 24/7 service stations are located within a 5km drive in Bathurst, with all fuel types available.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Bathurst Visitor Information Centre: A reliable location to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Machattie Park, Bathurst: Beautiful central park with well-maintained public toilets.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Central Tablelands experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters.

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically warm to hot, with average temperatures from 15°C to 28°C.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): Famous for its spectacular autumn foliage. Days are mild and sunny, and nights become cool.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold, with frosty mornings and cool, crisp days. Daytime temperatures average 2°C to 12°C. Snowfall is possible on higher ground.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant sunny days, and the city’s parks and gardens are in full bloom.

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