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Sandside Rest Area
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Sandside Rest Area, 11432 Newell Hwy, Morundah NSW

Sandside Rest Area, 11432 Newell Hwy, Morundah NSW

A Major Stopover on the Newell Highway

The Sandside Rest Area is a large, well-established, and critically important free camping spot on the Newell Highway, the major inland route connecting Melbourne and Brisbane. Located in the heart of the vast Riverina agricultural region, this rest area sits between the major service towns of Narrandera and Jerilderie. It is a major fatigue management zone, heavily utilised by truck drivers and travelling nomads alike, offering a safe, spacious, and practical place for a 24-hour stop. Its sheer size and all-weather sealed surface make it an incredibly reliable option for all types of vehicles.

Designed for high-volume use, Sandside Rest Area features a huge bitumen area with designated parking zones for heavy vehicles and separate sections for caravans and motorhomes, which greatly improves safety and reduces noise for overnight campers. The facilities are modern and well-maintained, including a clean toilet block and sheltered picnic tables. While it’s a highly functional stop, it’s also set in a pleasant rural landscape, surrounded by open plains and offering a fantastic vantage point for watching the sunset and the star-filled night sky. As with most highway rest areas, it is intended for self-contained travellers, so you must arrive with your own drinking water. Its proximity to the tiny, quirky town of Morundah, famous for its pub and astonishing ‘Opera House’, adds a unique point of interest. For those needing a safe, clean, and convenient break on the long Newell Highway journey, Sandside is an outstanding choice.

Sandside Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Sandside Rest Area
  • Address: 11432 Newell Hwy, Morundah NSW 2700
  • GPS Coordinates: -35.06092, 146.16326

Site Details

  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers.
  • Road Access: Sealed highway (Newell Highway).
  • Site Surface: Bitumen.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Number of Sites Available: Very large area with 40+ unpowered sites.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes.
  • Fishing: Not available at this location.
  • Short Walks: Yes, around the spacious grounds of the rest area.

Facilities

  • Picnic Tables: Yes (sheltered).
  • Potable Water: No. You must bring your own complete supply.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; may be patchy for other carriers.
  • TV Reception: Good.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes.
  • Open Fires: Prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, with courtesy to other campers and truck drivers.

Essentials to Bring

  • A full supply of drinking water.
  • All necessary food and cooking equipment.
  • Levelling ramps, although the surface is generally very flat.

Local Amenities (in nearby Narrandera, approx. 50 km east)

Pubs

  • The Murrumbidgee Hotel (Narrandera): A classic country pub.
  • The Charles Sturt Hotel (Narrandera): Offers meals and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club: A large club with multiple bars and dining options.
  • The Morundah Hotel (Morundah): A tiny, iconic pub just 15 km away.

Places to Eat

  • Bistro dining at the local hotels and clubs in Narrandera.
  • A selection of cafes, bakeries, and takeaway shops in Narrandera.
  • Supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths) are available in Narrandera.

Local Attractions

  • The Morundah Paradise Palladium Theatre (‘Opera House’).
  • Lake Talbot and the Aquatic Park in Narrandera.
  • Narrandera Flora and Fauna reserve, home to a large koala population.

Caravan Parks

  • Lake Talbot Tourist Park (Narrandera).
  • Newell Highway Caravan Park (Narrandera).

Next Free Camps

  • Rest areas east towards Narrandera.
  • Rest areas south towards Jerilderie.

Services

  • Nearest Dump Point: Located at the Narrandera Visitor Information Centre.
  • Nearest Petrol Station: Several major service stations in Narrandera.
  • Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the Narrandera Visitor Information Centre.
  • Public Toilets: On-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching the high 30s.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights make this the best time to visit.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to mild days with very cold nights and heavy frosts.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Conditions are warm and pleasant, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

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