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Shadforth Reserve Rest Area
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Shadforth Reserve Rest Area, Shadforth NSW

Shadforth Reserve Rest Area, Shadforth NSW

Discover a truly peaceful and charming free camping spot at the Shadforth Reserve Rest Area, located in the tiny hamlet of Shadforth in the heart of the New South Wales Central Tablelands. This lovely community-run park offers travellers a fantastic alternative to highway rest stops, providing a quiet, green, and welcoming environment for a 24-hour stay. Situated just a stone’s throw from the beautifully preserved historic village of Millthorpe and midway between the major centres of Orange and Bathurst, this reserve is the perfect base for exploring one of Australia’s premier food and wine regions.

The reserve is a large, open, grassy area suitable for all types of self-contained vehicles, from campervans to caravans and motorhomes. The facilities are basic but clean and well-maintained by the local community, including public toilets and picnic tables. The spaciousness of the park is a major drawcard, allowing campers to spread out and enjoy the tranquil rural atmosphere. It’s an excellent pet-friendly location, with plenty of room for dogs to have a run on a leash. Mobile phone coverage is generally good. As this is a small community reserve, it is essential that campers are fully self-contained, bringing their own drinking water and power, and that they take all rubbish with them to leave the site pristine for the next visitors. There is no dump point on site. For a quiet night under the stars in a friendly village setting, surrounded by the beautiful rolling hills of the Central West, the Shadforth Reserve Rest Area is a delightful hidden gem.

Shadforth Reserve Rest Area – NSW Location Map

  • Name: Shadforth Reserve Rest Area
  • Address: Millthorpe Road, Shadforth NSW 2800, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -33.37527, 149.18848

Site Information

  • Location: In the village of Shadforth, on the Millthorpe-Blayney Road.
  • Site Suitable For: Self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and campervans.
  • Road Access: Sealed road.
  • Site Surface: Grass.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
  • Picnic Tables: Yes.
  • Potable Water: No. Be self-sufficient and bring your own.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for most carriers.
  • TV Reception: Variable; a good antenna or satellite dish is recommended.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
  • Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
  • Rubbish Bins: Yes, but it is recommended to take your rubbish with you.
  • Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
  • Generator Use: Not recommended due to proximity to residences. Check for local restrictions.
  • Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked grassy area.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, power source, levelling blocks.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed and cleaned up after.
  • Fishing: Not available.
  • Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the small, quiet village.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • The Commercial Hotel, Millthorpe: A beautifully restored historic pub with a renowned restaurant (approx. 8km).
  • The Royal Hotel, Blayney: A classic country pub with a friendly atmosphere (approx. 12km).
  • The Tattersalls Hotel, Blayney: Another great option for a meal and a drink in Blayney (approx. 12km).

Places to Eat

  • Millthorpe: A foodie paradise, famous for its hatted restaurants, cafes, and cellar doors.
  • Blayney: Offers a good range of cafes, bakeries, pubs, and a large supermarket.
  • Orange: A major regional city with an extensive selection of dining options (approx. 20km).

Local Attractions

  • Historic Village of Millthorpe: A National Trust classified village with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, boutiques, and galleries.
  • Orange Wine Region: The reserve is on the doorstep of numerous award-winning cool-climate wineries and cellar doors.
  • Carcoar: Another stunningly preserved historic village, known as ‘the town that time forgot’.
  • Golden Memories Museum, Millthorpe: Showcasing the history of the local area.

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Blayney Tourist Park: A council-run park located in the town of Blayney.
  • Colour City Caravan Park, Orange: A large, full-facility park in Orange.

Next Free Camps

  • Mitchell Highway Rest Area, Vittoria: A large highway rest area located between Orange and Bathurst.
  • Carcoar Dam: A popular free camp area with basic facilities.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Blayney Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.
  • Orange Showground: A public dump point is also located here.

Nearest Petrol Station

  • Blayney and Millthorpe: Both have service stations available.

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Blayney and Orange Visitor Information Centres: Reliable locations to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

  • Onsite: The reserve has its own public toilet block.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

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

  • Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically warm to hot and sunny, with average temperatures from 15°C to 28°C.
  • Autumn (Mar – May): Famous for its incredible autumn colours. Days are mild and clear, and nights are cool.
  • Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold, with heavy morning frosts and cool, crisp days. Daytime temperatures average 2°C to 12°C. Light snowfall is possible.
  • Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather warms up with pleasant days, and the region’s orchards and gardens are in full bloom.

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