Tilpa Weir Camping Ground, Tilpa NSW
For travellers undertaking the iconic Darling River Run, the Tilpa Weir Camping Ground is a legendary and essential stop. This magnificent free camp embodies the true spirit of the outback, offering a vast, peaceful, and stunningly beautiful location right on the banks of the Darling River. Located just a short distance from the tiny, character-filled settlement of Tilpa, the campground provides a huge, open, and level area where campers can spread out and find their own perfect spot with a riverfront view. It’s a place to escape the bitumen, immerse yourself in the timeless landscape of the outback, and experience the simple joys of bush camping.
This is a classic back-to-basics camp for the self-sufficient traveller. While there are some basic facilities like pit toilets and rubbish bins, you must be prepared with your own water, power, and supplies. The rewards are immense. The campground is a haven for wildlife, with emus, kangaroos, and a spectacular array of birdlife, including pelicans and eagles, being common sights. The river itself is a major drawcard, offering fantastic opportunities for fishing for Murray Cod and Yellowbelly, as well as being a perfect spot for kayaking. The sunsets here are simply breathtaking, painting the vast sky in incredible hues of orange, pink, and red, which reflect beautifully off the water held back by the weir.
A key part of the Tilpa experience is a visit to the nearby Tilpa Hotel, a classic corrugated iron pub that is brimming with history and character. It’s a short drive or a pleasant walk from the campground, and a cold beer and a chat with the publican and fellow travellers is a rite of passage. For a free, pet-friendly, and truly unforgettable outback riverside experience, the Tilpa Weir Camping Ground is an absolute must-do.
Site Information
- Location: On the banks of the Darling River, near the town of Tilpa. A key stop on the Darling River Run.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes of all sizes.
- Road Access: Unsealed road access (Darling River Run). Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather, but a 4WD is highly recommended. Roads are impassable after rain.
- Site Surface: Large, level dirt and grass clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short to medium stays are common.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Very large area with numerous undefined sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, some are available.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none. A signal may be found in Tilpa.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, but please take your rubbish with you if possible.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, toilet paper, rubbish bags, firewood, fishing gear, and a fly net.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray Cod and Golden Perch in the Darling River.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the beautiful riverbank and to the historic Tilpa Bridge.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Tilpa Hotel (approx. 7 km)
- Shindy’s Inn, Louth (approx. 95 km north)
- The Royal Hotel, Bourke (approx. 140 km north)
- Places to Eat: The Tilpa Hotel offers classic pub meals.
- Local Attractions:
- The Darling River
- The iconic Tilpa Hotel and its historic bridge
- The vast outback landscape of the Paroo-Darling National Park
- The town of Louth and its famous annual races (in August)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Trilby Station (station stay with camping)
- Kallara Station (station stay with camping)
- Kidman’s Camp, Bourke
- Next Free Camps: Louth camping area, various rest areas on the unsealed roads.
- Nearest Dump Points: The nearest public dump points are in major towns like Bourke or Cobar.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available at the Tilpa Hotel (check availability and hours). Nearest reliable fuel is in Bourke or Wilcannia.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Bourke or Cobar.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Extremely hot. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Travel is not recommended for the unprepared. High chance of thunderstorms.
- Autumn (Mar – May): The prime travel season. Days are warm and sunny, with cool, pleasant nights. Perfect for camping and exploring. Temperatures average 12°C to 28°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Mild and pleasant. Days are often clear and sunny, but nights can be very cold with frosts. Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with warming days and abundant wildflowers after rain. Temperatures average 10°C to 27°C.