Yalgogrin Rest Area, North Yalgogrin NSW

The Yalgogrin Rest Area is a large and practical free camping spot on the Mid Western Highway, located in the vast agricultural plains of the Riverina region in New South Wales. This essential 24-hour rest stop is a vital point for managing driver fatigue on the long and often remote journey between the major inland towns of West Wyalong and Hay. Its spacious, open layout and easy drive-through access make it a popular choice for all types of travellers, especially those with large caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs looking for a safe and convenient place to pull over.

This is a classic outback roadside stop, offering a true sense of the vast, open landscape of the Riverina plains, with wide-open skies perfect for stargazing. The facilities are basic but functional for a short stay, including sheltered picnic tables, and rubbish bins. The ground surface is a mix of gravel and natural dirt, set amongst native scrub that provides a peaceful environment away from the highway. The site is pet-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to have a good run on a leash. Due to its rural location, mobile phone coverage can be variable, with Telstra typically offering the best signal. As is standard, travellers must be fully self-contained with their own drinking water and power, as there is no dump point on-site. The nearest major town for comprehensive services is West Wyalong to the east. For a simple, spacious, and well-located free stop on the Mid Western Highway, the Yalgogrin Rest Area is a reliable and popular choice.

Yalgogrin Rest Area – NSW Location Map

Name: Yalgogrin Rest Area
Address: Mid Western Highway, North Yalgogrin NSW 2671, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -33.84482, 146.82882

Site Information

Location: On the Mid Western Highway (B64), approximately 45km west of West Wyalong.
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: Variable. Telstra is likely to provide the best service.
TV Reception: Unreliable; a satellite dish is recommended.
Onsite Public Toilets: No.
Ullage / Dump Point: Not available on site.
Drive Through Sites: Yes, large open area allows for easy access.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
Essentials to Bring: Drinking water and all personal supplies.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be leashed.
Fishing: Not available at the rest area.
Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the large rest area and surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

Pubs

Royal Hotel, West Wyalong: One of several large, historic pubs in West Wyalong (approx. 45km).
Tattersalls Hotel, West Wyalong: A classic country pub with a friendly atmosphere (approx. 45km).
Rankins Springs Hotel, Rankins Springs: A classic outback pub further west (approx. 55km).

Places to Eat

West Wyalong: The nearest major service town with a full range of supermarkets (Woolworths, IGA), bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.

Local Attractions

West Wyalong’s Crooked Main Street: See the unique streetscape that had to be built around the gold diggings.
Poppet Head Lookout & True Blue Mining Museum, West Wyalong: Get a great view over the town and learn about its gold mining past.
Cocoparra National Park: A beautiful, rugged park known for its scenic drives and walking tracks, located south of the highway.

Nearest Caravan Parks

West Wyalong Services & Citizens Club Caravan Park: A well-regarded park in West Wyalong.
Rankins Springs Caravan Park: A small council-run park located in the village of Rankins Springs.

Next Free Camps

Bland Creek Rest Area, West Wyalong: A very large free camp just on the western side of West Wyalong.
John Oxley (Rankin Springs) Rest Area: Another large rest area located further west towards Hay.

Nearest Dump Points

West Wyalong Showground: A public dump point is available for travellers.

Nearest Petrol Station

West Wyalong: Multiple 24/7 service stations with all fuel types are located in the town.

Drinking Water Resupply

West Wyalong Visitor Information Centre: A reliable location to fill RV water tanks.

Nearest Public Toilets (offsite)

Onsite: The rest area has its own public toilet block.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Riverina region experiences a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters.

Summer (Dec – Feb): Very hot and dry, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C.
Autumn (Mar – May): A very pleasant season for travel, with warm sunny days and cooler nights.
Winter (Jun – Aug): Days are often cool and sunny, but nights and early mornings are cold with heavy frosts.
Spring (Sep – Nov): Weather becomes warmer. The landscape can be spectacular with wildflowers and vibrant green crops after good winter rain.