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Baden Park Rest Area, Barrier Hwy, Wilcannia NSW

Your Essential Stop on the Outback’s Barrier Highway

Nestled on the iconic Barrier Highway, the Baden Park Rest Area offers a welcome respite for travellers exploring the vast and captivating landscapes of outback New South Wales. Located just a short drive from the historic river town of Wilcannia, this site provides a convenient, safe, and free location for an overnight stay, making it an ideal stopover for those journeying between Sydney, Adelaide, and Broken Hill. Whether you’re in a caravan, motorhome, big rig, or simply camping in a tent, Baden Park accommodates a range of setups with its spacious, level gravel surface.

The rest area is more than just a place to park; it’s a practical facility designed to make your outback journey more comfortable. With essential amenities such as public toilets, picnic tables, and rubbish bins, you have the basics covered. The site is pet-friendly, so your four-legged companions can stretch their legs after a long drive. While here, you can enjoy the serene quiet of the bush, with the potential for spectacular sunrises and sunsets that define the Australian outback. Mobile phone coverage is generally available, allowing you to stay connected and plan the next leg of your adventure. It serves as a perfect base to recharge before exploring the rich history and culture of Wilcannia or continuing your travels through this unique and memorable part of the country. For self-sufficient travellers, Baden Park is an indispensable part of the outback touring experience, blending practicality with the untamed beauty of the region.

Baden Park Rest Area – NSW Map

Name: Baden Park Rest Area
Address: Barrier Hwy, Wilcannia NSW 2836
GPS Coordinates: -31.71363, 144.14278

Site Details

Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
Road Access: Sealed road (Barrier Highway).
Site Surface: Gravel.
Camping Permitted: Yes.
Maximum Overnight Stays: 24 hours.
Number of Sites Available: Approximately 15 unpowered sites.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome.
Fishing: Limited opportunities nearby; fishing is primarily available in the Darling River at Wilcannia.
Short Walks: Informal walking opportunities around the rest area to stretch your legs.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Yes.
Potable Water: No, bring your own drinking water.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes (Telstra generally has coverage).
TV Reception: Variable, may require a satellite dish.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Not permitted. Check local fire restrictions.
Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.

Essentials to Bring

Sufficient drinking water for your entire stay.
Food and cooking supplies.
Levelling blocks for your vehicle.
Insect repellent, especially during warmer months.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen).

Local Amenities (in Wilcannia)

Pubs

Wilcannia Golf Club: Approximately 8 km.
Wilcannia Club Hotel: Approximately 9 km.

Places to Eat

Wilcannia Roadhouse: Offers takeaway food and basic groceries (approx. 9 km).
Local Hotel/Pubs: Offer counter meals (approx. 9 km).

Local Attractions

Wilcannia Bridge: Historic centre-lift bridge (approx. 9 km).
Old Wilcannia Post Office & Courthouse: Beautiful sandstone buildings (approx. 9 km).
Darling River: For fishing and riverside views in town (approx. 9 km).

Caravan Parks

Warrawong on the Darling: Approximately 15 km.
Bondi State Forest (Free Camp): Located further east on the Barrier Hwy.

Next Free Camps

Florida Glen Rest Area: East towards Cobar.
Little Topar Rest Area: West towards Broken Hill.

Services

Nearest Dump Point: Located in Wilcannia, check local visitor information for access (approx. 9 km).
Nearest Petrol Station: Wilcannia Roadhouse (approx. 9 km).
Drinking Water Resupply: Check for public taps in Wilcannia; it’s best to confirm availability locally.
Public Toilets: Located in Baker Park, Wilcannia (approx. 9 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Wilcannia Region

Summer (Dec-Feb): Expect hot to very hot days, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Nights are warm. Low rainfall, mostly sunny.
Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and pleasant days with milder temperatures. Nights become cooler. Generally dry and sunny conditions.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to mild days with cold, clear nights. Frost can occur. It is the driest time of the year.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Days are warm and become progressively hotter. Conditions are typically dry and sunny, with a slight chance of thunderstorms later in the season.